Main swich between tails

[peteelecs]

Hi
could someone clarify for me please if I use a Henley block to add a shower unit next to my cu is it compulsory to put a 100A main switch between the meter and the Henley block?

 

[SirKit Breaker]

No it isnt.

Take your tails suitable for the rating of the cutout fuse ( i always fit 25mm) from your henly block to the isolator in your shower CU, these are usually 63a 30ma, then connect up your shower to the MCB, connect your earth, give it a test,job done. However this is a job that falls under Part P notification..........i wont ram it down your throat.

 

[sparks1234]

Yes it is

If you install a henly block or come from an existing henly block to your isolator or switchfuse, you then in effect have no main switch as you have to turn 2 switches off to isolate the installation.

I installed one today, they are made by Wylex called an REC2 and cost all of 17 quid.

Others would argue that the cutout fuse is the main isolator but that just does not wash

 

[Amp David]

Those Wylex REC2S isolators are perfect, as thats what the supplier usually use. Get them from RS for a tenner

 

[monkeyelectric]

Yes it is

If you install a henly block or come from an existing henly block to your isolator or switchfuse, you then in effect have no main switch as you have to turn 2 switches off to isolate the installation.

I installed one today, they are made by Wylex called an REC2 and cost all of 17 quid.

Others would argue that the cutout fuse is the main isolator but that just does not wash

I agree, you need to be able to isolate the installation at one point, good those Wylex rec2's or any enclosure with a 100amp main switch would suffice but the wylex is more compact

 

[sparks1234]

Those Wylex REC2S isolators are perfect, as thats what the supplier usually use. Get them from RS for a tenner

For a tenner eh....I have been robbed...LOL

 

[Amp David]

At least when using the Wylex unit, you don't have to fanny about putting holes in the enclosure for the tails to pass through like in the bog standard insulated ones.

For a tenner eh....I have been robbed...LOL

And from RS of all places

 

[peteelecs]

Thankyou all for your advice
Where can i get one from?

 

[Amp David]

I picked them up from rs components as the're cheaper than my wholesaler

| Electrical Installation | Consumer Units | Consumer Units | Wylex NH Range |REC2S

 

[Spudnik]

The installation work YOU do (eg sep cu) must have a single point of isolation, which would be the main switch for the CU that you have just installed.

Therefore, you would then have 2 installations in one building, with a main switch for each installation.

No need for a separate isolator.

 

[sparks1234]

The installation work YOU do (eg sep cu) must have a single point of isolation, which would be the main switch for the CU that you have just installed.

Therefore, you would then have 2 installations in one building, with a main switch for each installation.

No need for a separate isolator.

Been through this before,

You cannot have 2 main switches in your house, this does not make it a main switch.

There should be a single means of isolation, therefore a switch is installed before the henly block and this then complies

 

[Spudnik]

I know we have.

But i save 17 quid and still comply

 

[sparks1234]

I know we have.

But i save 17 quid and still comply

Well...no you dont, have a look in the NIC testing and inspecting book on page 197 and it lays it all out for you there...

 

[Spudnik]

I dont have the NIC testing book as i dont belong to them, although thats not a reason to not have one.

Anyhoo, give the Elecsa tech chaps a call tomorrow.

I would be interested to hear what they tell you as i was told this info by my assessor a week or two back.

 

[Des 56]

I always interpreted the regs as a main switch being a single means of isolation for an installation
I used to argue that this meant having to install as mentioned, an isolator to supply both boards

My view changed when it was clarified that a building can have more than one installation and that each installation had to have one means of isolotion,an example was made of a building (large ind unit etc) that had 2 seperate suoplies and therefore could not comply if the interpretation was as I understood it to be

I agree with Jasons view since my conversion