Hob isolator switch

[Alison556]

My induction hob has just stopped working. I went checked the consumer unit. It hadn’t tripped

The isolation switch is at the back of the cupboard so not easy to reach. In my infinite wisdom, I switched it off and on again.

It made hissy sparking noises and was flickering. I’m no electrician but I’m pretty sure it’s not meant to do that!

I know I need an electrician, but any ideas what’s happened?

I’ve switched the isolation switch off again very quickly.

 

[pete01]

Loose connection, probably

Switch it off in the consumer unit and get it looked at.

 

[Alison556]

Will do. Wasn’t sure if it was the switch or if the hob had gone to hob heaven

 

[Jurassicspark]

The isolation switch is at the back of the cupboard so not easy to reach.

That’s not a good thing.

 

[mikehammer69]

That’s not a good thing.

No . replace and relocate ideally

 

[Murdochcat]

That’s not a good thing.

Not sure I agree with you. It’s an extremely common position for such a switch these days

 

[pete01]

No . replace and relocate ideally

Why I haven't touched my isolator for about 5 years

 

[Murdochcat]

No . replace and relocate ideally

Relocation is Unnecessary imho

 

[EFLImpudence]

A local isolation switch is not a requirement of the regulations therefore there are no location requirements other than general working conditions.

 

[Jurassicspark]

A local isolation switch is not a requirement of the regulations therefore there are no location requirements other than general working conditions.

Was it not required up till the 14th ed?

If the manufacturer advises to fit one, then I'm really unsure why someone won't install one.

And even if he does install it, why install it in such a bizarre place, which defeats the main objective of isolating it in a fire, etc.

And I'm guessing the culture of installing a cooker control unit originally comes from the regulations concerning exclusive circuits that supply one fixed appliance.

And if there isn't a RCBO serving the cooker, just by turning off the MCB won't disconnect the neutral.

And you get an additional socket if you install an embedded socket one.

And don't forget the two tiles saved too

But its a bit like only having pull switches in bathrooms for instance.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Was it not required up till the 14th ed?

I wouldn't think so. It is not now anyway.

If the manufacturer advises to fit one, then I'm really unsure why someone won't install one.

It is a good idea but the point is in a cupboard is not a problem.
I think manufacturers quote things that they think are required by the regulations. The MCB is an isolator.

And even if he does install it, why install it in such a bizarre place, which defeats the main objective of isolating it in a fire, etc.

Ah, you are thinking of an emergency switch which should be placed in an readily accessible place - but emergency switches are not a requirement for cookers either.

And I'm guessing the culture of installing a cooker control unit originally comes from the regulations concerning exclusive circuits that supply one fixed appliance.

I don't know. Why would that be?

And if there isn't a RCBO serving the cooker, just by turning off the MCB won't disconnect the neutral.

So what? Neither do (usual) RCBOs.

And you get an additional socket if you install an embedded socket one.

So what? Fit another socket.

And don't forget the two tiles forgotten too

But its a bit like only having pull switches in bathrooms for instance.

Yes, probably another myth.

 

[Jurassicspark]

I wouldn't think so. It is not now anyway.

Something to do with 6 ft within the appliance.

Ah, you are thinking of an emergency switch which should be placed in an readily accessible place - but emergency switches are not a requirement for cookers either.

So if the electrician doesn't install it in a readily accessible place, then what was the initial point of installing the isolator, considering, as you say, the MCB can achieve isolation for example working on it.

I don't know. Why would that be?

Suich as an immersion heater, night storage radiators or peak room heaters on their own final circuit or electric showers.

So what? Neither do (usual) RCBOs.

Sorry I forgot to include double pole.

So what? Fit another socket.

Each to their own.

Just a wee joke talking about the cooker control saving a tile or two.

I've heard appliance delivery teams to refuse to connect a new oven if no oven or hob Isolation in the form of the switch is present. They say the oven is required to be disconnected by a double pole switch.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Something to do with 6 ft within the appliance.

No, the regulations do not stipulate conditions for things that are not required.

So if the electrician doesn't install it in a readily accessible place, then what was the initial point of installing the isolator, considering, as you say, the MCB can achieve isolation for example working on it.

It will still isolate the cooker no matter where it is.
I am merely stating the facts.

Suich as an immersion heater, night storage radiators or peak room heaters on their own final circuit or electric showers.

But local isolation is not a regulation requirement for any appliance.

Sorry I forgot to include double pole.

Ok.

Each to their own.

Yes, but that doesn't alter the regulations.

Just a wee joke talking about the cooker control saving a tile or two.

I've heard appliance delivery teams to refuse to connect a new oven if no oven or hob Isolation in the form of the switch is present. They say the oven is required to be disconnected by a double pole switch.

They can say what they like.

I thought they looked for any excuse not to actually fit the appliance.

 

[Ragnar_AT]

Considering most older installations had the cooker switch dead centre right above the hob/cooker, I really can't see anyone turning that off while a frying pan is on fire on that cooker. The only two purposes of cooker switches are isolating while working on a hard-wired appliance/replacing that appliance - and confusing unsuspecting tourists in hostels where helpful staff keep walking around turning off cooker switches after every use.

 

[Jurassicspark]

No, the regulations do not stipulate conditions for things that are not required.

When that particular reg was in force.

It will still isolate the cooker no matter where it is.

But as it’s in a peculiar place, wouldn’t have just relying on the OPD to isolate it would have been sufficient, instead of going through the hassle of installing it, if one has the mindset that it doesn’t serve a good function in the event of urgently turning it off?

They can say what they like.

I thought they looked for any excuse not to actually fit the appliance.

If you worked for a company and part of the job included installing an oven or a hob part of the delivery, and the instructions given by the managers per se said clearly to not install the oven or hob without a isolator, even if you think it’s a bizarre statement, would you just ignore it and still install it?