FAQ
RCD Reset | Outside Sockets & Lighting | Part-P | Electrical Inspection | Safe-Zones | Data Cabling
RCD Reset – How do I reset my RCD?
One of our main call-outs are to tripped RCD’s – most of which are solved quickly and efficiently with clear reset instructions given down the phone. Below is a guide and video to help you to reset your RCD.
Your RCD (Residual Current Device) is an electrical safety switch that removes the supply to an electrical circuit when the circuit is unsafe. If a RCD ‘trips’ it has tripped for a reason, the problem is usually caused by a momentary problem such as a ‘blown’ light bulb, a faulty electrical device such as a kettle or toaster but rarely a faulty RCD itself.
To reset a RCD first locate your Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) and identify the RCD switch (usually the RCD is double the width of a normal circuit breaker or MCB).
The ‘tripped’ RCD switch position will usually be in the RESET position – this is usually a CENTRAL position (not in the fully ‘off’ position like normal circuit breakers) to indicate a reset is required and the RCD will not allow you to toggle the switch direct to the ON position.
To reset, you much first turn the RCD into the OFF position (this resets the RCD) and then turn back to the ON position. Your RCD is now reset and active again.
We’ve made a couple of short RCD Reset Video’s to help:
RCD Reset Video – Toggle Type
If this problem persists or you are experiencing a constantly tripping RCD give us a call immediately – we understand the importance of a reliable electrical supply to our clients and offer a 24/7 call out service.
We are often asked “can you install an outside socket or light on our home” – we would of course like to say “Yes”, but please be aware that ALL outside sockets & lighting circuits must be protected by a 30mA RCD (Residual Current Device) and appropriately mechanically and environmentally protected with accordance to the latest IEE Electrical Installation Requirements (BS7671:2008).
All outdoor & lighting work is Part-P notifiable and must be installed, tested and certified by an approved Part-P electrician (we are fully Part-P registered and compliant).
Part P (Electrical Safety) was introduced into the Building Regulations in 2005 and regulates all domestic electrical work carried out in dwellings in England & Wales.
All Major Works are Part-P notifiable and must be installed, tested and certified by an approved Part-P electrician (we are fully Part-P registered and compliant), these include and are not limited to:
- Any New Circuits (indoors or outdoors)
- Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) change
- Upgrade of Earthing & Bonding Systems
- Solar Power Systems
Many Minor Works are also Part-P notifiable and must be installed, tested and certified by an approved Part-P electrician (we are fully Part-P registered and compliant), these include and are not limited to any modifications or additions to circuits made in the following locations:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Shower Rooms
- Outdoors
Some locations do not require notification to Building Control under the Part-P scheme, however the appropriate BS7671 (as amended) certificate must always be completed – always ask for a copy of the certificate from your electrical installer.
Periodic Electrical Inspections
A Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) or Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) as they are now recently known is essentially a MOT on your electrical installation.
An electrical installation is a fixed wiring system made up of equipment, such as a consumer unit (fuse box), lighting and power circuits, and switches and sockets. An electrical installation does not include electrical appliances, such as cookers, heaters and washing machines.
The frequency of periodic inspection and testing must be determined
taking into account:
- Type of installation
- Its use and operation
- Frequency and quality of maintenance
- External influences to which it is subjected
Typically this ranges from 1 – 10 years, 1 year of a high volume public accessible area (e.g. Cinema) and 10 Years for a domestic dwelling or change of occupancy – whichever is earlier.
Learn more about our Electrical Inspections here
Safe-Zones – Where can I drill?
All electrical cables should be installed in “safe-zones” – these are zones where you should expect electrical cables to be behind walls and no attempt should be made to drill holes or screw fixings in these prescribed zones.
In summary these zones are as follows:
- Zone within 150mm from the top wall or partition (ceiling)
- Zone within 150mm from the angle formed by two adjoining walls or partitions (corners of walls)
- Horizontal or Vertical from any accessory on this side of the wall (up, down, left or right from any socket, switch or electrical fitting such as a wall light)
- Horizontal or Vertical from any accessory on the reverse side (other side) of the wall (up, down, left or right from any socket, switch or electrical fitting such as a wall light)
If you are concerned about where your safe-zones are then contact us.
We are often asked “I’ve had bad experiences with electricians installing CAT5e and CAT6 structured cabling systems – how are you different?”
Don’t be afraid of appointing us to install your data systems. Our data engineers have over 10 years experience in the IT & Telecoms sector and fully understand the importance of building robust data infrastructure.
Each system is professionally designed, installed and tested to the relevant ANSI/TIA/EIA standards to ensure the quality and integrity of your data. Each structured cabling system is clearly labelled and tested, as a client you will receive a copy of the test results for your records.
For peace of mind, each structured cabling system comes with a 10 year warranty as standard so you know your data cabling systems will be in our safe hands.
We offer an electrical safety check of your property. This type of check needs to be done regularly, particularly for older buildings or if you've just moved into a new home.