Hi
I am starting a renovation of a small apartment kitchen soon and the DB is in a position that makes it difficult. I know I can’t have a dishwasher or sink close to the DB but wondered if I can have an eye level oven below it.
I see that the rules say that it is possible as long as there is protection between the two.
What constitutes protection?
I don’t want to install and then do not get an electrical compliance certificate in future.
Thank you in advance for the advice.
Without even going into the regs, common sense would tell me installing an ELO below a DB would create restricted access to the main switch and the earth leakage unit, make sure you put a clip on the side of the ELO so that you can use a broom stick to switch on the breakers (seems to be the norm).
The height would need to be taken into consideration.
A IP rating would have been considered, however the ELO is contained in a cupboard or exhausted out the front of the unit, there shouldn't be a moisture problem directly above the ELO
If you are installing an oven, then it will have to be connected to the electricity, presumably via a new installation and switch.
The work will have to be done, or at least supervised, by a certified and registered electrician.
The electrician doing the work will have to provide you with an electrical compliance certificate once the work is completed, that is the law.
That electrician will advise on the safety aspects required.
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Lets say the DB is less than 2.5 m AFFL and you fit the stove isolator next to the ELO as per the latest SANS 10142-1-2021-(ed3.01).
Installing a cupboard below the DB, making in impossible to reach it without the use of a chair or the like, would you issue a COC?
The way I see it the main switch is not within arms reach.
The same thing with many installations were a huge double door fridge is directly in front of the DB, the fact that the DB is at 1.8 m behind the fridge doesnt make it accessible "in case of an emergency". To make it even more inaccessible people install a cupboard above the fridge, so you have to remove the fridge to gain access.
2 options.Originally Posted by SueRi
1. DB may be out of reach as long as the switch disconnector is below 2,2m from floor level and is easily reachable.
The isolator for the DB does not need to be in the DB. (6.6.1.6)
2. DB may be above a cooking appliance if the enclosure provides a degree of protection of at least IP44.
A shallow wooden cupboard with door to cover the DB will suffice. (6.6.1.7.b)
You will battle to fit an eye level oven in a shallow wooden cupboard
Why no just fit an under counter oven and make sure the DB is at least IP 44 rated ?
Just makes the main switch accessible.
The DB needs to be in a shallow cupboard, not the oven.
The shallow cupboard over the DB makes it IP44.
Appealing to the designer (seeing as this is still at the design stage), which is more important to the end user - form or function?
May I suggest the correct answer is BOTH.
Can I appeal to you - keep the DB easily accessible. There will be times when the end user will sincerely appreciate it.
How can we get the form we want with the eye level oven off to one side of the DB?
There are always options.
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