It doesn't for original Joe Soaps, so that's not strictly true. The OP should only be advised to use the main switch.
Solve an argument: Should you turn ALL of the main switches off when working on electrics.
- Thread starter reoreborn
- Start date
Sponsored Links
Hit, nail and head springs to mind
Lock off Breaker (or put fuse in pocket) and disconnect N for that circuit (after testing for Live then Dead)
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2008
- Messages
- 25,072
- Reaction score
- 2,912
- Location
- Llanfair Caereinion, Nr Welshpool
- Country
We do tend to consider our one homes.
So I have 7 isolators, one built into the inverter first picture on left. Most of house isolated with the one in consumer unit to left second picture, 4 sockets and 1 FCU with the isolator under the inverter.
To go turning off isolators rather than the RCBO could easy mean you have not turned off the required circuit. The important thing is to test for dead.
So I have 7 isolators, one built into the inverter first picture on left. Most of house isolated with the one in consumer unit to left second picture, 4 sockets and 1 FCU with the isolator under the inverter.To go turning off isolators rather than the RCBO could easy mean you have not turned off the required circuit. The important thing is to test for dead.
Sponsored Links
Yep - or, of course, in a non-domestic situation, quite possibly from one of multiple 'supplies', perhaps even including a local generator.
I'm sure it's incredibly rare.
I'm also sure that's true, so .....
... certainly is theoretically good advice.
As always, it's all probabilistic, so comes down to varying attitudes to 'risk-taking' vs. 'risk-averse' Even for a DIYer (and even foer someone who dose not 'test for dead') the probability of coming to harm with just SP isolation is extremely small - but, of course, not zero.
Can you explain that ?
That is certainly pretty close to 'totally foolproof', so no-one could disagree with that advice. However, I wonder how many DIYers (or even electricians) actually do it ? Do you?
The thing is, it's no longer a non-domestic thing given the prevalence of solar systems with battery storage, and EVs with V2G facility. And some of these include the ability to operate off-grid like a UPS.
A schoolmate went on to be an ekectrician and got very badly burned on an industrial site. Power was switched off, system tested for dead, my schoolfriend was cleared to start work (in a busbar chamber I think), and when he touched the busbars they were live because the genny had started up.
His injuries (especially internal) were such that he wasn't expected to survive. I don't know him that well, but friends who do tell me his character/temperament changed dramatically.
Very true - which underlines my/the point that, even in a domestic setting, 'testing for dead' remains the crucial thing, regardless of what one has 'switched off'(or thinks one has switched off).
Agreed, you can not be too careful out there folks, in recent years the risks have become far greater too, just how this situation has been described is one example.
You only need one Electric Shock to become Electrocution. You only need one Electric Shock to cause sudden involuntary movement, up a ladder, on a scaffold, close to an unfenced floor etc etc etc.
You only die once, leave it to the longest possible date from now.
You only need one Electric Shock to become Electrocution. You only need one Electric Shock to cause sudden involuntary movement, up a ladder, on a scaffold, close to an unfenced floor etc etc etc.
You only die once, leave it to the longest possible date from now.
That was supposed to read as "ordinary Joe Soaps" - not "original".
I guessed that much, but still didn't (and don't) understand what you were actually trying to say - what "doesn't" for ordinary Joe Soaps?
I wonder too, it might be a kind of "You do not need to drive with due care and diligenc unless you are a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists" or somesuch kind of statement , or then agin it might not, I am not sure.
I find it's good practise in any situation to reduce the load using the mcbs prior to operating any main switch and reverse this process when switching back on.
Not saying its always necessary to isolate the supply via the main switch, the important thing is that safe isolation and test for dead is carried out
turning the main breaker off is belt and braces.
Ring mains can be broken which can cause confusion….and the ends of rings can be connected to different MCBs
There are loads of potential faults conditions.
Personally I’d say turning off all the sockets and leaving the light circuits on can be fairly safe…..so you can work with lights on.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
Sponsored Links
