Shower isolators - Do we need them or not?

[dbardell]

Hi Guys,

Searched the regs and internet and I cant find a definitive answer on whether they are needed to not. Found a few posts on here from a couple of years ago but there are a lot of mixed opinions.

I’ve got mixed views, always installed them but I don’t think they are very nessacary. Most of the time they break because the consumer uses them as a functional switch rather than a point of isolation.

Do we need them or can the MCB be used as isolation for maintenance and cleaning?

Thanks Dan

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Not required, but if fitted should only be turned off for holidays etc, not after every shower.

 

[123]

Most manufacturers insist on them...but I think they break because in general they are poorly made, and also quite poorly fitted.

If fitting a Pullcord it's got to be either Crabtree 50A (Round) Click 50A (Round) or Click 50A (Square).

 

[westward10]

The problem is now that showers are becoming so ridiculously powerful that the domestic range of isolation become weak links due to their size and the inability to effectively connect the size of cable required to power them. Soon we will be seeing Glasgow isolators on the landing.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Most manufacturers insist on them...but I think they break because in general they are poorly made, and also quite poorly fitted.

The cannot insist on them. They can suggest them in their instructions. But manufacturers instructions are guidance only and don't have to be followed especially when they are wrong, (which is not unusual).

 

[Octopus]

There is no reg but with RCD installations you do need DP isolation for fixed appliances, so when the RCD trips you can easily isolate the appliance.

 

[HandySparks]

If I can, I use one of these 50A DP switches, usually in an adjacent cupboard. I also fit them for cookers where possible, again in a cupboard. Loads of space for termination of large cables and two screws per terminal. Zero risk of burning out.

50 Amp DP Switch - Oblong with Neon - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CB4500slash3.html

 

[GeorgeCooke]

OK, but why the neon? It can't be seen in a cupboard, will go black after a few years and is a (small) waste of electricity.

 

[HandySparks]

OK, but why the neon? It can't be seen in a cupboard, will go black after a few years and is a (small) waste of electricity.

I agree, it doesn't really need a neon. I think the ones with a neon were cheaper than the ones without.

 

[dbardell]

Thanks folks!

 

[7029 dave]

I like local isolation with fixed appliances, am old school.

 

[telectrix]

they should be plate switches, mounted outside the bathroom. then by the flick of a switch, you can tell teenagers that time is up.

 

[SparkyChick]

The cannot insist on them. They can suggest them in their instructions. But manufacturers instructions are guidance only and don't have to be followed especially when they are wrong, (which is not unusual).

So the regs state manufacturers instructions should be taken into account... how would you explain your decision not to fit a local isolator if the instructions explicitly state you should install one?

 

[Pete999]

Even if it comes that a switch is not required, there will be absolutely, no chance what so ever of me clambering about in my roof space to pull the 10mm2 back and reconnect it directly into the shower, not ever.

 

[SparkyChick]

@EbolaSideRoom - Just curious... why the dislike? I'm genuinely interested how you might go about justifying not following the manufacturers installation instructions in this instance.