On 29/05/20 13:00, John Rumm wrote:
On 29/05/2020 11:08, F wrote:

I bought a 2 gang RCD socket from Screwfix (code 3133J) to replace a 2
gang socket in the garage which I use to power the hedge trimmer. Once I
got it home the installation guide says that as it's latched it's 'not
suitable for outdoor power tools and garden equipment'.

Is it an absolute no-no? If it is, can anyone suggest an alternative?

It will offer the exactly same electrocution protection that you will
get from any other type of RCD. So in that sense its fine, and massively
better than nothing.

However it does not have a NVR style action - so if there is a power
interruption to the socket (e.g. power cut or the circuit being turned
off) power will automatically be re-applied to the tool after the power
interruption is over.

RCDs designed for tool use will not re-supply power after an
interruption, regardless of the cause.

(in reality, with most tools you need to "hold them on" on anyway, so
its a moot point).

Indeed. But it's a bit odd how an RCD became linked to this particular
use - you could apply it to a latching MCB if you wanted overload rather
than leakage as the basis for the device. In fact, all it really needs
if you are concerned is a latching relay which will need to be reset
after a power failure - nothing to do with overload or leakage at all,
just a specific device made for that purpose. But I guess that would be
an added cost.

--

Jeff