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.

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

Because they're different functions, often need different equipment and are needed in differing situations (you normally don't need an E-stop for a shower). Though I'd admit that the difference between isolation and switching off for mechanical maintenance is very small these days - I wonder how many have noticed that a normal lightswitch is no longer acceptable for changing a lamp?

   - Andy.

AJJewsbury said:

I wonder how many have noticed that a normal lightswitch is no longer acceptable for changing a lamp?

You mean that you check? ;-)

I am only being slightly tongue in cheek - it is difficult to know with a pull-cord or even multi-way wall switches.

it is difficult to know with a pull-cord or even multi-way wall switches

It's a (theoretical) problem even with simple 1-way plateswitch installed the right way up. The issue is that BS 7671 now demands proper isolation for mechanical maintenance (which re-lamping is still included in) - and according to table 537.4 ordinary lightswitches (to BS EN 60669-1) don't provide isolation.

   - Andy.