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.
I will let others argue as to whether my proposed "readily accessible socket outlet or double pole switch" is for emergency switching or for isolation. That is why I used the wording "means of disconnecting from the electricity supply"
In my view it is unacceptable to rely on a possibly distant consumer unit for this. An ordinary person preparing a meal or doing the laundry should in my view have a readily accessible means of disconnecting the electricity supply to an appliance that is defective or on fire.
I see no need for an emergency stop button, a simple and READILY ACCESSIBLE socket outlet or double pole switch is fine.
I will let others argue as to whether my proposed "readily accessible socket outlet or double pole switch" is for emergency switching or for isolation. That is why I used the wording "means of disconnecting from the electricity supply"
I'm pushing on the intent, because in its current form, the proposed requirement with words "means of disconnecting from the electricity supply" would never fly. We really need to use the correct term, so that an appropriate device can be selected from Table 537.4 - either a device for "on load isolation" or a device for "emergency switching".
In my view it is unacceptable to rely on a possibly distant consumer unit for this. An ordinary person preparing a meal or doing the laundry should in my view have a readily accessible means of disconnecting the electricity supply to an appliance that is defective or on fire.
So, either isolation, or emergency switching, or both ... which one do we want. The ready means of disconnecting in an emergency would be "emergency switching ", though:
Emergency switching. An operation intended to remove, as quickly as possible, danger, which may have occurred unexpectedly.
Just an aside on this ... isn't the recommendation still "get out, stay out, call us out" ?
I see no need for an emergency stop button, a simple and READILY ACCESSIBLE socket outlet or double pole switch is fine.
That would imply isolation, because Reg 537.3.3.3 says that "Plugs and socket-outlets shall not be provided for use as means for emergency switching off."
"Readily accessible" in a modern kitchen can be very tricky, and really needs some further definition also. I don't subscribe to "back of the counter" (either over the appliance or to the side) being any safer (or even more "readily accessible") than a suitably-located socket-outlet in an adjacent cupboard, especially if the homeowner knows where these all are - and when there are large knives etc. out on the work surface ...
I will let others argue as to whether my proposed "readily accessible socket outlet or double pole switch" is for emergency switching or for isolation. That is why I used the wording "means of disconnecting from the electricity supply"
I'm pushing on the intent, because in its current form, the proposed requirement with words "means of disconnecting from the electricity supply" would never fly. We really need to use the correct term, so that an appropriate device can be selected from Table 537.4 - either a device for "on load isolation" or a device for "emergency switching".
In my view it is unacceptable to rely on a possibly distant consumer unit for this. An ordinary person preparing a meal or doing the laundry should in my view have a readily accessible means of disconnecting the electricity supply to an appliance that is defective or on fire.
So, either isolation, or emergency switching, or both ... which one do we want. The ready means of disconnecting in an emergency would be "emergency switching ", though:
Emergency switching. An operation intended to remove, as quickly as possible, danger, which may have occurred unexpectedly.
Just an aside on this ... isn't the recommendation still "get out, stay out, call us out" ?
I see no need for an emergency stop button, a simple and READILY ACCESSIBLE socket outlet or double pole switch is fine.
That would imply isolation, because Reg 537.3.3.3 says that "Plugs and socket-outlets shall not be provided for use as means for emergency switching off."
"Readily accessible" in a modern kitchen can be very tricky, and really needs some further definition also. I don't subscribe to "back of the counter" (either over the appliance or to the side) being any safer (or even more "readily accessible") than a suitably-located socket-outlet in an adjacent cupboard, especially if the homeowner knows where these all are - and when there are large knives etc. out on the work surface ...
We're about to take you to the IET registration website. Don't worry though, you'll be sent straight back to the community after completing the registration.
Continue to the IET registration site
