CAN YOU USE A PLUG for SAFE ISOLATION ? - BS7671
Can you rely upon a plug and socket arrangement to provide safe isolation within an electrical installation?
Joe Robinson explore the definition of isolators within BS7671 and what can and cant' be used as an isolator.
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In some of the factories I work in they love playing musical machines or welders so I have installed all the machines and welders with industrial plugs and sockets so they can be moved at will and I find this is the best isolation of all. Isolated twice it you will. Socket off and locked plug in a lock box locked permit signed and ready to play.
You’ve made the same comment twice.
In some of the factories I work in the love to play musical workshop so over time I have fitted industrial plugs and sockets to most machines and welders so they can be moved at will even massive CNC machines. I love this as there is no doubt the thing is isolated. Socket off and locked plug in the lock box locked permit signed ready to play
It's a very sensible approach isn't it?
Fantastic! Never knew about the plug lockout device. Tempted to pick one up for when PAT testing, repairing, or similar where someone could easily pick up the wrong plug top. Thanks Joe and EFIXX!
Our pleasure, hopefully it helps, let us know which model you go for and if it helps!
You can get similar for 60309 devices too that either completely encapsulate that plug or attach to the rim of the plug (much love ke how weights are added to a wheel rim then balancing tyres, you can also get ones which encapsulate an FCU, although have own seen these from Martindale to date, I believe MK FCUs can it a padlock in the extended fuse carrier too
How does this work on a TT earth as both conductors have to be disconnected
Given you started the video with the Winsta connectors it seems you then went on to avoid the question of whether they were suitable for isolation. From a first principles point of view they clearly are just as suitable for isolation as any other plugs and sockets, but does BS7671 have anything to say on the matter of using devices not explicitly listed (which I don't think IEC 61535, the standard the winsta connectors are designed to is).
Wow I never new that . Personally I would not rely on a plug and socket as a means of safe isolation. It’s one thing unplugging an appliance and turning the socket switch off but make it a live circuit safe ? I don’t think that would be a good idea. Fantastic video Joe as always 👍👍👍👍👍❤️⚡️
Interesting one isn't it Sean? 😊
@@efixx yes it is one to get the little grey sells working.and I have never seen a lock off for a plug.
In domestic it us best to have a DP FCU. Then take out the fuse when isolated to work on any equipment.. Put tape, and a label, over the switch if necessary. If equipment needs to be isolated for _long periods_ then a lockable FCU. There are also DP switches available with keys. I am against using plugs for permanently connected appliances. Plugs are for portable appliances. Permanently connected appliances need keyed FCUs/switches if they need isolation for long periods.
that is a interesting one considering a plug top could be cut off and replaced if someone so desperate or with a malicious attempt really needed the device
i belive it would be more to stop opinunistic mallice if at all, carrying around a full extra 32 amp comando socket round the place would raise some serious eyebrows and if used in a crime would be proof of pre-meditation
most lockout devices dont resist force, the aim is to indicate danger and prevent access without an obvious trace. the locks used at work for lockout are plastic, laughably insecure against force but designed to prevent picking and the like.
Yeah, that is a possibility, I guess if someone is that determined to do power it up, there's only so much you can do, even a locked off MCB someone could take the cover off and swap the circuit to another breaker. 🤔
Believe the fact they in either case it would require an act of malice to remove if the only 'test' thr law requires to prosecute if an isolation device is removed - One of the reasons I categorically HATE combination locks like the KEWLOCK (other brands produce them too):as there is nothing to show a lock has been forcefully removed.
Working on industrial stuff with Americans. Some people had a habit of throwing breakers to *on.* Some Americans working on equipment would put labels on the breakers, *do not switch on.* But they would short L to N on the output side of the breaker. So the buffoon who threw the breaker would get it. Not thern.
So can we discuss wether it is WAR-go or WAY-go? I always thought it was WAY-go.
It’s German so as per German pronunciation it’s Vah-go. But say it how you wish. Tomatoes/tomatoes
Had the same talk today at work and yes being German it’s VAR-go much the same as it’s volks VARgon not wagon but as said above it’s pronounced however you wish being an English speaker I pronounce W as double U not double V 👍🏼 And now we’ve gone EV it’ll soon be VOLTS wagon …. Yeah I’ll leave now 🙄
Please be so kind as to realize the UK is NOT the world standard. Follow this in the US and you'll be subject to OSHA fines! Please be so kind and so responsible as to state and post appropriate disclaimers on your videos Electricity can kill when you if you do it wrong, Please be more responsible as your videos can be viewed all over the world. Your standards apply in your country, but not elsewhere!!
Maybe you need a Rottweiler protecting the isolation device ...
😂 Sounds about right!