Fan isolation

g-davies · Aug 28, 2013

Am I correct in thinking that an industrial type wall extract fan should have local isolation,ie local meaning adjacent to the fan itself,and not via a 13amp plug and socket 12 feet away.Give your views please.

Marvo · Aug 28, 2013

Purely from an electrical point of view I'd say a plug and socket about 3 meters away would provide a suitable point for isolation which could be locked out so I wouldn't have a problem with it. I'm not sure if there's anything in the UK regs that would contradict my view or not.

davethsparky · Aug 28, 2013

Generally all fixed current using equipment should be provided with a means of isolation, which can be either local or remote. If remote and not able to be under direct supervision of the person requiring it to be isolated then it must be possible to secure it in the open position. Also a reliable mechanical indication of whether it is open or closed needs to be incorporated unless the contact gap is visible.

Hope I haven't just done someone's homework for them!

g-davies · Aug 28, 2013

davethsparky said:
Generally all fixed current using equipment should be provided with a means of isolation, which can be either local or remote. If remote and not able to be under direct supervision of the person requiring it to be isolated then it must be possible to secure it in the open position. Also a reliable mechanical indication of whether it is open or closed needs to be incorporated unless the contact gap is visible.

Hope I haven't just done someone's homework for them!

Thanks,I guess a 13amp plug and socket does not class as a lockable off device,unless the fuse was removed.

Marvo · Aug 28, 2013

g-davies said:
Thanks,I guess a 13amp plug and socket does not class as a lockable off device,unless the fuse was removed.

???????

That plug looks pretty locked out to me.....

davethsparky · Aug 28, 2013

g-davies said:
Thanks,I guess a 13amp plug and socket does not class as a lockable off device,unless the fuse was removed.

12 feet is likely to be within supervision of the operator and i'm pretty sure that it provides an easily visible contact gap. Failing that a plug lockout kit can be used.

gnuuser · Aug 28, 2013

davethsparky said:
12 feet is likely to be within supervision of the operator and i'm pretty sure that it provides an easily visible contact gap. Failing that a plug lockout kit can be used.

even so at work we are required to use lockout devices such as marvo has posted.
all to often production turds will try to turn equipment back on if it isn't locked out.

Marvo · Aug 28, 2013

We also get bigger versions of the one in my previous picture, they can take a 64A 5-pin Merechal plug. They also make a damn good sandwich box and being padlockable means no theiving lowlife can help himself to your lunch.

snowhead · Aug 28, 2013

537.3.2.6
A plug and socket outlet not exceding 16amp may be used for mechanical isolation.

davethsparky · Aug 28, 2013

Not quite, that reg actually says 'switching off for mechanical maintenance' not isolation.

A plug and socket arrangement of any size can be used for isolation.

Fan isolation

g-davies

Marvo

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davethsparky

g-davies

Marvo

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davethsparky

gnuuser

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Marvo

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snowhead

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davethsparky

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