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Thread: When is a double pole isolator required for a fan

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    When is a double pole isolator required for a fan

    I believe this requires a thread on its own.

    When is a double pole isolator required?

    Lets use a common application ... the extractor fan connected to the light in the bathroom ... do you need a double pole isolator for this application if the light circuit is on earth leakage?

    A ceiling fan in a bedroom with a light ... do you need a double pole isolator if the light circuit is connected to the earth leakage ?

    If the extractor fan is in a bathroom but not connected via the light fitting?

    can you fit the double pole isolator in the roof next to the fan ?

    Can you use a 5 amp socket outlet instead of a double pole isolator ...between the light and the extractor fan?

    Can you use a standard socket outlet for the extractor fan located out of reach in the ceiling.

    can you use a combo breaker/isolator in the DB to feed the light circuit made up of lights and extractor fans.

    I am sure the reare other questions related to this topic.
    Comments are based on opinion...not always facts....that's why people use an alias.

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    Also if the CB is a single pole but the correct markings for isolation then does it have to be double pole?

    Unless it specifically states to use a double pole or that the LIVE (N & L) must be switched.

    Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

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    All your answers is in the following sub sections:
    6.9.2 but more specific 6.9.3.1 and 6.16.1.3 and 6.16.1.4

    In short if its on E/L no isolator is required - If no E/L must have isolator 1.5m from fan OR Lockable in the open position if in the DB.

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    Quote Originally Posted by W-TDMI View Post
    All your answers is in the following sub sections:
    6.9.2 but more specific 6.9.3.1 and 6.16.1.3 and 6.16.1.4

    In short if its on E/L no isolator is required - If no E/L must have isolator 1.5m from fan OR Lockable in the open position if in the DB.
    What if you replace the light switch with a double pole and it is not 1.5m because the fan is the slab... but in the same room or at the entrance to the room/bathroom ?

    Or in a case where I had no choice but to fit a double pole relay/contactor ... has 30 amp double pole relay got the isolation properties of a manual isolator ?
    Comments are based on opinion...not always facts....that's why people use an alias.

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    Quote Originally Posted by W-TDMI View Post

    In short if its on E/L no isolator is required - If no E/L must have isolator 1.5m from fan OR Lockable in the open position if in the DB.
    I disagree - A fan is a motor and falls under motor - A lockable in a DB will not be acceptable

    6.16.4.3 Extraction fans
    Where an extraction fan supply is switched with a luminaire, it shall be
    connected to the switched portion of the light circuit, provided that the fan
    circuit is connected by means of a SANS 164-3 or SANS 164-2-1 or
    SANS 164-2-2 socket-outlet or a switch disconnector.

    6.16.5.1.4 Each motor shall be supplied by a manually operated disconnector
    or any other manually operated disconnecting arrangement such as a
    withdrawable circuit-breaker, a removable link, a fuse or by the removal of a
    plug from a socket-outlet, which provides at least the same isolating distance,
    for the sake of safety, as a disconnector that is
    a) readily accessible and mounted on or next to the motor, or
    b) visible from the motor, or
    c) lockable in the open position, or
    d) housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board.

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    For the record the plugs GCE refers to are found on page 335 ,,, annexure R.
    Comments are based on opinion...not always facts....that's why people use an alias.

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