which type of isolator as back up for tails over 3metres?

Aaron Roberts · Feb 17, 2012

I'm changing my old rewirable cu for a new dual rcd board and must also replace the old isolator located away from the cu. It's next to the meter which is over 3 metres away in the front porch.

Which type of isolator should I use and how should it be fitted e.g. in an ip rated enclosure using blind grommets with slits in. Is this method in breach of the regs ip4x?

Please help

thw1965 · Feb 17, 2012

well if its in a covered waterproof porch it wont require a waterproof enclosure. Any double pole isolator with the appropriate ampage rating, they are normally 80 or100 amps will do.

Knobhead · Feb 17, 2012

HaHa now go walking the trolls

rich.250 · Feb 17, 2012

It will need to be an over current protective device, not isolator. As you are 'fusing down' to protect the tails.
I'd suggest a switched fuse unit

rich.250 · Feb 17, 2012

Also IP4X is only for a readily accessible top surface, The rest you need to achieve IP2X.
And additional protection for tails if buried in a wall, by rcd or other means.
Hope this helps

WPD Lad · Feb 18, 2012

Sounds like you'll need a KMF depending on the route of the tails

High Tower · Feb 18, 2012

kmf or if your feeling flush, a wylex 110/M switch fuse

Engineer54 · Feb 18, 2012

thw1965 said:
well if its in a covered waterproof porch it wont require a waterproof enclosure. Any double pole isolator with the appropriate ampage rating, they are normally 80 or100 amps will do.

An isolator won't cut it i'm afraid, it needs to be an appropriately rated switch fuse.

Richard · Feb 18, 2012

Always used a KMF in this situation. Rich

GLENNSPARK · Feb 18, 2012

firstly ...you need to be sure that the new position for the C/U is OK.....that is to say that the C/U and anything alse asocciated with this install (earthing....bonding ...both main and supplementary) etc is up to the latest edition of BS7671...before undertaking ANY WORK HERE...............

GLENNSPARK · Feb 18, 2012

and to make sure that theres no external influeses (mutual detrimental influenses)such as hot pipework.....band 2`s..or any other sillyness like that................