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Some advice from any in-the-know spark types please...
Need to fit a new electric oven. Igniter supply for gas hob currently plugs in to a standard switched 13A socket mounted on wall behind the oven. However: new oven is slightly deeper than old so is fouling on the plug.
Proposed solution is to wire hob igniter directly in to a switched fused connection unit: it'll sit less proud from wall so prevent fouling. Only niggle is there's no isolator switch for the socket above the work top, I.e. easily accessible. I've a vague recollection that wiring regs require one but can't find anything on google. So:
1. Is a separate isolator required/recommended?
2. If not does replacement with switched fcu seem reasonable, legal & safe?
3. If separate isolator is required, any other suggestions? Adding isolator will not be easy. (also any idea why there isn't one - house is no more than 10 years old...)
Thanks.
Cutting the plug off and putting it on an FCU will be fine.
Good practice would have the fcu visible with a cable outlet below but it is not a safety issue where the oven might need to be switched off in an emergency as it's only the ignitor.
Rich.
Contrary to popular opinion, you do not need an isolator switch for any appliance ( so long as they can be turned off at the consumer unit (or, the installation instructions insist on one).
The Regs state there must be a point of isolation, which can be the circuit breaker.
Many people do like the thought of a local isolator, but in real life it is only ever used when the unit is being changed, so, practically, worthless.
Something like the hob ignition, no problem at all. An oven - I'd be thinking of fitting an isolator / means of turning off, but it is entirely up to the customer / user how they want it.
@alanl - I thought a cooker required an isolator within 2m. Obviously refering to a hob above you don't so an FCU is ok.
Thanks all, much appreciated.
No, there is no specific Regulation that says there must be a means of 'local isolation'.
There must be some way of isolating the appliance, usually a circuit breaker / fuse is adequate for this.
Manufacturers instructions should be followed, so if they insist on one, then there should be one.