Need help!

Does an Air conditioner require an isolator if it does not exceed 16A.

Below is an extract from SANS 10142.1 Edition 1.8
6.16.4.1.1 Dedicated circuits shall be provided for fixed space heating and
cooling (air-conditioning units) that are rated at more than 16 A. There may
be more than one unit on each circuit and the power supply to each unit shall
be controlled by a switch-disconnector

I'm having trouble explaining this to an electrician as he says since the AC unit is below 16A it does not require an isolator next to the unit.