Locating FCUs in cupboards

[spada01]

I'm going to end up with about 6 in a new kitchen and would like to avoid having a row of these on display. What are teh rules about putting these into cupboards and has anyone got any clever tips?

 

[ricicle]

The unwritten rule is that they can be fixed to the solid parts of units (not the flimsy backs) Personally I don't like seeing them on newly installed kitchens, but acceptable on a retro fit (although 6 doesn't sound too retro !)

Be careful of location with regard to damage from saucepans etc

 

[spada01]

Thanks.

What's are the rules on having one FCU feed a double unswitched socket that then feeds two appliances (e.g. dishwasher and washing machine). Presumably this is allowable?

 

[ricicle]

Possible overloading issues with the 13A FCU supplying two items that can potentially be over that.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm going to end up with about 6 in a new kitchen

Why?

What are teh rules about putting these into cupboards and has anyone got any clever tips?

Are you in England or Wales?

What's are the rules on having one FCU feed a double unswitched socket that then feeds two appliances (e.g. dishwasher and washing machine). Presumably this is allowable?

It's allowable, but what on earth is the point?

If you're using fused plugs on the appliances then why have FCUs before the sockets?

 

[spada01]

I'm going to end up with about 6 in a new kitchen

Why?

What are teh rules about putting these into cupboards and has anyone got any clever tips?

Are you in England or Wales?

What's are the rules on having one FCU feed a double unswitched socket that then feeds two appliances (e.g. dishwasher and washing machine). Presumably this is allowable?

It's allowable, but what on earth is the point?

If you're using fused plugs on the appliances then why have FCUs before the sockets?

I'm in England

From what I've read on these forums the regs say that appliances that are built in must have easily accessible switches to isolate the supply in case of fault etc. For built in microwaves, fridge/freezer, w/m and d/w I'd love to just plus them into sockets behind the items, but my understanding is that this wouldn't satisfy regulations. THerefore I'm looking at ways to provide a switch (if necessary) without ending up with 6 FCUs.

Please do correct me if my understanding of the regs is wrong?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm in England

When you applied for Building Regulations approval, what say would be the way you would comply with Part P?

From what I've read on these forums the regs say that appliances that are built in must have easily accessible switches to isolate the supply in case of fault etc.

If you're going to put them in cupboards, where they'll be behind tins of beans, boxes of cornflakes, pans, plates etc then they aren't really accessible.

For built in microwaves, fridge/freezer, w/m and d/w I'd love to just plus them into sockets behind the items, but my understanding is that this wouldn't satisfy regulations.

If you put the sockets where you would put your FCUs then you've provided the same degree of compliance.

i.e. not really enough.

THerefore I'm looking at ways to provide a switch (if necessary) without ending up with 6 FCUs.

Just use switches. If you use a grid system they won't take up much room, you can get all sorts of finishes and you can get engraved switch modules. If you want to keep the fuses accessible then you can also use fuse modules and supply the appliances via flex outlets or 15A BS 546 sockets.

 

[holmslaw]

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[ccam108]

There is no need to provide individual isolators, Just provide isolators for the whole circuit/circuits.

Convenience?

 

[spada01]

There is no need to provide individual isolators, Just provide isolators for the whole circuit/circuits.

Sorry - how is this done? The whole ring circuit obviously has an isolator, but what would I use to isolate the kitchen appliances that aren't plugged into accessible plugs?

 

[pjcomp]

One isolator to 2 gang socket for two appliances - seen it done when I was called out because the appliances had stopped working - overloaded the fuse in the spur.

Another one to watch with switches in cupboards - cupboard contents can knock the switch and switch it off, but by then you've forgotten the switch was there so you're looking in all the wrong places for why the applaince doesn't work.

PJ

 

[1john]

There is no need to provide individual isolators, Just provide isolators for the whole circuit/circuits.

Same for an electrical shower!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

 

[holmslaw]

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[holmslaw]

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