Roger Mills wrote:

Can some kind soul please tell me what the implications of the latest
electrical regs (17th Edition, or whatever) are likely to be?

RCD protection for most circuits using concealed circuits without depth
or shielding protection.

The current kitchen has a dedicated cooker feed - which I plan to divert to
the new one - and has fixed appliances (fridge, dishwasher, etc.) plugged
into 13A sockets on one of the ring mains. All circuits are protected by
circuit breakers in the CU - but not RCDs. There are plenty of power outlets
in the old garage, which can be moved around to suit.

One kitchen firm we've talked to is telling us that each appliance now needs
a dedicated feed (presumably RCD protected?) so that if one trips it doesn't
take the rest out. Is that correct? If so, that may mean replacing the CU -

No, its twaddle. There is an argument for providing a dedicated circuit
for freezers however. It would often be simpler to RCD protect these as
well these days, however doing so via a RCBO might be a preferable way.

'cos there aren't any spare ways or any RCD protection at present. If this
is the case, what are the implications for the rest of the house?

Main equipotential bonding will need to be brought up to scratch (if not
already). RCD protection can be added as an afterthought. You may be
able to get single module RCBOs for your brand of CU - that would allow
you to add RCD protection to the relevant circuits and maintain good
discrimination without the cost of a complete new CU. Using separate
secondary enclosures is also possible but messy.

--
Cheers,

John.

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