2P 100A Isolator position

[tim-spam]

When I moved into my house, it had 2 consumer units, each with its own isolator. In other words, in order to isolate all of the electrics, you had to operate 2 switches. I pointed this out to our electricity supplier, and they have fitted an additional 2P 100A isolator upstream of the CU's. Apart from the slightly loose fitting (it moves a bit relative to the wall, although the screws seem firm), they have mounted it sideways, so that the switch has to be moved right and left to operate. I can see why they have done this, as the space where it is mounted is a bit restrictive. My question is (before I bring them back to tighten the fixing) whether or not mounting the switch sideways is acceptable. Is there anything in the regulations about the orientation of isolator switches?

 

[Adam_151]

Not that I can think of, and as its a suppliers isolator, it doesn't come under BS7671 anyway (BS7671 applies from the point the outgoing tails leave the isolator onwards)

 

[tim-spam]

Thanks for the quick reply. I guess I'll just get them back to tighten the thing up so it doesn't move around when switched.

 

[Jaymack]

Better to check with the manufacturer, as to whether this orientation is acceptable, may rely on gravity to give contact clearance on fault operation; or trip free conditions, to manufacturing spec.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

may rely on gravity to give contact clearance on fault operation

It's a switch, not a breaker...

 

[Adam_151]

Though if you'd prefer it mounted the normal way (don't go there...), as long as you're polite and offer the meter monkey tea and a biscuit, it wouldn't have thought it'd be a problem

 

[tim-spam]

Again, thanks for the replies. They've agreed to re-orientate the switch, but will need to screww a board to the wall to lift the switch out of the recess which 'forced' them to mount it sideways. I guess that screwing it to a board rather than to the wall (it's a bit rough) will also make it easier to secure properly.