Fire Alarm Isolator

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Just found this on evilbay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIRE-ALARM-SYSTEM-PANEL-MAINS-ISOLATOR-SPUR-240V-/110622537820?pt=UK_Safety_Alarms&hash=item19c19df85c . Views please .

 

[batty]

Does that isolate the CPC also?

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Does that isolate the CPC also?

I hope not. It does not say so and has a double pole switch, why do you think it might ?

 

[batty]

Sorry just had a quick look I thought the circuit board was part of the switch. Second look I see the switch is below. I see its sold by a fire alarm company so probably should be OK. Are you thinking of buying one?

 

[wozz]

Fitted similar a few times but mk version still that sort of money.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Not sure if i trust it and the key gets lost. Will have to work out what a MK key switch, fuse holder, grid & plate costs. That lot would not have a neon either. 

 

[wozz]

On the fire alarm course I went on I think they suggested this was the only way to comply or possibly a fire alarm switch fuse. I will have to check the fire regs when I'm home.

 

[kme]

I don`t like the fact that the fuse is rated 6A, yet the keyswitch is only rated 4A - wouldn`t think it compliant, tbh.

Plus, initial look at the PCB seemed to suggest the cpc and N were interrupted by the keyswitch - but we obviously can`t see the tracks on the rear of the PCB

 

[Evans Electric]

Why would it need a PCB I ask ?    A keyswitch  + fuse   would do the job .

Someone does a keyswitch one , similar to an Emgy test Switch with a red plate . 

It was always an unswitched spur for years.

 

[wozz]

No expert and don't do this sort of thing often but...

Wouldn't have thought the rating would be too much of a problem, how much do fire alarms draw? And aren't they not always fused straight away inside?

And if it's a isolator it's got to have a clear indication of on and off a key switch and a unswitched fused spur don't provide this. You could argue to MCb or fuse does this but is there a requirement in fa regs for it to be local?

 

[Phoenix]

We normally use a MK grid with fuse and DP secret key, if theres room we make it a double box and 3 module grid and add a power on neon as well (generally on new installed, where as on existing swaps you have to fit in the existing single box)

 

[Sidewinder]

I would not trust them, as, it seems they want us to install to US requirements!

 

[wozz]

Might be of interest

http://www.mkelectric.com/en-ar/News/Pages/FireAlarmIsolator.aspx

 

[Bacon]

Fitted one a few weeks back very similar

 

[wozz]

I think it's a bit of a rip off for the money . But there doesn't seem to be many alternatives!

 

[alpha spark]

Was fitting loads of fire alarms last year the key switches we used were contactum

Was impressed with them to be honest and bet there cheaper than mk

Link is below but the ones we used didn't have the flex outlet hole

http://www.contactum.co.uk/products/connection-unit/13a-dp-key-switch-connection-unit-flex-outlet-flush-mounting-no-back-box

 

[Evans Electric]

Those are the ones I saw advertised ......... who needs a PCB in the back ?

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Was fitting loads of fire alarms last year the key switches we used were contactum

Was impressed with them to be honest and bet there cheaper than mk

Link is below but the ones we used didn't have the flex outlet hole

http://www.contactum.co.uk/products/connection-unit/13a-dp-key-switch-connection-unit-flex-outlet-flush-mounting-no-back-box

That looks more like it.

 

[wozz]

Does that meet the definition of a isolator? I'm not sure it does.

Found it think this is the one that I last used http://www.rbstarelectrical.co.uk/mk-k4780whi-fire-alarm-isolator-switch.html

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

No fuse in the MK one

A  fish tail key is acceptable for a fire alarm. The fact the isolator is meant to be adjacent to the panel (BS5839) you could fit a normal spur, except some idiot is bound to switch it off.