Which Way Round?

[securespark]

There has been much talk over the last few months about using grid components to make up a switched spur unit for bathroom fans.

When using a DP switch in conjunction with a fuse holder, which way round does one connect them?

Is the fuseholder wired before the DP switch or after?

Or does it not matter?

The advantage of wiring the fuseholder before the DP switch is that (if a the switch is a neon version) the neon will extinguish if the fuse blows, which can be helpful.

 

[kai]

Always wire DP switch before fuse.
So that fuse can be replaced safely with the DP switch OFF, and no risk of live insertion etc.
Neon is after the fuse, so will go out if fuse blows - have a close look at a fuse-connection unit.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Neon is after the fuse in an FCU - my guess is that with a neon switch in a grid system it would end up before it.

 

[plugwash]

doesn't really matter a great deal

that style of fuseholder should be perfectly safe to withdraw live. i do tend to agree if its a neon you should put the fuse first so the neon goes out if the fuse blows.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You can always turn the switch off to ensure that you're not inserting a fuse against a fault, or with a load connected.

Or just turn off at the CU if you're really concerned - it's such a rare event that there's not really much inconvenience.