question about kitchen socket isolation for PIR

MattBoyle · Sep 17, 2010

I have a question regarding a periodic inspection i am about to do on a domestic dwelling. Before I do the job I have already seen part of the house and I know in the kitchen there are sockets behind appliances with no other means of isolation other than pulling out the appliance. So my question is, when I come to do the report, what code should it be given? I presume it would not constitute a code 1, however, I can find arguments supporting both code 2 and code 4. I would personally give it a code 2, but thought I would get some more opinions from other electricians before I complete the report.

Thanks.

telectrix · Sep 17, 2010

i would think that if the socket/s behind the appliances are for their respective appliances, i'd code 4 it as they were compliant with the regs. when installed.

Des 56 · Sep 17, 2010

Not good practice to have the described set up,however,
If the appliances are intergrated,then the means of isolation are very restricted
If they are for instance,a washing machine that can be pulled out,then the means of isolation may be not ideal,but it is available
Apparantly.many appliances have their own controls that satisfy the regs

For the intergrated variety i would code 2
For the pull out washer, no code

Jay Sparks · Sep 18, 2010

For the intergrated variety i would code 2
For the pull out washer, no code[/QUOTE]

The company I work for do alot of rewires for a very large housing association and they dont put FCUs in for the washer or the dryer. They have kitchen units at either side so, you can only access the plug by pulling out the appliance. I personally would put an FCU in for all such appliances but I dont think there is a reg that says you have to. I could be wrong, and if I am I will have to inform my boss cos I do all the testing on these houses.
Jay