AC Isolators

[Worcester]

Food for thought:

Just had an interesting chat with an NICEIC inspector about the above, (hes was doing the annual on my Part P sparks) and he confirmed two things:
1) To put it in the box I'll need DNO apporval as they ususally consider it theirs (wether it is or isn't seems to be irrelevant to them!)
2) Depending upon the earthing type and mcb rating, (no details given) then the mcb COULD be considered adequate as an isolar..... Mentioning that some isolators aren't switches (arcing distance) and depending upon the earthing type, breaking just the live and not the neutral will be Ok in some circumstances..

More questions, less answers!

 

[edexlab]

Mcb's can be locked in the on position, and so do not comply
also from the DTI guide and BRB mentions same requirements

A manual a.c. switch-disconnector must be provided located in an
accessible position within the Customer’s installation as in G83/1 (e.g.
adjacent to the consumer unit or main distribution board), which is:​

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in accordance with BS 60947-3
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must switch all live and neutral conductors.
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must be securable in the OFF position only.

It must be simple to secure using a standard padlock - devices that require a separate removable​

adaptor or special key to enable them to be secured are not acceptable.
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must clearly show the ON and OFF positions and be labelled as​

‘PV system – main a.c. isolator