Numpty cooker hood supply question!

I think I know the answer but.....does the switched fused spur have to be near the hood? The cooker hood is on a wall with the consumer unit unit behind in the garage, I want to run the supply off the cooker breaker via the FCU in the garage through the wall straight into the hood so no visible connection in the kitchen. The other option would be to run from the cooker breaker through the wall and have the FCU next to the hood.

Which if either is allowed???

Thanks.

514.1.1 Except where there is no possibility of confusion, a label or other suitable means of identification shall be provided to indicate the purpose of each item of switchgear and controlgear. Where the operator cannot observe the operation of switchgear and controlgear and where this might lead to danger, a suitable indicator shall be fixed in a position visible to the operator.

537.3.2.2 A device for switching off for mechanical maintenance or a control switch for such a device shall require manual operation.
The open position of the contacts of the device shall be visible or be clearly and reliably indicated.
NOTE: The indication required by this regulation may be achieved by the use of the symbols '0' and 'I' to indicate the open and closed positions respectively.
537.3.2.3 A device for switching off for mechanical maintenance shall be designed and/or installed so as to prevent inadvertent or unintentional switching on.
537.3.2.4 A device for switching off for mechanical maintenance shall be so placed and durably marked so as to be readily identifiable and convenient for the intended use.
537.3.2.5 Where a switch is used as a device for switching off for mechanical maintenance, it shall be capable of cutting off the full load current of the relevant part of the installation.

Although these regulations don't say you can't have the isolator in another room it does limit how they can be used. The fuse connection unit is designed so one can put a lock in the fuse carrier but I would be happier if I could see the isolator.

Mister Dobbo said:

I think I know the answer but.....does the switched fused spur have to be near the hood? The cooker hood is on a wall with the consumer unit unit behind in the garage, I want to run the supply off the cooker breaker via the FCU in the garage through the wall straight into the hood so no visible connection in the kitchen. The other option would be to run from the cooker breaker through the wall and have the FCU next to the hood.

Which if either is allowed???
.

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Based on what ericmark has written you can do (within reason) what you like. Having said that, FCUs, switches & sockets are part of everyday life. You can try to hide them if you wish but there is always a trade-off against losing usability and convenience. You can get all sorts of decorative finishes on such items and they can look perfectly acceptable and can even enhance the look of a kitchen. They are important functional and safety features, why not celebrate them instead of hiding them?

Thanks for the advice, I think like sparkticus suggests I will get a nice looking brushed steel one and have it in the kitchen even though I doubt it will hardly ever get used. It makes sense having it by the appliance I suppose.

You could probably fit the switched fused spur unit in a nearby kitchen cupboard.

Why are you running the supply from the cooker circuit, when you have other circuits to tap into?

Mister Dobbo said:

Thanks for the advice, I think like sparkticus suggests I will get a nice looking brushed steel one and have it in the kitchen even though I doubt it will hardly ever get used. It makes sense having it by the appliance I suppose.

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With any luck RF will be along to show you his.

Don't forget that it's quite feasible, and looks best, to have a flex outlet inside the chimney so that there's no visible cable.

I tend to put a fused spur adajcent to a socket nearby the area with the cooker and hood in, and then use this to feed an unswitched single socket behind the hood 'chimney' (allows the kitchen fitters to connect the hood)

If your kitchen backs on to your garage this should be pretty easy to do, just use plastic trunking on the garage side of the wall and drill through at the appropiate points

I fitted a flex outlet behind the 'chimney' (cover piece, filtered hood not externally vented) with labelled fcu in the loft. Easy to get to as it's a bungalow with boarded loft. Obviously that's not going to be the solution for every situation.
Originally had a socket behind the 'chimney' with hood plugged in. Not good 'cos if the fuse blows, you have to remove the hood.
It's on socket circuit, not cooker circuit.

You could probably fit the switched fused spur unit in a nearby kitchen cupboard. icon_idea.gif

Why are you running the supply from the cooker circuit, when you have other circuits to tap into?

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I've not got any high level cupboards to use. I'm runing from the cooker supply breaker to keep the to items grouped together, I wouldn't have thought it would matter too much would it?? I'm going back to the DB so it's no problem spurring it off any circuit really.

Don't forget that it's quite feasible, and looks best, to have a flex outlet inside the chimney so that there's no visible cable.

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That would be a great idea if it's ok to have it behind a fixed cover, that would be my preferred option, is that allowed then, it does come with a standard 13 amp plug connection?

Mister Dobbo said:

...it does come with a standard 13 amp plug connection?

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Err.....

ban-all-sheds said:

Don't forget that it's quite feasible, and looks best, to have a flex outlet inside the chimney so that there's no visible cable.

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No.