How to isolate mains into 63 amp switch

Kealyboy

Hi how do you electrically isolate incoming mains to the main 63 amp breaker switch if switch needs replacing.

thank you

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meercat

Only a rec is permitted to do this. A competent rec will do this live

kirving

I think this is one for ESB to do at the meter itself, unless a separate, additional isolation switch exists inside the meter box. (which I'm not even sure is allowed or commonplace? I haven't seen one in my own home or rentals I've lived in)

Kealyboy

Oh really I didn’t realise this switch is replaced live 😬

kirk.

Back in the day you'd do it live or there was another trick to cut power. Alternatively you'd get ESBN out to make safe first

Nowadays it's straightforward

kirk.

That brand was on the original recall list of neozed switchfuses

Probably that particular switch I assume

Kealyboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013038#Comment_121013038

What’s the tick to isolate? 😂😂

Kealyboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013093#Comment_121013093

Regis?? Recall why?

kirk.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013205#Comment_121013205

There was a bunch of them recalled

I think it was all the slide-in push-up type , not sure

A lot of it was probably related to the all-electric homes at the time .

Kealyboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013258#Comment_121013258

Seen as it’s a recall should the manufacturer cover the cost of an electrician to undertake this work in a domestic dwelling?

2011

This can be done safely while live by a competent electrician. It is not a task for the DIYer.

Kealyboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013038#Comment_121013038

Oh I think I know the trick!!!! Take out the main fuse in meter box 😉

2011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013282#Comment_121013282

Not advisable as this would mean breaking the seal placed on the fuse by ESB Networks.

kirk.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013272#Comment_121013272

They way it was back in the day U brought the old one to wholesaler and they gave U a new one

Not a great deal there was a lot of dispute about it

kirk.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013272#Comment_121013272

How did u spot it was faulty

Were u having voltage problems or did u smell something?

jumbone

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013555#Comment_121013555

Probably smelt or saw the fact that it was melting his consumer unit

meercat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013858#Comment_121013858

Good spot

OP is that a priority switch for electric showers beside?

do not use an electric shower until this is resolved

Shoog

It's liable to be welded on which would only reveal itself if a fault developed and you tried to use it to prevent a fire.

Kealyboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013296#Comment_121013296

But the seal was already broken and the fuse fell out 😂😂

Kealyboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013979#Comment_121013979

Yes that’s a priority box but one of the electric showers has being removed in the meantime

Kealyboy

Got the switch replaced a few years ago because of the burning issue just above switch. Now when I turn off the electricity via that switch and then try to turn it back on again. The switch is temperamental and doesn’t switch back on the electricity. But if I fiddle around with the switch, switching it on and off repeatedly, it will eventually switch back on.

2011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121017031#Comment_121017031

I hate to say this but if the switch is as “temperamental” as you describe it needs to be replaced.

kirk.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121017031#Comment_121017031

It's not unusual for that type switchfuse to lock-up ime .Try pull out fuse and reinsert anyhow .

Needs a Rec to replace switchfuse etc

I'm not clear if it's heat damage here or just the switchfuse locked up

Kealyboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121017328#Comment_121017328

It’s just locking up on me. Can that fuse be pulled out of the switch body without having to disconnect wires? If so, maybe if I do that, it will help free it up.

kirk.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121017586#Comment_121017586

Yes it may not make any difference. It's common for those to go 3/4 of the way back on and lockup . Probably a replacement needed.

If you're going to be fiddling with it shutdown all electronics and switch off all the breakers first so you're not cycling the electricity on/off

Call a REC

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121013203#Comment_121013203

In some cases there will be an isolator in the meter cabinet, either as a standalone device or integrated into the meter.

It is often possible to remove the fuse holder from the cutout body by just enough to break the supply without breaking seals.

kirk.

Hmm ya I think we were keeping scthum on that like as it's not a diy job

Risteard81

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121018977#Comment_121018977

Agreed. That kind of advice could create a corpse.

kirk.

Even switching off may not be safe unless you know what you're doing

There was a kitchen fitter turned off the main switch on a new build to hook up a cooker and was electrocuted

Left the cooker isolator on and supply was reverse polarity. Probably thought he was safer doing it that way.