Does an FCU need isolating before connecting appliance?

[chrisbyrd]

Hi Chaps

Apologies if this is a bit of a basic/obvious question...

We've had an FCU installed ready for connecting an appliance, but its not obvious which MCB is protecting the circuit.

We'd now like to connect our appliance to this FCU (well, its actually just a 4x socket strip). Can you tell me... is it sufficient just to remove the fuse from the FCU whilst we connect the flex to it, or does the whole circuit need isolating at the MCB before we do this?

Thanks

 

[wingcoax]

You are obviously a greener so take no chances and switch off at the consumer unit. You will have to reset your clocks after but you will be alive.

 

[plugwash]

To connect to a FCU you will have to remove it from the wall and that WILL expose the incoming terminals.

DIYers should not work live (even electricians shouldn't without a very good reason)

As others have said here if you don't know what circuit it is on turn everything off.

 

[securespark]

Greener or not you must practice safe isolation every time.

Complacency kills.

I've seen it happen.

 

[chrisbyrd]

OK, no problem. Just wanted to check

 

[conny]

Post back after you have done it so we know you listened.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If you don't post back then we'll really worry about you, for a short while...

 

[securespark]

It's been >24 h, are we worried yet?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

We'd now like to connect our appliance to this FCU (well, its actually just a 4x socket strip).

Why have you got a 4-way strip hanging off an FCU, instead of just being plugged in?

 

[flameport]

Or - remove the FCU completely and replace it with one of these:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/60887...s/Socket-Converters/1G-to-4G-Sw-Skt-Converter

 

[chrisbyrd]

Success

Its actually for one of those little wall mounted network cabinets to power the switch. Not entirely sure why they put an FCU rather than a socket though...

Job done

 

[Click-Sure]

Stops the cleaner unplugging all the mission critical servers to plug the vacume in, I suppose.