ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades RCD protection on lighting / lighting sockets?

I think RCD protection for lighting circuits is a good idea, providing it is a seperate RCD or RCBO for the lighting circuit(s) only.

RCD's are getting cheaper all the time, I can buy a 40A 30mA RCD for only £18+VAT (€25)at the moment, used to be closer to £30.

Some local authority houses here have consumer units fitted with 2 30mA RCD main switches. A 40A RCD with 2 or 3 ways for lighting circuits, & an 80A RCD with 6 to 8 ways for power circuits, including cooker.
This is not an ideal solution but it does mean the lights stay on if an appliance is faulty, & the power is on if there is a fault on the lighting.

There is currently no specific requirement to RCD protect lighting circuits in the UK, unless the earth loop impedance values are too high (TT earthing) or the light is fitted in the resticted zone 1 of the bathroom.