Fixed Appliance spurs

[Conmeister]

Howdo guys

Probably a daft question but its better than not asking. Just seeking clarity regards installing an accessible dp switch for a fridge and freezer. I've looked at Section 537 in regs and i'm still a bit confused. My understanding is that you need to have an isolation switch so you can turn off the freezer if you need to pull it out. This seems a bit OTT when you can just switch the circuit off for a couple of minutes. Is it essential to have this switch (would have to be at counter level)?

Thanks in advance
Conor

 

[acat]

IMO yes it is needed, its true what you say that all you need to do is switch off the circuit but we are dealing with joe public and for some a CU is a no go area and if the appliance needs to be switched off in an emergency a trip to the mcb may be to long easier to fit the switch for immedicate isolation.


Hope that helps


Chris

 

[Conmeister]

Thats spot on, cheers acat. I thought it would be best. Just didn't want another ugly switch on customers limited wall area.

 

[acat]

I know where you are coming from the other thing to mention to the customers is what other appliances will be without power if its a case of turning the circuit off!!!!!!


Chris

 

[Conmeister]

I know where you are coming from the other thing to mention to the customers is what other appliances will be without power if its a case of turning the circuit off!!!!!!


Chris

Oh defo mate! I was thinking for the sake of 2 minutes for Joe Public or Billy Engineer to pull the thing out.

Speaking of which, i'm renting a new build (2007) and had problems with the washing machine. There's no isolating switch. Anyways, i pulled the washing machine out and i couldn't believe what i saw. It was plugged into a socket which was floating on the floor!!!!! Cable wasn't even in walls. Just been wrapped round kitchen units. Unbelievable! Needless to say, i've got a paid job to do now courtesy of me landlord

 

[ezzzekiel]

grid switching?

 

[sparks1234]

There is also the argument that you can put the switch inside a cupboard that is easily accessible or...install a socket in an adjacent cupboard, but if you go that route you need to make sure the socket is accessible and fairly obvious

 

[bugsy]

I think the term local means of isolation is a bit of a givaway

 

[lucus]

i was always under the impression that a plug and socket was an acceptable form of isolation for a appliance isnt this correct or are you all talking about a hard wired appliance
regards

 

[Conmeister]

i was always under the impression that a plug and socket was an acceptable form of isolation for a appliance isnt this correct or are you all talking about a hard wired appliance
regards

On fundamental safety basis, you're right. The plug and socket should be acceptable.

The fridge is to be plugged in. My problem is with the namby pamby "local means of isolation"

Customer has said he doesn't want it visible at counter level so in a cupboard it goes!