Modern electrical wiring, according to its functional purpose, is divided into socket and lighting parts. In power lines ending in standard sockets, a leakage current protection device is required according to the requirements of the PUE. As for the lighting branches - here the question of its installation is not resolved so unambiguously. Experts still cannot decide whether to put an RCD on the lighting or not.
Do I need an RCD on lighting lines
According to clause 7.1.79 of the current PUE, this device may not be installed on the lighting groups. Thus, users who do without it do not violate regulatory requirements. On the other hand, there is a document (SP 256.1325800.2016 p. 12), according to which it is necessary to install an RCD in rooms with high air humidity. To reliably protect users in the bathroom, for example, you will need to install a device with leakage currents of the order of 30 mA.
If we proceed from the principle of minimizing risks, a protection device against leakage currents in any of the rooms of the apartment will not be superfluous. It guarantees reliable protection of all residents from accidental electric shock. Another thing is whether a particular owner of a private house or city apartment is ready to pay a considerable amount for the installation of a rather expensive device.
Points for and against"
Let's compare the pros and cons of the two options under consideration. Lighting lines that do not use RCDs provide the following benefits:
- The ability to save money by not buying an expensive device.
- Saving space in the electrical distribution board.
- This is especially important given its limited dimensions (recall that the protective device occupies two slots on the DIN rail).
Familiarization with the declared advantages allows us to conclude that with a lack of funds and a small electrical panel, you can do without an RCD in the lighting lines.
The disadvantages of this approach are manifested in the fact that the operation of chandeliers, lanterns or sconces, whose bodies are made of electrically conductive materials, carries a certain threat. If a phase accidentally hits the housing (due to damage to the insulation, for example), a person who touches it will be under dangerous voltage. If a safety device is present, such touching will not lead to dangerous consequences. The RCD installed in the line (see photo below) will work so quickly that the current in the emergency circuit will not have time to rise to a dangerous value, and the touch voltage will be small in magnitude.
If an unexpected trouble happens (your house will be flooded by neighbors, for example) - the RCD installed on the lighting will be very useful. It will instantly de-energize the supply line and prevent a short circuit due to damp wiring. Thus, whether or not to install an RCD for lighting is a personal matter for each apartment owner. He makes the final decision based on his capabilities and desire to secure the procedure for using lighting devices.