Isolator switch

[Hellmooth]

Looking to fit an isolator switch before consumer unit, anyone have any recommendations and/or links? Cheers

 

[Spoon]

Can't believe we're still left wondering what's the correct way to go with it.

The regs to say what to use. Yes, we all know its OTT and the DNO will just fit a plastic one if they do the job.

 

[Hellmooth]

The regs to say what to use. Yes, we all know its OTT and the DNO will just fit a plastic one if they do the job.

How can they get away with doing that surely they need to comply to the regs as much as we do?

 

[Spoon]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that BS7671 doesn't apply to the DNO.

 

[Paul.M]

..... and supply meters are still plastic?????


as you may guess, I'm against the regs on this matter. This as all come about due to limp wristed """electricians""" not being able enough to terminate a fuse board!

 

[Spoon]

This as all come about due to limp wristed """electricians""" not being able enough to terminate a fuse board!

Let's not leave out the cheap quality CU's that are out there as well....

 

[Skimpy Wan]

REC2S | Wylex 2 Way Isolator Switch, 100A NH | Wylex

Had the DNO out to a new build bungalow a couple of weeks ago and they installed the same unit from memory.

As has been said, if it's good enough for them, then surely it's good enough for us - although BS7671 doesn't suggest that!

Out of interest who would even clarify this situation relating to it needing to be metal etc? I'm sure if you contacted the NICEIC they'd probably say yes, but that doesn't guarantee that it meets BS7671 (just that they are happy with it).

 

[Midwest]

Wylex have introduced a metal clad switch fuse, to protect sub-mains; http://www.electrium.co.uk/media/20151123152755_0_Wylex Domestic Switch Fuse Unit.pdf

In their brochure, they suggest 'similar switchgear'is switchgear that is used for the same fundamental application i.e. a circuit protection assembly with two pole isolator and one or more circuit protection
devices e.g. Fuse, MCB or RCD. Therefore similar equipment includes Switch Fuse, Garage Unit, MCB
Distribution Board or PV Switchgear etc.

Therefore, are Wylex suggesting that an isolator on its own does not need to comply with 421.1.201.?

The question was asked at Elex Harrogate 2015; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJvLT7uwO58 at 26m 50s. And its seems we don't know the answer yet!

 

[Hellmooth]

Yeah seems to be that anything for protection needs to be in a non combustible enclosure, so a switch for isolation purposes wouldn't fall into that category.........seems crazy to me!

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Have you studied the whole video & remember the timing of each question?! Lol

Good post though.

 

[davesparks]

The beama interpretation of it all says that anything fitted in an external meter box doesn't need to be non combustible.

 

[rattlehead85]

I'm sure I've seen a metal clad version and talk on here about it, been on the phone to wholesaler this morning they don't have a clue and don't have anything metal!

Apparently a main switch fitted by the dno does not fall under the requirements if bs7671 rather the esqr regs hence thats how they get around the need to fit a non combustible enclosure.

 

[davesparks]

Apparently a main switch fitted by the dno does not fall under the requirements if bs7671 rather the esqr regs hence thats how they get around the need to fit a non combustible enclosure.

Ah, but if you read the DNOs own design specifications they say that any of their equipment on a consumers property needs to meet 7671 requirements

 

[rattlehead85]

Ah, but if you read the DNOs own design specifications they say that any of their equipment on a consumers property needs to meet 7671 requirements

So how the hell are they blatantly installing non compliant plastic enclosures on their main switch isolators ?? So they state one thing and then proceed to ignore their own spec.

 

[Spoon]

Ah, but if you read the DNOs own design specifications they say that any of their equipment on a consumers property needs to meet 7671 requirements

I wonder if all these new smart meters they are meant to be fitting for free are to 421.1.201

 

[Hellmooth]

What a hassle to get organised, phoned up to pay and get a day set up, all I got told was I would get an email through, didn't receive it till 4 hours later, I then have to send back a signed agreement, pay the £133 online, and according to the t&c's they will get the work done within 8 weeks! The woman did tell me within 10 days though, but no date will be given they will just aim to get it done within 10 days, and all this for them to fit a plastic isolator! Think I'll be pulling the fuse myself and fitting a switch in a non combustible enclosure at weekend, joke!