switched socket outlets or not!

[joshthejew]

Hey guys.

Ok so I'm trying to find a clause or law stating if there needs to be a switch for a 3pin socket outlet.
There was a post in 2012 saying that 6.15.5 Circuits that supply single-phase socket-outlets rated at more than 16 A, or that supply three-phase socket-outlets, or both
. But then everything got removed after A and B.
No 6.15.5.5 or anything.

6.15.7.1 A socket-outlet in a d.c. circuit shall be controlled by a switch that is fixed next to it. They also removed the part where it says that AC circuits may be unswitched.
from Amendment 5

thanks guys

[AndyD]

I don't think it's necessary for a standard 16A skt to be switched unless it's on a construction site but maybe one of the other guys know for sure.

7.4 Construction and demolition site installations

7.4.6.7 The distribution board shall contain
a)
b)
c)
d) switched socket-outlets (16 A), connected in pairs to individual singlepole
20 A combined circuit-breakers and 30 mA earth leakage protection
of sufficient number.

[joshthejew]

Well I think its stupid and quite dangerous that they removed that rule. What if the plug is burnt VAS and the clients try remove it themselves? I mean thats how every child got taught, switch off first then pull out the plug. When i walk into a clients house and they show me a faulty socket outlet with a plug in, 9 out of 10 times, they switch off at the switch, then remove the appliance. Im sticking to a standard, I'm not going to install a 3pin without a switch, especially in kitchens.

I went around to two clients yesterday to apologise about the false information that I first gave them but stated i won't do 3pins unswitched with reasons. They appreciated it and actually praised us for keeping up personal standards.

Love it when that happens.

[AndyD]

I've mentioned before that I see the regs are the absolute minimum standard required by law, in my opinion there's nothing to prevent you from working to higher standards as long as the customer is aware they're not legally required and therefore optional.

Normal switches on sockets can't be considered as isolation in the case of a fault because they only break the live conductor so they're purpose is mainly customer convenience but switched sockets are pretty much the norm and I wouldn't see any reason not to install them as a matter of course unless the customer is on a very, very, tight budget.