Shower Isolator

[johnboy6083]

In over 20 years I think I have replaced maybe 2 or 3 blown fuses on appliances, rarely due to a fault. Can you honestly say that you often get problems with having to replace 2 fuses due to an electrician fitting an SFCU, rather than a DP switch?

I've found that when replacing a fuse in an FCU, or socket, the other one doesn't last long after. Not many times, but it's avoidable, and 20a switches are cheap and common. I also think they are asthetically pleasing. Of course this is my opinion, and open to discussion

 

[Moses]

Local isolation in domestic circumstances is very rarely needed, but almost always preferred.

It may not be required by the regs but its common sense.

We have electric/electric appliances for modern convenience.
We install Local isolation for safety & convenience.

 

[hagmeister]

Thats the way I thought about it - most showers have the above switches inbuilt and if isolation is required, flip the MCB down - you'll know which one cos you would have labelled it on installation!! Also if no roof space available, how you gonna get to the shower unit? Under the floor, (tiled presumably), and then the "making good" would only be a little more involved if a pull switch WERE to be added compared to the massive amount for the shower wiring itself?

 

[D Skelton]

It may not be required by the regs but its common sense.

We have electric/electric appliances for modern convenience.
We install Local isolation for safety & convenience.

Erm, I think we're arguing over the same point???

Have a read of my post again.

 

[Des 56]

Shower isolators are the perfect tool for 90% of faults on shower installations with those obligatory burnt cores of course

Other than the above and some peoples obsession with using them like a light switch,I reckon installations would be safer without them

 

[Jimmy Boy]

Equipment should be installed in line with the regs and the manufacturers instructions, they almost always ask for a DP Isolator you would beon thin ice if someone got an asswinder and it couldn't be isolated quickly, besides which DP isolated circuits are belt and braces (No nasty N borrows) and you won't achieve that with an mcb only the MS or a DP RCD

ATB S

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Equipment should be installed in line with the regs and the manufacturers instructions, they almost always ask for a DP Isolator you would beon thin ice if someone got an asswinder and it couldn't be isolated quickly, besides which DP isolated circuits are belt and braces (No nasty N borrows) and you won't achieve that with an mcb only the MS or a DP RCD

ATB S

There will be a DP isolator in the CU so thats covered......I always fit a local DP isolator where possible,but did do one recently where it wasnt practical so used the separate 1way CU at the intake.

 

[Guitarist]

There will be a DP isolator in the CU so thats covered......I always fit a local DP isolator where possible,but did do one recently where it wasnt practical so used the separate 1way CU at the intake.

I think the boys above are referring to the use of the MCB as isolation, which obviously isn't DP. The main RCD/SW in a CU should not be used as it would affect several circuits (referring to your 1st statement. Obviously different if a 1-way CU).