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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Wiring Immersion Heater
The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion
heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin |
#2
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 24/06/14 13:42, Kevin wrote:
The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin Normal switched fused spur is fine. |
#3
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On Tuesday, June 24, 2014 1:42:43 PM UTC+1, K wrote:
The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? Fused connection unit (spur switch) should also have a double pole switch anyway. However they're rated at 13 amp max and contain a cartridge fuse. The fuse contacts especially can be vulnerable to poor contact and heating from a sustained 3 kW load. A 20 amp switch would be more robust. Owain |
#4
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 24/06/2014 13:42, Kevin wrote:
The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Either are fine in most cases (yes the DP does just switch the N in addition). There is a small advantage to DP switching if the immersion is on a circuit that shares a RCD with other circuits, since a fault heater could cause nuisance trips via N to E leakage, so being able to fully isolate it is handy. -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
#5
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Wiring Immersion Heater
Of course it is, for many y years the cheap timer on ours worked and it was
just a single contact on the live side. I think the newer clock has a double pole relay in it though, for whatever reason. Brian -- From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active "Tim Watts" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 13:42, Kevin wrote: The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin Normal switched fused spur is fine. |
#6
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Wiring Immersion Heater
I have had to replace melted fused spur units.
I guess it is vital to go for best quality. |
#7
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Wiring Immersion Heater
In article 2,
DerbyBorn writes: I have had to replace melted fused spur units. I guess it is vital to go for best quality. Absolutely, and good tight connections. If it's on a circuit which is protected by 16A MCB, don't use a fused spur, just use a 20A switch. In this case, the 13A fuse is doing nothing except getting hot and possibly contributing to earlier failure... -- Andrew Gabriel [email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup] |
#8
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. In days of yore, single pole switches were normal on sockets and "spur switches" Now you can get ones with double pole switches This is why some fans need a three pole switch. L+N+control wire. |
#9
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"harryagain" wrote in message
... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. -- Adam |
#10
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote:
"harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. -- Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc-ra-cy) €“ a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers. |
#11
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) -- Adam |
#12
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On Tue, 24 Jun 2014 15:51:33 +0000 (UTC), Andrew Gabriel wrote:
I have had to replace melted fused spur units. I guess it is vital to go for best quality. If it's on a circuit which is protected by 16A MCB, don't use a fused spur, just use a 20A switch. In this case, the 13A fuse is doing nothing except getting hot and possibly contributing to earlier failure... +1 Hager are a decent make I believe. Didn't stop one of their switched fused connection units going into meltdown when feeding one of the storage heaters. All the storage heaters had SFCU's, note past tense they all have 20A DP switches now. -- Cheers Dave. |
#13
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 24/06/2014 21:44, ARW wrote:
"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. 16th edition wording[1]: "Except as required by Regulation 476-01-03, in TN-S or TN-C-S systems the neutral conductor need not be isolated or switched, where the neutral conductor can reliably be regarded as being at earth potential. For supplies which arc provided in accordance with the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, the supply neutral conductor (PEN or N) is considered to be connected with earth by a suitably low resistance." There are additional requirements for isolation for items requiring mechanical maintenance. [1] cos I have that to hand in a PDF and can't be arsed to get the book down from the shelf and scan it! -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
#14
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 24/06/14 21:44, ARW wrote:
"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? safer to have it left in place The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? At the CU you can GUARANTEE - because its attached to the bus - that its the live you are disconnecting.. Do you trust the sparky to have not swapped live and neutral down on a spur? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) Never said Harry was right, just that you weren't 100% right either. -- Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc-ra-cy) €“ a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers. |
#15
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"ARW" wrote in message ... "The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. The cooker switch next to the cooker is double pole. So the cooker can be tested and repaired. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) The reason for isoation is simple. It is for repairs and maintenance. How can you perform an insulation test if the neutral is still connected (to earth)? Also in certain (unsual) fault cases the neutral might become live. |
#16
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 25/06/2014 06:54, harryagain wrote:
"ARW" wrote in message ... "The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. The cooker switch next to the cooker is double pole. So the cooker can be tested and repaired. There are separate and specific requirements for cooker switches however that don't apply to immersion heaters. As Adam highlighted, in a domestic environment you could turn off the main switch of the CU for the purpose of isolating an immersion if absolutely necessary. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) The reason for isoation is simple. It is for repairs and maintenance. How can you perform an insulation test if the neutral is still connected (to earth)? You disconnect the cable at the connection point or in the CU, same as you would for any other circuit. Also in certain (unsual) fault cases the neutral might become live. Neutral is always a live wire, not just under fault conditions. -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
#17
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
... I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? safer to have it left in place The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? At the CU you can GUARANTEE - because its attached to the bus - that its the live you are disconnecting.. Guarantee my arse. Here is one I took earllier. eg http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?...dual_RCDCU.jpg Do you trust the sparky to have not swapped live and neutral down on a spur? No, but you prove dead after switching off If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) Never said Harry was right, just that you weren't 100% right either. My case is watertight and the photo is extra proof. -- Adam |
#18
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"harryagain" wrote in message
... "ARW" wrote in message ... "The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. The cooker switch next to the cooker is double pole. So the cooker can be tested and repaired. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) The reason for isoation is simple. It is for repairs and maintenance. How can you perform an insulation test if the neutral is still connected (to earth)? Disconnect the appliance neutral somewhere. Of course with lighting circuit there are not usually lots of double pole switches used. Also in certain (unsual) fault cases the neutral might become live. Such as? -- Adam |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 25/06/14 18:18, ARW wrote:
Guarantee my arse. Here is one I took earllier. eg http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?...dual_RCDCU.jpg So not only is the 2nd RCD polarity reversed, it's being fed by the 1st (right) RCD? |
#20
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"ARW" wrote in message ... "harryagain" wrote in message ... "ARW" wrote in message ... "The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. The cooker switch next to the cooker is double pole. So the cooker can be tested and repaired. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) The reason for isoation is simple. It is for repairs and maintenance. How can you perform an insulation test if the neutral is still connected (to earth)? Disconnect the appliance neutral somewhere. Of course with lighting circuit there are not usually lots of double pole switches used. Also in certain (unsual) fault cases the neutral might become live. Such as? -- Adam Wired up wrong (reverse polarity) by someone. |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"harryagain" wrote in message
... "ARW" wrote in message ... "harryagain" wrote in message ... "ARW" wrote in message ... "The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. The cooker switch next to the cooker is double pole. So the cooker can be tested and repaired. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) The reason for isoation is simple. It is for repairs and maintenance. How can you perform an insulation test if the neutral is still connected (to earth)? Disconnect the appliance neutral somewhere. Of course with lighting circuit there are not usually lots of double pole switches used. Also in certain (unsual) fault cases the neutral might become live. Such as? -- Adam Wired up wrong (reverse polarity) by someone. That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. -- Adam |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 25/06/14 19:05, ARW wrote:
That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. And you prove your prover first I always test my probe on a known live first. |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
ARW pretended :
Such as? If for any reason a main neutral is lost, the the neutral will become live. -- Regards, Harry (M1BYT) (L) http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk... ARW pretended : Such as? If for any reason a main neutral is lost, the the neutral will become live. What is a main neutral? -- Adam |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
In article ,
ARW wrote: That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. when I started updating the wiring etc in this house (wth lighting switch in the bathroom was fed in lead sheathed cable) I found a junction box with red & black going in and black & red coming out. -- From KT24 Using a RISC OS computer running v5.18 |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"charles" wrote in message
... In article , ARW wrote: That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. when I started updating the wiring etc in this house (wth lighting switch in the bathroom was fed in lead sheathed cable) I found a junction box with red & black going in and black & red coming out. Its not uncommon to find a junction box like that when you have only two red and two black wires into the junction box. -- Adam |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
In article , ARW
wrote: "charles" wrote in message ... In article , ARW wrote: That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. when I started updating the wiring etc in this house (wth lighting switch in the bathroom was fed in lead sheathed cable) I found a junction box with red & black going in and black & red coming out. Its not uncommon to find a junction box like that when you have only two red and two black wires into the junction box. you mean it's normal to join red to black and black to red inside the box? -- From KT24 Using a RISC OS computer running v5.18 |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 25/06/14 19:36, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
ARW pretended : Such as? If for any reason a main neutral is lost, the the neutral will become live. This is why they have MEN on TN-C-S systems. |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 2014-06-25, ARW wrote:
"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... .... The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? At the CU you can GUARANTEE - because its attached to the bus - that its the live you are disconnecting.. Guarantee my arse. Here is one I took earllier. eg http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?...dual_RCDCU.jpg Is there another photo after you worked on it? ;-) |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"ARW" wrote in message ... "harryagain" wrote in message ... "ARW" wrote in message ... "harryagain" wrote in message ... "ARW" wrote in message ... "The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 24/06/14 20:31, ARW wrote: "harryagain" wrote in message ... "Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. I am not sure that it has ever been a requirement to switch the neutral on a TN system and that that "requirement" is a load of ******** made up by people talking themselves into believing it after misreading the regs. Its fairly common practice and in SOME of the regs that SOME kit must be totally isolatable. That includes all bathroom kit and usually cookers and immersion heaters. Not sure the latter is a regulation tho. The manufacturers of the equipment often say you need "Omnipolar switching" - but you would not switch the earth would you? The main switch of the CU is an isolator suitable for all isolation purposes. This is local isolation that the OP is talking about. If you are allowed to work on a circuit with a single pole MCB as the isolation why can you not work on an appliance that is locally isolated via a single pole device? If a cooker switch need changing where is the isolation for the cooker switch? On a TN system you would use the MCB for the cooker circuit - and nothing else. The cooker switch next to the cooker is double pole. So the cooker can be tested and repaired. Anyway - I have proof that I am correct. harry said "All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch.". I rest my case;-) The reason for isoation is simple. It is for repairs and maintenance. How can you perform an insulation test if the neutral is still connected (to earth)? Disconnect the appliance neutral somewhere. Of course with lighting circuit there are not usually lots of double pole switches used. Also in certain (unsual) fault cases the neutral might become live. Such as? -- Adam Wired up wrong (reverse polarity) by someone. That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. The most likely test to perform is insulation and you can't do that if the appliance is still connected to neutral. |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"charles" wrote in message ... In article , ARW wrote: "charles" wrote in message ... In article , ARW wrote: That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. when I started updating the wiring etc in this house (wth lighting switch in the bathroom was fed in lead sheathed cable) I found a junction box with red & black going in and black & red coming out. Its not uncommon to find a junction box like that when you have only two red and two black wires into the junction box. you mean it's normal to join red to black and black to red inside the box? In days of yore there was no twin red/brown cable, so it was common in lighting circuits. But there was single core double sheath. cable, now disappeared. The three terminal system of wiring was unknown too. |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
harryagain wrote:
there was single core double sheath. cable, now disappeared. There is still 6241Y if you want single+earth or 6181Y if you don't want an earth. |
#33
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Wiring Immersion Heater
In article , harryagain
wrote: "charles" wrote in message ... In article , ARW wrote: "charles" wrote in message ... In article , ARW wrote: That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. when I started updating the wiring etc in this house (wth lighting switch in the bathroom was fed in lead sheathed cable) I found a junction box with red & black going in and black & red coming out. Its not uncommon to find a junction box like that when you have only two red and two black wires into the junction box. you mean it's normal to join red to black and black to red inside the box? In days of yore there was no twin red/brown cable, so it was common in lighting circuits. there was twin red/black. I've still got half a drum. But there was single core double sheath. cable, now disappeared. The three terminal system of wiring was unknown too. by 3 terminal, I assume you mean adding an earth - or do you mean loop through? -- From KT24 Using a RISC OS computer running v5.18 |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
On 26/06/2014 05:54, harryagain wrote:
The most likely test to perform is insulation and you can't do that if the appliance is still connected to neutral. Of course you can, if it fails you will have to isolate it to find the fault. |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"charles" wrote in message ... In article , harryagain wrote: "charles" wrote in message ... In article , ARW wrote: "charles" wrote in message ... In article , ARW wrote: That's not a fault. That's incompetence. And you prove dead before working on a circuit or appliance. when I started updating the wiring etc in this house (wth lighting switch in the bathroom was fed in lead sheathed cable) I found a junction box with red & black going in and black & red coming out. Its not uncommon to find a junction box like that when you have only two red and two black wires into the junction box. you mean it's normal to join red to black and black to red inside the box? In days of yore there was no twin red/brown cable, so it was common in lighting circuits. there was twin red/black. I've still got half a drum. But there was single core double sheath. cable, now disappeared. The three terminal system of wiring was unknown too. by 3 terminal, I assume you mean adding an earth - or do you mean loop through? Looping in and out of the ceiling rose. More sensible really. Might use a little more wire. Ie live, neutral & switch wire. |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"Dennis@home" wrote in message eb.com... On 26/06/2014 05:54, harryagain wrote: The most likely test to perform is insulation and you can't do that if the appliance is still connected to neutral. Of course you can, if it fails you will have to isolate it to find the fault. It will always "fail" if connected to neutral. Since neutral (and hence the wiring in the appliance) is connected to earth |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"Tim Watts" wrote in message
... On 25/06/14 18:18, ARW wrote: Guarantee my arse. Here is one I took earllier. eg http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?...dual_RCDCU.jpg So not only is the 2nd RCD polarity reversed, it's being fed by the 1st (right) RCD? No. I have drawn on the correct connections. The only fault is that the outgoing connections from the second RCD are the wrong way around. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TtGQNvuovE -- Adam |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
ARW wrote:
"Tim Watts" wrote: ARW wrote: http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?...dual_RCDCU.jpg So not only is the 2nd RCD polarity reversed, it's being fed by the 1st (right) RCD? No. I have drawn on the correct connections. The only fault is that the outgoing connections from the second RCD are the wrong way around. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TtGQNvuovE ITYM http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=File:Bad_dual_RCDCU_%282%29.jpg |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
"Andy Burns" wrote in message
o.uk... ARW wrote: "Tim Watts" wrote: ARW wrote: http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?...dual_RCDCU.jpg So not only is the 2nd RCD polarity reversed, it's being fed by the 1st (right) RCD? No. I have drawn on the correct connections. The only fault is that the outgoing connections from the second RCD are the wrong way around. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TtGQNvuovE ITYM http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=File:Bad_dual_RCDCU_%282%29.jpg I did:-) -- Adam |
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Wiring Immersion Heater
harryagain posted
"Kevin" wrote in message ... The plumber doing some work on the cylinder commented on wing the immersion heater through a double pole switch rather than the single pole spur switch. He mentioned the heating from the high load of the heater but I don't see why a double pole switch will handle the heat effect better. Doesn't a double pole just switch the neutral as well? The immersion heater circuit is a spur off of its own mcb on the consumer unit then via a single pole switch in the kitchen and a second single pole switch in the airing cupboard. The immersion heater is only ever used when the boiler is out of commission for any reason. Kevin All electrical equipment must be capable of isolation and that must be adjacent to it for repairs and maintenance. Isolation means cutting off Live/phase(s) and Neutral So a plug and socket would be fine. Or a double pole switch. But not a single pole switch. So your electric cooker, immersion heater, instantaneous electric shower, all fixed equipment, has a double pole switch. (Or should) It has been so for fifty years to my knowledge. But why not just an ordinary plug that you can pull out from an ordinary socket? -- Les |
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