Isolator Position

[jstephens251]

Hey all,

Air source heat pump install

The main unit is outside but the customer wants the isolator inside near the internal equipment (boiler etc)

The company supplying the unit are saying it should be within 1 metre.

Anyone know the reg? I've been looking through 537 but can't find it yet.

cheers

Jon

 

[Darkwood]

537.2.1.5......is what you need to refer to.

But if the company supplying and most likely maintaining the system requests local isolation then fit it, as for the customer put a secondary isolation inside, if he has concerns of kids messing with the external switch have it locked into the on position as it only needs to be used for maintenance, alternately present this regulation to the company supplying the unit and ask them to specify the regulation that requires you to have it within 1m this may fall outside the BS7671 and within the BS 60204 hence my first recommendation.

 

[jstephens251]

Many thanks for that Darkwood

 

[plugsandsparks]

I have sometimes fitted the isolator on the inside wall next to where the pipes come through the wall as its sometimes more convenient than mounting them 3m up next to the outdoor unit. As I fit the air con as well I don't argue with myself much

 

[jstephens251]

I have sometimes fitted the isolator on the inside wall next to where the pipes come through the wall

thats where the customer wants it to go, next to the pipework & boiler but the company supplying the air source heat pump say regs state 1M hence what i've been looking for.

 

[LeeH]

537.2.1.5......is what you need to refer to.

But if the company supplying and most likely maintaining the system requests local isolation then fit it, as for the customer put a secondary isolation inside, if he has concerns of kids messing with the external switch have it locked into the on position as it only needs to be used for maintainance, alternately present this regulation to the company supplying the unit and ask them to specify the regulation that requires you to have it within 1m this may fall outside the BS7671 and within the BS 60204 hence my first recommendation.

Cannot remember seeing anything in 60204. I think it will only cover isolation on the panel/machine. Not local isolation.

I'll have a look tomorrow.

 

[Marvo]

Firstly I'd always locate the isolator at the outdoor unit because this is where the supply is connected, the outdoor unit then in turn supplies the indoor unit.

Secondly it sounds like the customer might be actually wanting a remote on/off switch not an isolator as such. It's bad practice to use the means of isolation as a means of control. Also if the ASHP is on its own dedicated circuit then the customer can also isolate at the DB / CU if they feel the need.

 

[Engineer54]

I'm with Marvo on this one local isolation should mean what it say's ''Local'' !! Using BS7671 you can get away with murder with isolation switches, they can be located just about anywhere, and why i take little notice of them on my projects. Where all our local isolation switches are mounted adjacent too, or in worst case scenarios within 3metres or so and always within line of sight of the equipment/plant it's controling.

Clueless customers can be their own worst enemies at times!!

 

[Darkwood]

Cannot remember seeing anything in 60204. I think it will only cover isolation on the panel/machine. Not local isolation.

I'll have a look tomorrow.

My copies in the car, my car is RIP in the garage so couldn't refer to it. Haven't really been involved with a air source heat pump or its control system so was unaware whether it would fall within the parameters of the 60204 as it could be defined as a motor control system which may be subject to stricter regulation or not as the case may be.

 

[Darkwood]

Marvo makes a good point it may as he suggests be the supply connection point, so this may be more about local isolation of the supply as oppose to isolation for maintenance.