Isolator instead of red cut out link

[newfutile]

a collegue of mine has been told by a meter changer that we must have a red cut out before the meter.

currently there is a 2 pole isolator ,we assume its properly fused in the ryfield board (he has gone back to check).

i dont think BS7671 covers this though it may fall to us are we are most likely the BNO (owning the building).

does anyone know if ESQCR or any other regulation applies to this?

 

[littlespark]

Red cutouts are just links, aren’t they? No fuse, just a link.

The isolator is doing the same job as pulling a link out, and has the benefit of isolating the neutral as well…. Something a red link won’t do on its own.

To me, it seems pointless, but they could have their own ideas.

 

[newfutile]

That's what we thought unless esqcr or maybe a type of lock off procedure (keep cut out in pocket) says otherwise,could be he don't know what he is talking about I guess.

 

[Brother Blue]

It's probably because cutouts can be sealed with their standard methods.

Also meter fitters are trained to do everything in a certain way with minimal deviation, they may not even understand that the isolator does the same thing as the redhead.

 

[oscar21]

Thats a bit over the top -fuse in the bemco board-isolator-meter-isolator-fused isolator-submain-isolator-RCBO'S/Mcb's.

 

[littlespark]

You can get lockouts for isolators same as you do for single module breakers..
And the connection cover can be sealed… there’s little holes in the plastic in front of where the screwheads are.

I would argue removing the link, or a cutout fuse for that matter leaves an exposed live part… ( ok, you would need to be poking about to find it) whereas an isolator, locked off, would be safer.

 

[Brother Blue]

You can get lockouts for isolators same as you do for single module breakers..
And the connection cover can be sealed… there’s little holes in the plastic in front of where the screwheads are.

I would argue removing the link, or a cutout fuse for that matter leaves an exposed live part… ( ok, you would need to be poking about to find it) whereas an isolator, locked off, would be safer.

You would need a tamper-evident means of securing the isolator in the closed position. The concern won't be about locking off but deterring tampering with the supply to the meter.

 

[7029 dave]

I would prefer to see a red link cutout before the meter in this situation.
As in certain circumstances the need may arise to withdraw the red head remove the copper link and put back in the carrier and seal up the cut out with seals (de energise) , also its the BNO demarcation point.

 

[oscar21]

Why is there a need for anything, I've seen many setups where the tails from the bemco go straight into the meter.

 

[7029 dave]

Why is there a need for anything, I've seen many setups where the tails from the bemco go straight into the meter.

But where is the multi way in this situation.?