Power for new security alarm

[pc1966]

We are looking at getting a professionally installed alarm to keep insurer's happier, and that will need a power feed which (miraculously) we had always planned and the RCBO is in our TPN board ready for it. However, I would rather not have the installers working in there for various reasons even though the quote says "Electrical connection to controls (24hr unswitched, fused outlet) will be supplied by [company]" so I plan to fit an outlet for it.

I was thinking of the MK K963KOALM FCU that has a key-switch and secured fuse holder:

13A DP Key Operated Fused Spur with Neon Metal Clad

Backed out captive terminal screws

www.cef.co.uk

So a few questions for folks on the forum:

• Am I right that DP switching is normally required for any alarm maintenance, even though they say unswitched?
• Is the key-switch on that model the same as the MK grid switch units?
• Anyone know of what screwdriver fits the fuse's security "snake eyes" screw, or if it can be replaced with a normal slotted screw off another MK FCU?

TL;DR How best to feed an alarm panel?

 

[westward10]

For a TN system you just need an unswitched fuse connection unit, intruder alarms tend to have unswitched to prevent unauthorised operation.

 

[pc1966]

For a TN system you just need an unswitched fuse connection unit, intruder alarms tend to have unswitched to prevent unauthorised operation.

OK, so just remove (and lock as needed) the fuse holder out?

In our case the panel and FCU will only be accessible by authorised folk anyway, so 'tamper resistant' is not as important as 'not accidentally switched off by leaning on it'.

 

[westward10]

Yes just remove the fuse and lock off if necessary.

 

[snowhead]

The other end of the "Fish Key" that operates the switch should fit the Fuse screw, they'll be one included.
Check second picture on link.

 

[pc1966]

The other end of the "Fish Key" that operates the switch should fit the Fuse screw, they'll be one included.
Check second picture on link.

Ah, so simple yet so cunning!

 

[pc1966]

I maybe should have added we have a 300mA delay RCD incomer and the Hager RCBO are SP switching, so I also would prefer the DP switch in case of isolating N-E faults in the unit.

 

[westward10]

I maybe should have added we have a 300mA delay RCD incomer and the Hager RCBO are SP switching, so I also would prefer the DP switch in case of isolating N-E faults in the unit.

Me thinks you over think things

 

[pc1966]

Me thinks you over think things

You are not the first to tell me that

Probably won't be the last either!