Cooker isolators and the like

One of the challenging parts of inspections for EICRs is finding the cooker switch.


The odd thing is that generally the shower switch is usually out in the open and not concealed at all, when from a regs point of view they are not required, are they?


Andy B

Hello Ebee.

The 6ft distance for a cooker control was a requirement in the 14th Edition, 1966, Regulation A29.  This became 2m with metrication in an Amendment in1970. The requirement for a local cooker switch has seemingly disappeared over the years, probably with the 15th Edition (1981) and "harmonisation".  As it is no longer a requirement, one can omit it and still comply with the Regs.  Also, as it is not a requirement, if one is installed it can be fitted wherever one wishes within reason, as the 2m rule doesn't apply to something that is not required.  Generally, I still work to A29 for this, but in my own situation preferred to locate both the oven and hob switches by the kitchen exit door where the fire extinguisher is located.  One can then isolate the power and approach the hazard from a safe direction armed with a fire extinguisher.  For maintenance, I lock off the RCBO in the CU and do not rely on an unlockable switch.

Regards,

           Colin Jenkins.

The real purpose of the cooker switch is for isolation for cleaning. Turning the cooker off with a pan fire makes no difference at all, and you should not use a fire extinguisher because you will blow burning fat everywhere, making the fire much worse. The correct procedure is to use a fire blanket over the pan and it will immediately extinguish from lack of oxygen. One can then turn off the cooker at leisure.


Modern cookers do not have the exposed electrical connections of the past, hidden in the oven and grill, so are fairly safe to clean without isolation, unless one pours loads of water all over the place. A cooker isolator is still a good idea.


A fire blanket is much the best extinguisher for kitchens, in a commercial size one you may find a foam extinguisher as well, but not one with any pressure because it WILL spread inflammable liquid fires. Electric fryers are much safer than the old lard pan.

Thank you David - my BIG mistake about the extinguisher!  Our firepoint has a fire blanket also, for dealing with pan fires etc.  Likewise, in the garage for flammable liquids. Note to self - engage brain before using keyboard!

Regards,

            Colin Jenkins.

This is obviouly a requirement of NICEIC membership. We had our kitchen renewed last year and seemed a good ida to have the kitchen people sort the electrics out. New hob and oven unit to replace the hob unit and oven - same but new. Naturally he wanted to fit a new 10mm cable to replace the oid 7/044. I must have upset himwhen I pointed out the loading of the new cooker was actually less than the old, but he used the old cable - then proceeded to install the new 60A cooker switch right at the back above the top shelf of the oven unit. I'm 6ft tall and not even able to see it right at the back. " It's where we always put them" came the excuse so I just asked how was a normal person supposed to isolate the cooker even to clean it. I'd won't go into how sockets can be installed1/4" out of level so that must be another requirement even when just an inch apart!!


It's our age, it seems!

Well Norman, you`re obviously not cynical ?


Anyway, Fire flood or cleaning I am happy if there is an isolator close by and obvious by position or label. I`m not happy if not. Am I odd? Is it an age thing? how does everyone else feel about this?


Note - fire or flood (well wet thru then) I feel happier if it`s isolated before dealing with it in the correct (or incorrect) way. How many people actually stop to think of the best way to deal with a chip pan fire etc in real life?

Also, the 13 Amp socket on the cooker switch panel is very useful as an alternative supply if the ring sockets trip off, or you are working on the ring final and need a brew up or wish to keep the fridge freezer working..

.

That ebee is exactly why you should not have an extinguisher in a kitchen!

Agreed DaveZ but people do, so would you pref to give em an isolator.


There`s nowt like folk.


Folk who drill a hole in the bottom of the boat to let the water out.

Folk who try to rid Acne with sandpaper.

Stark Raving Mad they are! Why do they do it?