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.
Please see my very logical reasoning history above. And yes I am listening. But I prefer to listen to and take on board logical safe and regulation based designs.
Telling "them" to pay more is not involved. The new installation is already sub-standard.
Z.
Ah yes. A switch which is on the wall above, but behind the machine. Mind the flames when you try to reach it!
Yes, that's what I don't like about the approach of "FCU above the unit" approach, although there's nothing wrong with a 20 A switch off the RFC ... unless you subscribe to the fact that it's not a BS 1363-series accessory so it's prohibited on an RFC (then again, same would go for the BS EN 60898 or BS EN 61009 OCPD in the CU, so if you subscribe to that theory, RFCs aren't permitted)
Also two fuses one after the other ... unnecessary ohmic energy wastage
What flames, I only mentioned smoke.
Ever seen a kitchen when a washing machine or tumble-dryer has fire-gutted it? I don't think "just to the side" (or even "in adjacent cupboard") means of switching off or isolation would actually work in those cases, having spoken to people who this has happened to ...
The potential damage and fire size is dependant upon the time it takes to discover the incident and then its containment. Undiscovered fire risk is a concern for people that use appliances overnight.
Smoke and heat alarms are useful as an to alert to fire.
Local isolation is essential. A local isolator "suitably placed for ready operation" is invaluable for each and every appliance.
132.15.201. These can prevent or REMOVE danger.
Z.
I have just come up with a money saving solution. I will do away with all isolator switches in new installations for cookers, immersion heaters, storage heaters, fridges, freezers and showers etc. The users can just use the integral appliance controls OR the installation miniature circuit breakers for operation. What a great idea.
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.
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