Boiler fitted using 5A Plug

[GBDamo]

Just been speaking to a neighbor who has recently had a new boiler installed.

For some reason (probably not CPS) they have not used the DP FCU that the old boiler was wired into and instead put a plug on it and used an existing double socket.

Has this been done to avoid having to issue a MWC for wiring into the existing FCU? Would this require a MWC and if so could the have been smart by disconnecting the flex from the boiler and wiring it into the new boiler thus avoiding interfering with an accessory?

Other than being shonky, is there any direct contravention of the BYB by using the plug/socket route.

My thinking is that there are Isolation and Functional Switching facilities local to the boiler and emergency Isolation by means of the DP switch(RCD) in the CU so while not ideal, and not how I would do it, it is not non-compliant.

Fire away......

 

[westward10]

What do the fitting instructions say.

 

[Pete999]

What do the fitting instructions say.

Bloke who fitted the boiler probably wasn't any good with Electrics and rather than fiddle about with an FCU he thought a plug top would be easier

 

[GBDamo]

No Idea, didn't fit it, more concerned that he's been told it's "against regs init" and want to get to the principle of the situation.

Your no too great at the whole discussion thing are you?

 

[westward10]

Doubt you will find anything specific in BS7671 but if instructions state double pole isolation a switched socket may not necessarily provide this. Better through a switched FCU or an unswitched socket so the service bod would have to remove the plug.

 

[Pete999]

No Idea, didn't fit it, more concerned that he's been told it's "against regs init" and want to get to the principle of the situation.

Your no too great at the whole discussion thing are you?

What do you mean????

 

[GBDamo]

Bloke who fitted the boiler probably wasn't any good with Electrics and rather than fiddle about with an FCU he thought a plug top would be easier

My thoughts too, just want to check before saying it's alright as it is or not.

And although a bit short on the social skills, Westward does have the ultimate answer.

But why would one manufacturer say use a plug and another not, I suspect none would suggest using a plug but this doesn't really satisfy my curiosity as to why.

 

[GBDamo]

What do you mean????

Sorry was (trying) to have a laugh with Westward not you, need to improve my quoting skills.

 

[Pete999]

Who is short of social skills me or Westy???????

 

[Leesparkykent]

As westward10 has stated a unswitched socket and plug top or hard wired in to SFCU is the norm as stated by manufacturers instructions. What make and model is the boiler?

 

[GBDamo]

As westward10 has stated a unswitched socket and plug top or hard wired in to SFCU is the norm as stated by manufacturers instructions. What make and model is the boiler?

Will have to find out, didn't ask

 

[Taylortwocities]

All of the instructions that I have seen dictate a double pole isolator with a contact separation of greater than 3mm, with a 3A fuse.

Now, if you pull a plug out of a socket then you will have double pole separation of a lot more than 3mm.

Also, BS7671 does list a plug and socket as one of the acceptable forms of isolation.
Table 53.4
The switch on a socket MAY NOT be acceptable, though, because some of those are single pole.

 

[Octopus]

Nothing wrong with a plug and socket

 

[AndyL]

Surely a plug and socket does give dp isolation. By unplugging you disconnect from all live parts

 

[peteheat]

An 5 amp fuse is used on an oil boiler even with DPI of course it does not sound very good for either timers or zoned controls unless they are powering the double socket which is not altogether unusual. There are times especially on old boilers I am glad to see a plug because I can be 100% sure it's safe when I pull the plug.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I am glad to see a plug because I can be 100% sure it's safe when I pull the plug.

I wouldn't trust it. I have seen several installations where the boiler and the controls have separate isolation points.
I still check with my tester before putting me fingers in there.

 

[Dave OCD]

Yeah some people interpret local isolation as being in the same street.

 

[saspm]

554.3.3 the heater or boiler should be permanently fitted to the electrical supply through a dp linked switch

 

[Richard Burns]

554.3.3 the heater or boiler should be permanently fitted to the electrical supply through a dp linked switch

That is for heaters with immersed and un-insulated elements not a standard domestic boiler.

 

[peteheat]

I wouldn't trust it. I have seen several installations where the boiler and the controls have separate isolation points.
I still check with my tester before putting me fingers in there.

I fully agree with you also many boilers especially boiler house and outdoor modules are fitted with frost thermostats which require a permanent live, obviously that is separate to the switched live.
Mistakes can and do happen when tradesmen assume everything is OK instead of carrying out the few tests that only take minutes but can mean the difference between going home at the end of the day or loved ones booking a half day with the undertaker for them.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There's nothing wrong as such with using a plug and socket for a boiler.
Not sure if the FCU is connected to the RFC, or on a separate circuit?
I would prefer a separate circuit, whether it be an FCU or plug and socket.
As far as I am aware, most MK sockets are double pole, as are many other makes.
Not sure about the 3mm contact gap.
Thou as has been pointed out, removal of the plug would provide a gap much more than 3mm.

 

[GBDamo]

Thanks all, you have confirmed my thoughts that it is might be alright but probably not.

I love electrics.....

 

[Octopus]

Thanks all, you have confirmed my thoughts that it is alright.

I love electrics.....

Edited that for you...

 

[Leesparkykent]

Edited that for you...

Hmmm...even if its a switched socket that's not been confirmed as being double pole?

 

[Octopus]

^^ double pole of its unplugged

 

[Pete999]

Hmmm...even if its a switched socket that's not been confirmed as being double pole?

What about a DP socket?