fused spur

[erj]

We changed a combi for a new main a few weeks ago, BG have been out and say they will not take it on as the main switch is a 13 amp plug in to a socket, they say it has to be a fused spur, who is right?

[villa_tom]

They do like it to be a fused spur. And to be fair its only meant to be a temp fix running off a plug. Plus all boilers need to be ran off 3amp not 13amp

[garrywhite]

Fused spur as its a permanently fitted electrical appliance and 3 amp rated fuse.

[Toddyplumb]

3 amp plug with unswitched socket is fine. I prefer spur.

[ocentric]

Vaillant instructions say:

"Connection to the mains supply shall be made via a fused 3 pin plug to an unswitched shuttered socket, both complying with the
requirements of BS 1363. (Alternatively, connection may be made via a 3 A fused double pole isolator having a contact separation of at least 3 mm in all poles and supplying the boiler and controls only)."
So I suppose that BG would ignore the manufacturers instructions. What do the Main instructions say? At least you could confirm with your customer that you've followed the MIs...

[gas man]

you should have a 3 amp double pole fused spur,but i prefer a 3 amp plug,you cant get killed if its unplugged

[Toddyplumb]

That was the logic we always followed Gas Man. Now I think spurs look neater, that said I do occasionaly use a plug always have a box of 3 amp plugs in the van

[clydey]

it used to be that corgi required switch fused spurs only.
then out came part P and plumber not on part P register - corgi then said ok plug and socket fitted with a 3 amp fuse is ok.(bypasses part P)
now 17th edition reg 537.3.2.6 states
A plug and socket-outlet or similar device of rating not exceeding 16 amps may be used as a device for switching off for mechanical maintenance.
but reg 537.4.2.8 states
A plug and socket -outlet or similar device shall not be selected as a device for emergency switching.
confusing well yes when i bought the regs it said £15 on the front and £51 on the back - and it never got any less confusing in the middle.
hope this helps cheers

[washer]

Sounds like an excuse for BG not to take a main on contract

[REDSAW]

Sounds like an excuse for BG not to take a main on contract

i agree, nowt wrong with a 3amp plug, just a matter of choice and circumstance when installing. imo

baxi main.

NOTE: The method of connection to the
electricity supply must facilitate complete electrical
isolation of the appliance.

Connection may be via a fused double-pole isolator
with a contact separation of at least 3mm in all
poles and servicing the boiler and system controls
only.

[GrahamM]

At the end of the day the manufacturer is king here. If they specify a separate 3 amp fused spur must be used in the MI's then it is not installed correctly and BG are within their rights to refuse to cover.

[stevetheplumber]

i prefer a plug easier to test meter across the pins tells you if theres a sort to earth without opening the boiler and when its out its of no question

[tamz]

It is not and never has been a requirement to be fed solely from a fused spur. Unswitched sockets are fine. Switched are NOT. A plug face can be fused down just the same as a FCU.

Just BG making up their own rules but as they are the ones offering the service they can state what they want.

Spurs are neater and look more professional i suppose but you get more than a 3mm separation by pulling the plug. Seen too many spurs wired with commoned neutrals.

Btw why would a customer want to get BG cover on a newly fitted boiler?

[erj]

Thanks for all the replys, yes the plug has a 3 amp fuse in, and the old boiler was wired this way, so we can ague al day both have good and bad pionts.