Kitchen - Isolator Switches Location

[gembrain]

Hi All,

Finalising new kitchen...

Is there any problem having isolator switches in a kitchen cupboard?

At the moment I've got an isolator switch for the induction Hob where the splashback will go but the rest are to go in a cupboard next to the oven. 

Sparky says it's OK but just want to check he's not missed some new reg....

Thanks

 

[NozSpark]

I regularly put them in an adjacent cupboard,,, however always towards the front and high up (out of the way but easily accessible)

 

[Doc Hudson]

The accessibility part is so it can still be opened up, inspect, test or modify the connections. Not just accessible to operate the switch. So you shouldn't fit the accessory then box in or bury it behind other cupboard structure or pipes etc. 

Doc H.

 

[gembrain]

Thanks folks

So the accessibility bit of it has got nowt to do with a user not familiar with the location of isolators being able to switch off something quickly?

 

[Essex1]

I personally do not like switches in cupboards. As Doc says they will be almost impossible to get into to inspect at later dates.

 

[Sharpend]

Why can't they go on wall?

 

[Rob_the_rich]

Thanks folks

So the accessibility bit of it has got nowt to do with a user not familiar with the location of isolators being able to switch off something quickly?

Yes, all appliances with motors should have emergency switches. But it is accepted that they can go in cupboards near to the appliance. Usually on the hinge side, towards the front and high up if in a base unit or around the first shelf if in a wall unit.People are likely to soon notice a visible labelled FCU. If the Kitchen is to be continuously used by people unfamiliar with it, consideration should be given to siting the switches visible above the worktop.

 

[Doc Hudson]

Thanks folks

So the accessibility bit of it has got nowt to do with a user not familiar with the location of isolators being able to switch off something quickly?

Accessibility for normal use of switches is common sense. But a lot of installers forget sections 513 & 526 of the BS7671, which clearly states that connections must be accessible for maintenance inspection and testing. Unless they are maintenance free connections, crimps, solder, welded, buried encapsulated etc, then you have to be able to access the joints.  I have seen a lot of kitchen appliance sockets and switches that are almost impossible to take the front off and re terminate because shelves and other bits of kitchen have been built in front. Emergency switching is not normally to much of an issue with domestic kitchen appliances.

Doc H.

 

[Evans Electric]

Agree with above and add that it has become common practice to fit isolators in adjacent cupboards .   Doesn't take much common sense to look in a nearby cupboard really. 

 

[Sharpend]

Whilst it has become common practice to put these in cupboards, wasn't there a Reg that said that outlets should be fitted to the fabric of the building and as such a kitchen cupboard was not deemed to be the fabric of the building? Or was I away with the fairies?

 

[kerching]

Whilst it has become common practice to put these in cupboards, wasn't there a Reg that said that outlets should be fitted to the fabric of the building and as such a kitchen cupboard was not deemed to be the fabric of the building? Or was I away with the fairies?

I Remember that...something to.do ,with being attached to,a permanent structure.

Some interpreted this as the "building fabric"

I believe it was then changed and "kitchen cupboards"became classed as a permanent structure..........I think!

 

[NozSpark]

Whilst I always make sure that any isolator, etc that I fit inside a cabinet is right towards the front...... I have a landlord who has a Wylex brown domino fuse board right at the back, on the side, of a 300mm cabinet..

Will I work on it??????

Will I *&$%

 

[Doc Hudson]

I believe it was then changed and "kitchen cupboards"became classed as a permanent structure..........I think!

I think it pivoted around what furniture was movable under normal use. Kitchen units that are screwed to a wall fixed under a worktops are not generally movable by the user.

Doc H.  

 

[gembrain]

Thanks for all the replies folks. Makes an interesting thread for me and certainly seems to cover all bases . This really is a great forum.

Sharpend - I was originally thinking all on the splashback but with the number of bits she who must be obeyed is wanting I would have ended up with switches too near the sink......

So, front of fixed cupboards with easy access will do nicely!

 

[Zeespark]

Why not use a grid system with a socket wall mounted? :innocent

Andy Guinness