Instructions, should they be required, what should they say, etc.

[JohnW2]

I imagine you have mixed that one up

I don't think there is any mix-up. To quote Mr Googe ...

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."

 

[ebee]

I imagine you have mixed that one up

Yes indeed - In my enthusiasm I left caps lock on too - sorry

 

[mattylad]

Whilst I Cannot remember what it was that told me, I do seem to remember something saying that yes instructions must be provided for all electrical goods sold within Europe (this was some years back).
Even simple connection instructions, must be protected by an MCB/RCD etc. type info.

However, being in electrical manufacturing, many firms do not do this when selling to industrial customers (because they just know how to connect.), it's more to domestic customers who are considered as thick as piggpoo.
Hence when you buy a dishwasher it comes with a 1000 page instruction manual in all languages from here to outer space

 

[SUNRAY]

.

 

[ericmark]

I remember as school, being told to write out instructions for a robot to make a cup of tea.

The point of the exercise was to point out how much we take for granted.

So I was looking at instructions for plug-in solar panels, and how we could impart the required information.

One, we can't set out instructions for someone breaking the law, so we can assume all is legal to start with.

So an outside socket here in Wales comes under part P, so has to be inspected and either a completion or compliance certificate raised, the plug has to be moulded onto the lead so no need for instructions on how to fit a plug, the main aim of plug in solar panels is to allow the rental sector to have solar, so although owner occupiers can also fit them, the drilling of holes for cables, and how to supply an outside socket in the main is not required, as the sector they are aimed at can only use what is fitted by the landlord.

So question one, does the tenant need to work out how a socket is supplied? OK looking at the EICR there may be some code 3 comments which could state things like outside socket is from the lighting circuit, but in the main, the tenant has no need to know how a socket is supplied. Other than in rough areas how to isolate it to stop others using it.

I would not expect the instructions for a kitchen island to include distances required for wheelchair access. And I would not expect a washing machine to say what size RCD, MCB, RCBO, or fuse should supply its socket.

OK, a freezer or fridge/freezer may say do not use extension leads, mainly do to volt drop, I know some boilers say a RCD must be used, but they are not portable, so same with immersion heater, or cooker.

So should a wallmart plug say don't use where it can be damaged with for example a well chair user, I would say not, that should be down to common sense.

I can see how a drill, hedge cutter, and the like may say don't use in the rain. But in the main, any plug in item, any restrictions stop at the socket, OK we may find a loft socket with a 3 amp max sticker on it, but in the main, if there is a socket we can use it. This one is clearly marked fed via EPS, so if items should not be plugged into a UPS, or EPS supply, then yes the instructions should say so.

As to on the packaging saying not suitable for use outside, or not suitable for non RCD protected supplies etc, I have only seen the latter with installed items. So this

Is fair enough, taken from a tumble driers instructions, but in the main the 13 amp plug can be put into nearly all 13 amp sockets, and with plug in solar one is hardly going to leave ones window open in order to plug it in, so only option is an outside socket, and to have a warning on the box, so one can see before buying about unidirectional RCD, using fuses rather than a MCB or RCBO would just go over the head of most tenants, if they have a handy outdoor socket, why not use it for a solar panel.

But it does mean with an EICR we much ensure any labels required to say a socket is not suitable for EV charging, or solar panels must be in place.

 

[mikehammer69]

YEP
I have a permanently running timer for my Christmas lights and like Eric the instructions are tucked in adjacent. However they cover a number of different timers in the range and list my model... however they are so idiot proof that some idiot forgot to include my particular models details which are subtly different to those shown. The online instructions were always identical but no longer exist on mfrs site.
Without the instructions I'd stand no chance

The towns christmas lighting was controlled by din rail timers at various points

The boss told me told me to set the timers like it was nothing

I got up the ladder to the first one and realised I hadn’t a clue how to set it . Eventually got a manual and figured it out.

Another time I had to show a difficult customer how to set a 3 channel timer . I had my homework done otherwise I hadn’t a hope