Seperate Isolator needed for machine or not?

robbo777 · Feb 3, 2016

Hi

I have a machine that I will be installing at the weekend, it has its own rotary isolator on the front panel and just can't decide if it will also need its own local isolation too.
If i fit local isolation because of the route that i'm bringing the cable down (to the right hand side of the panel) it will quite literally only be about 10 inches away from the machines own isolator.
So does it need a separate one?

Many Thanks

Darkwood · Feb 3, 2016

Is the isolation switch a door interlock or door mount (not interlocked).

robbo777 · Feb 3, 2016

Its an interlock

Darkwood · Feb 3, 2016

Just check that there is absolutely no reason for an operator or any other non-competent person to enter the panel for say resetting a device etc and that only trained competent personel would open the panel up then your good to just wire straight into panel, usually if a panel door can be opened without it been isolated as in a non interlocked switch then you would need a local means of isolation to limit risk of the odd idiot that may enter without permission.. its a bit of risk assessment and common sense on judgement.

davesparks · Feb 3, 2016

Are you working to a specification/design or just making it up as you go along?

robbo777 · Feb 3, 2016

Thanks mate, I think I'll add the local isolation just to be on the safe side, I've got a feeling (although I didn't try) that the interlock may actually be damaged anyways so the door can be opened in the 'on' position

robbo777 · Feb 3, 2016

davesparks said:
Are you working to a specification/design or just making it up as you go along?

No, there's no design

shanky887614 · Feb 3, 2016

does it have covers over the live side of the isolator connections that would require a tool to remove? ive seen that a lot in some control panels where a sheet of clear acrylic (or similar looking plastic) acts as a barrier.

davesparks · Feb 4, 2016

robbo777 said:
No, there's no design

Aha, and does the design you are working to specify and isolator?

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 4, 2016

Ah ha, a trick question.
Love em.

Hawk · Feb 4, 2016

Yeah fit an isolator.

Pete999 · Feb 4, 2016

Has the switch got a lock OFF facility? are all the live conductors switched when switched OFF?

Deleted member 26818 · Feb 4, 2016

Please tell me that's not a pallet wrapping machine?

ipf · Feb 6, 2016

darkwood said:
Just check that there is absolutely no reason for an operator or any other non-competent person to enter the panel for say resetting a device etc and that only trained competent personel would open the panel up then your good to just wire straight into panel, usually if a panel door can be opened without it been isolated as in a non interlocked switch then you would need a local means of isolation to limit risk of the odd idiot that may enter without permission.. its a bit of risk assessment and common sense on judgement.

That's right, those odd idiots ALWAYS look for local isolation before sticking their digits in..:icon12: