When is RCD protection mandatory for circuits in domestic installations?

• A. All circuits in all rooms.
• B. Socket-outlet circuits outdoors and in bathrooms and other high-risk areas, plus any circuit designated for enhanced protection by regulations.
• C. Only in kitchens.
• D. Never for interior circuits.

Answer: (B)

RCD protection is required where the risk of electric shock is highest, so circuits in damp or wet places and where people are likely to touch live parts need extra protection. In domestic installations, that means socket-outlet circuits outdoors and in bathrooms and other high-risk areas must have RCD protection. There’s also a provision for circuits that regulations designate for enhanced protection, which may require an RCD even if the circuit isn’t in one of the obvious high-risk zones. This combination ensures leakage currents are detected quickly to prevent shocks in the places most at risk.

The other options are too broad or too narrow: not every interior circuit is required to have RCDs, and focusing only on kitchens or claiming none interior circuits require RCD protection would miss the safety rules that call for protection in outdoor and wet areas, plus any circuits specifically designated for enhanced protection.