Do I need to hardwire?

[John D v2.0]

I think the compliance bit was regarding the lack of plug meaning it was not intended by the manufacturer to be wired to a plug. But in the absence of inspectors, it's more an academic point.

 

[JohnW2]

I think the compliance bit was regarding the lack of plug meaning it was not intended by the manufacturer to be wired to a plug. But in the absence of inspectors, it's more an academic point.

I don't think one can/should take the absence of a plug to indicate 'instructions'. As the OP has said, the manufacturer is silent on the question of how it should be connected...

... No where does the manufacterer recommend to hardwire or 13a plug - so it isn't clear from the manufacterers point of view.

The absence of a plug might just be to simplify multi-country sales (or to leave the purchaser to choose connection method), rather than any indication of an 'intention' or 'instruction'. For what it's worth, I have a combi-microwave with almost exactly the same spec as the OP's, and it came with (and still has) a fitted (moulded) BS1363 plug - but it does have "UK" as part of its model number.

In any event, compliance with BS7671 no longer requires 'blind' compliance with manufacturer's instructions - only that those instructions should be 'taken into account' (i.e. allowing application of discretion, judgement and common sense).

Kind Regards, John

 

[winston1]

I thought it was illegal not to supply a plug on an appliance intended to be plugged in.

In which case this appliance is clearly not intended to be plugged in.

 

[JohnW2]

I thought it was illegal not to supply a plug on an appliance intended to be plugged in.

Only, as far as I am aware, if the appliance is deemed to be 'portable'.

In which case this appliance is clearly not intended to be plugged in.

See above.

Kind Regards, John

 

[stillp]

"Appliances to which Part II applies
11.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, this Part applies to any appliance which–

(a)is designed to operate at a voltage of not less than 200 volts; and

(b)is designed to operate at a maximum rated input of not more than 13 amperes; and

(c)is either–

(i)equipment which is fitted with a flexible cable or cord, is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of that flexible cable or cord and a plug and is ordinarily intended to be so connected directly without the use of a cable connector; or

(ii)a flexible cable or cord which is connected to a portable socket or portable sockets and is designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; or

(iii)a flexible cable or cord which is designed to be connected to electrical equipment by means of an appliance coupler and to connect that electrical equipment to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; or

(iv)a flexible cable or cord which is designed to be connected by means of a cable connector to a flexible cable or cord fitted to electrical equipment, and which is intended to connect that electrical equipment to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of a plug; and

(d)is ordinarily intended for domestic use."


I can't see that the appliance has to be portable.

 

[slippyr4]

Doesn't apply to this appliance though:-

(b)is designed to operate at a maximum rated input of not more than 13 amperes; and

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks.

"Appliances to which Part II applies
11.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below ....

What is "paragraph 2 below" about?

(i)equipment which is ... designed to be connected to a socket conforming to BS 1363 by means of that flexible cable or cord and a plug and is ordinarily intended to be so connected directly without the use of a cable connector...

Some people seem to be trying to turn that into a self-fulfilling vicious circle, by suggesting that the absence of a fitted plug means that the equipment was not "designed to be connected to a BS1463 socket" - so, taking their approach, the absence of a fitted plug would remove the requirement to have a fitted plug!!

(b)is designed to operate at a maximum rated input of not more than 13 amperes

That has already been commented on!

I can't see that the appliance has to be portable.

So it seems, although I could have sworn that I'd heard that stated, more than once. Maybe that's why manufacturers who want to give a choice between hard-wring and a plug do not even provide a cable?

Kind Regards, John

 

[stillp]

What is "paragraph 2 below" about?

"(2) This Part does not apply to any appliance specified in Schedule 3 to these Regulations."

To forestall your next question John, Schedule 3 is:

"EXCLUDED APPLIANCES
1. Any fixed luminaire, being a luminaire which cannot easily be moved from one place to another, either because it can only be removed with the use of a tool, or because it is intended for use out of easy reach.
2. Any ceiling–rose connector (that is to say a connector designed to hold up overhead electric lighting fittings).
3. Any electric light designed and intended to be located within a recess in a wall or ceiling.
4. Any appliance which is fitted with an rcd plug.
5. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug transformer.
6. Any appliance which is fitted with a plug other than a standard plug which is designed to engage with a compatible portable multiple socket outlet.
7. Any appliance which is intended to be permanently connected to the fixed wiring of the mains system other than by means of a plug and socket. "

 

[JohnW2]

"(2) This Part does not apply to any appliance specified in Schedule 3 to these Regulations." ... To forestall your next question John, Schedule 3 is: ....

Thanks again. (7) seems a bit like the 'self-fulfilling' approach I mentioned above - i.e. the fact that a plug isn't fitted can be taken (by some) to indicate an 'intent' which removes the requirement for a plug to be fitted !

Kind Regards, John

 

[M1AK]

So I decided to read the manual of the product front to back (oh joy) and I can find several references to plugs on it (and its not a generic manual).

Funnily enough the microwave oven also states UK on the sticker on the side, but still no plug has been fitted. Even in the Troubleshooting section it makes references to plug and fuses.

I don't understand why they can't be clear on it.

 

[JohnW2]

So I decided to read the manual of the product front to back (oh joy) and I can find several references to plugs on it (and its not a generic manual). Funnily enough the microwave oven also states UK on the sticker on the side, but still no plug has been fitted.

Interesting. Despite the lack of clarity, it sounds as if they may genuinely have wanted to leave the choice (plug or hard-wired) to the user - but that's still no excuse for being unclear!

I suppose the regulation/legislation stillp quoted is also a little unclear, in as much as the manufacturer might feel that they did not "intend" that the equipment be used with a plug (since they were equally approving of it being hard-wired), thereby allowing them to feel that they were not obliged to fit a plug!

I don't understand why they can't be clear on it.

Quite so. As I said, even the specification is not at all clear, at least not to me!

None of this alters my already-stated personal opinion about your question - although, as you have seen, opinions may vary!

Kind Regards, John