Yes, I understand the issue with maintenance, but bear in mind that satisfying the implication of a particular regulation or manufacturer’s instruction inevitably means a connection arrangement that can introduce its own issues. One of the biggest landlords in these islands reports a high incidence of burning at the terminals of those ubiquitous 45A pullcord switches, especially on the neutral. 

Are local isolators required for mechanical maintenance in general? I can appreciate the need for an isolator for mechanical maintenance of an oven/hob, for instance, to facilitate cleaning. However, what kind of mechanical maintenance would a shower entail?

Also according to manufacturers instructions It is important to use an isolating switch for safety reasons, such as preventing accidental activation of the shower, protecting the shower from power surges, and allowing easy access for maintenance or repair ? 

AMK said:

Are local isolators required for mechanical maintenance in general?

Not according to BS7671. Local isolation is not required for any appliance.

So What does switching off for mechanical maintenance mean on an EICR? What part of the installation does it apply to? Are local isolators not required in a domestic property. What is the following referring to on a EICR?

Presence and condition of appropriate devices (464.1; 537.3.2) Capable of being secured in the OFF position where not under continuous supervision (464.2) Correct operation verified (643.10) Clearly identified by position and / or durable marking (537.3.2.4)

Says nothing about local. That could be the building main switch or even the whole housing estate....

I agree that the inconvenience of shutting down a wider area than necessary  vary rapidly makes a dedicated isolator per machine or whatever highly desirable.

However it is not mandatory, so not having one cannot be an inspection fail, so long as somewhere it can be turned off as needed. And if not in view, then locked off as well.

Mike.

Why are there different sections on an EICR for isolators, switching off for mechanical maintenance and emergency switching?

IHow about simplifying the EICR by asking if there is a main switch for isolation?

The installation of fan isolator, cooker isolator, and shower isolator are standard practice? Is it essential to do so if it is not a compulsory requirement?

If the installation of the additional isolators could be omitted it would the beneficial to both the installer and the client, subject to the approval of the IET.

I'm pretty sure that regs- wise it can, and dedicated isolators one per cooker/fan.shower etc are not strictly required, and they could all be the same  set of contacts so long as that main switch is sensibly accessible - however it may be really inconvenient to turn off a large area to perform a small task.

The regs set a minimum technical  standard, not a best practice  target to aim for.

An EICR fail really should be able to be cross-referred to BS7671. A lack of local isolation. I  think, would seem to be a design weakness perhaps worth commenting as making switching off unnecessarily disruptive to other users, but not a C3 unless other things are wrong as well because of it.

Mike

I'm pretty sure that regs- wise it can, and dedicated isolators one per cooker/fan.shower etc are not strictly required, and they could all be the same  set of contacts so long as that main switch is sensibly accessible - however it may be really inconvenient to turn off a large area to perform a small task.

The regs set a minimum technical  standard, not a best practice  target to aim for.

An EICR fail really should be able to be cross-referred to BS7671. A lack of local isolation. I  think, would seem to be a design weakness perhaps worth commenting as making switching off unnecessarily disruptive to other users, but not a C3 unless other things are wrong as well because of it.

Mike