Gas Boilers on Plug Tops

[jibjob]

This may of been covered before but did a search and couldn't find anything relevant.

Just wondered if anybody had any opinions/thoughts on boilers connected via a plug top as opposed to say FCU.

One of the letting agents I do work for is currently having a run in with a tenant over a boiler on a plug top claiming it to be unsafe/illegal practice and threatning allsorts.

 

[Jimmyb]

The reason i thought socket outlet was liked was even if you installed a double pole socket someone could replace the socket with a single pole one not knowing they did anything wrong (i.e DIY) and then not have double pole isolation but tbh must people put the plug out

 

[robsparky1975]

Some boiler makes require 3mm contact seperation in all poles for the supply to the boiler,a fcu fused at 3amps meets these requirements.

 

[Engineer54]

FCU is only single pole switched. at least most are.

Think you'll find that most power accessory plate units incorporating a switch are DP now. I can't remember any that we have used on our projects that haven't been DP switched for some time now!!

Vaguely remember seeing something in print about it, referring to BS changes in the standard requirements, or for a proposal for change....

 

[ackbarthestar]

I posted something here earlier in the month regarding the use of boiler isolation.
One point that came up was that certain, if not all, combi boilers have both frost stats and pump over-runs. The ability for non-competents to be able to pull the plug might cause the boiler to stop.
Generally, I'm in agreement with those who would prefer the option of either or, due to clients requirements not to damage their newly decorated kitchen, bathroom or utility room.

edit: here's the posting: http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...ctrical-forum/48041-ch-boiler-bs1363-pir.html

 

[sparky692]

In my book fixed appliances need to be on a FCU. . period ..

 

[sparky692]

Never in 30 years of doing sparking and 10 years doing heating have i seen a plug top 13amp UK version not Euro 2 pin on a boiler . sorry

 

[Engineer54]

Never in 30 years of doing sparking and 10 years doing heating have i seen a plug top 13amp UK version not Euro 2 pin on a boiler . sorry

Haven't been around much then sparky!!! lol!! It was quite common in the 80's new builds, to have the immersion heaters on a un-switched 13A plug top!!

 

[ackbarthestar]

Plug tops on boilers are a lot more common now, perhaps just as well with some of the characters doing the wiring

 

[Geordie Spark]

Think you'll find that most power accessory plate units incorporating a switch are DP now. I can't remember any that we have used on our projects that haven't been DP switched for some time now!!

Vaguely remember seeing something in print about it, referring to BS changes in the standard requirements, or for a proposal for change....

I bought a box of 5 13A Crabtree double sockets recently at what I though a very good price. Then I noticed they were all single pole.

 

[Engineer54]

I bought a box of 5 13A Crabtree double sockets recently at what I though a very good price. Then I noticed they were all single pole.

Could possibly, ...what they call Grey goods, those that were manufactured for use in another country. I know i haven't seen S/P socket outlets for some years now, and we have used Crabtree products quite extensively, on some of the projects installations....

 

[PC Electrics]

Many manufacturers make their products in both SP and DP format. Certainly Crabtree sockets and FCUs are available as both.
I know that MK and Legrand FCUs are DP.
Unless you can see the letters DP or words double pole molded into the plastic near the terminals you should assume the switching to be SP.

BS7671 quite clearly states that a plug and socket combination is an acceptable means of isolation. Although it is not 'standard practice', there is nothing inherantly 'wrong' with a boiler on a plug top. As mentioned by another poster it is sometimes the only solution available without damaging decoration.

Simply tell the agency to write to the tenant informing them that no regulations have been broken and the item is not considered unsafe purely for being on a plug top. Then let them do their worst.

 

[KFH]

My local wholesaler was talking on this very topic last week. He said he gets lots of plumbers asking for a single socket, surface box and plug. He asked them why not fit a FCU and they said they had been told that they had to use a plug and socket by the registering authority. Perhaps a post on the plumbing forum is required?

 

[morph]

Haven't been around much then sparky!!! lol!! It was quite common in the 80's new builds, to have the immersion heaters on a un-switched 13A plug top!!

agreed!

 

[Geordie Spark]

Could possibly, ...what they call Grey goods, those that were manufactured for use in another country. I know i haven't seen S/P socket outlets for some years now, and we have used Crabtree products quite extensively, on some of the projects installations....

These came from Screwfix & they sell both SP and DP. Silly me didn't realise that the ones I bought were the SP variety !!!

 

[sparky692]

Aha . But were talking about Gas boilers, and indeed yes a Immersion is a fixed appliance , dont think its in the same category as a Boiler . .