Should FRidge/Freezer Have an Isolator Switch

melpomene

I've just had a new fridge/freezer supplied as part of a new kitchen, and when I asked where the isolator switch was for the appliance, I Was told that there doesn't need to be one because you can turn it off using the thermosat.

Is this normal practice?

What about of a fuse goes or something?

It's a Whirlpool via IKEA by the way.

I'm not sure whether to argue about it or not.

Thanks

Mel

KillerWatt

melpomene wrote: »

I Was told that there doesn't need to be one because you can turn it off using the thermosat.

Is this normal practice?

That's bull$hit

melpomene wrote: »

What about of a fuse goes or something?

If the fuse blows in the plug then you change it the same way you would change it for any other appliance. the device (fridge/freezer in this case) is already isolated by virtue of the blown fuse.

If the socket that the fridge/freezer is plugged in to can be accessed without having to touch the appliance, then no seperate means of isolation is necessary.
If it can't be accessed without touching the appliance (eg, having to pull it out before you can reach the socket), then a seperate means of isolation has to be provided.


The above only applies if they rewired your new kitchen, or added a socket specifically for the fridge/freezer they provided.
If they used your existing sockets and made no changes or additions to the wiring, then they are under no obligation to provide a seperate means of isolation.

eco-friendly_2

I Was told that there doesn't need to be one because you can turn it off using the thermosat.



NOooooooooo, there must be a means of total isolation for any appliance.

Mankysteve

I haven't seen a fridge with own built in kill switch. My entire life used to work for a high street DIY places non of the fridges had there own off switch. If there was requirement then most fridges I've ever seen would be illegal.

melpomene

I can't get to the plug, presumably it is behind the great big heavy fridge/freezer that I wouldn't be able to move.

They must have installed a socket for the appliance, because they haven't used any of the exisitng ones.

I'm not understanding the replies.

I was kind of expecting to find a socket with the F/F plug plugged into it in an adjacent cupboard or something.

Is that not how it should be?

Humour me guys I'm a bit scared of electricity.

Mel

premkit

in the cupboard next to the appliance if you dont want isolating swithes above the worktop. you have to have easy access to the fuse, check if they are registered with an electrical body, get them back.

ment to ask is this a free standing appliance or built in?

madget_2

I definitely wouldn't be happy about not having an easily accessible means of isolating the appliance. We have a socket into which our fridge-freezer is plugged at the back of an adjacent cabinet.

melpomene

It's built in.

I think I need to ask them to remedy this, or ask someone else to do it.

Mel

melpomene

Update = the person who manages the installers emailed me last night to say that she will ask her electrician to return to sort this problem, and that he will also bring my keys back. I don't think he will be too happy but we shall see what happens.