Installing switches that isolate the neutral of a line

[pbalino]

I am trying to understand the purpose of installing bipolar switches that cut also the neutral when we have to protect an equipment with load more than 1500Watt. What is the risk of installing just a normal one pole fuse?
Could somebody give me a hint

Thanks
Pbalino

 

[Kibble]

Hi Pbalino. To be honest I do not know the answer to your question, but I have a very strong suspicion that it is to enable circuits with an earth fault to be isolated. I have noted that many european countries that have used RCD's for many years often have double pole MCB's & switches. Additionally any switch used as an "isolator" should disconnect all current carrying conductors for the safety of people performing maintainance on fixed electrical equipment, such as water heaters etc.