Could it be argued that 463.1.3 requires a separate switch for items like an oven, hob, refrigerator or washing machine etc. where the appliance has no means of external isolation/control except those on itself? Or are functional controls on the appliances adequate and sufficient?
Z.
In my view, the regulations should be updated so as to require that all large appliances have an accessible means of control and isolation.
Something like "All large kitchen and laundry appliances must have a readily accessible means of disconnection from the electricity supply. This may take the form of a plug and socket or a double pole switch. This must be within sight and reach of a person using the appliance"
Explanatory notes.
1) A plug and socket is only acceptable in a 16 amp or lesser rating.
2) Controls built into the appliance do not comply.
3) Switches or socket outlets within cupboards or similar fitments, or behind the appliance are specifically prohibited as the disconnecting means
4) This applies to all fridges, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, cookers and similar appliances, whether in a kitchen or any other place.
5) If it not immediately obvious which means of disconnecting applies to which appliance, then durable marking as to purpose is required.
6) Each appliance is required to have a dedicated means of disconnecting, one means of disconnecting may not serve multiple appliances.
In my view, the regulations should be updated so as to require that all large appliances have an accessible means of control and isolation.
Something like "All large kitchen and laundry appliances must have a readily accessible means of disconnection from the electricity supply. This may take the form of a plug and socket or a double pole switch. This must be within sight and reach of a person using the appliance"
Explanatory notes.
1) A plug and socket is only acceptable in a 16 amp or lesser rating.
2) Controls built into the appliance do not comply.
3) Switches or socket outlets within cupboards or similar fitments, or behind the appliance are specifically prohibited as the disconnecting means
4) This applies to all fridges, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, cookers and similar appliances, whether in a kitchen or any other place.
5) If it not immediately obvious which means of disconnecting applies to which appliance, then durable marking as to purpose is required.
6) Each appliance is required to have a dedicated means of disconnecting, one means of disconnecting may not serve multiple appliances.
In my view, the regulations should be updated so as to require that all large appliances have an accessible means of control and isolation.
What do we mean by this - what is the intention behind it? It's clearly not for "functional control" since that's included in the appliance, and only needs to be installed "where required". So therefore only "isolation" and "emergency switching off" remain. That needs to be clearly defined in any requirement so a suitable device can be selected according to Section 537.
Once we decide that, we can then look at items 1) to 6) and decide whether each statement is needed.
Regardless:
commercial kitchens and laundries may well have a need for an emergency stop system
OMG. Putting that together with Zoomup's anxiety of kitchen fires, I now have visions of a row of red mushrooms above every kitchen counter. (And another at each doorway.)
OMG. Putting that together with Zoomup's anxiety of kitchen fires, I now have visions of a row of red mushrooms above every kitchen counter. (And another at each doorway.)
That is why I think it's important to keep some perspective here.
BS 7671 covers devices for three "switching" functions (if you ignore protective devices):
Isolation is of course required for maintenance.
Functional switching (if required) is already built into the appliance ... except for power saving (unless that's included as part of the standard).
Emergency switching off is indeed red button (or isolator) on a yellow background.
So, I'm getting the impression reading this thread that people are of the opinion we need some form of "emergency switching" function ("has to be within reach of the user" etc.)
Other than that, isolation for maintenance can be conducted by plug and socket-outlet, or by a circuit protective device if the socket-outlet is behind the appliance (no need for the 16 A plug limit proposed by broadgage above).
And functional switching (for power saving if necessary) may well be better done via switches located near the most frequently used exit of the kitchen into the rest of the property, so that we can check everything is off before we ascend to the land of nod each night, or go out each morning ... alternatively, ask Alexa to do it for you?
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