Home Renovation & Building Forum
https://forum.homeone.com.au/

Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?
https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=54776
Page 1 of 2

Author:  Rogue [ Mar 13, 2012 11:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

Your sparkie is either telling fibs, or you are using something other than the generic HPM or Clipsal switch plates.

We did a kitchen reno about 12 months back including new appliances, and had to install the isolation switch for the electric oven. It's a 30amp switch as well. I went to John R Turks and got the 30amp switch and a double GPO with an extra switch in the middle. Pop the 10amp switch out, push the 30amp switch in, perfect fit. Double-checked with sparkie and a Council building inspector - both gave it the thumbs up.

Author:  mimi23 [ Mar 13, 2012 12:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

We are having Induction cooktops in our build and have also been told the isolation switch must be separate.
Luckily it can sit on the other side of the nib wall in the butlers pantry, so will be out of sight.

Author:  PHL [ Mar 13, 2012 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

Rogue Rogue
It's a 30amp switch as well. I went to John R Turks and got the 30amp switch and a double GPO with an extra switch in the middle. Pop the 10amp switch out, push the 30amp switch in, perfect fit. Double-checked with sparkie and a Council building inspector - both gave it the thumbs up.


I'll check and see if I can get a 32A switch for a Clipsal Slimline double GPO; my electrician's concern, which I confirmed with him yesterday, was the high draw when the normal switch is 10A.

Author:  barkly [ Mar 13, 2012 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

There is another thread in this forum regarding isolation switches - see this viewtopic.php?f=16&t=23265

I find the requirement for isolation switches just a bit confusing wrt to Induction cook tops when you consider this post from the above thread -

Take a look at the wiring rules handbook at a library, AS/NZS 3000:2007, section 4.7.1 COOKING APPLIANCES Switching device states "A circuit for fixed or stationary cooking appliance having an open cooking surface incorporating electric heating elements, e.g cooktop, deep fat fryer, barbecue griddle or similar, shall be provided with a switch, operating in all active conductors, mounted near the appliance in a visible and readily accessible position."

Notes:
1. The switch should be mounted within two metres of the cooking appliance, but not on the cooking appliance, in such a position that the user does not have to reach across the open cooking surface.

2. A single switch is permissible for the control of associated cooking appliances in the same room.

3. It is recommended that switches, particularly those in domestic installations, be marked to identify the appliances controlled.

4. This requirement is not intended to apply to enclosed cooking appliances, such as built-in ovens and microwave ovens.

When in doubt, visit your local library in the reference section and look up the relevant Australian standard.

Dex

Induction cook tops (for those having them) just cannot be described as having an electric heating element,
and secondly a Safety Switch will be in the power circuit of this device and in the event of any situation this device will operate in a zillionth of the time it takes to get to this isolation switch and operate it.
Now I am no authority on this but I would be asking your electrician to show you the regulations he is working to in regard to isolation switches and Induction cook tops.

barkly

Author:  pattycake4 [ Mar 13, 2012 8:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

My Electrician said reason l had to have isolation switch is,
if cooker (freestanding) needs maintaince/repairs before
cooker is pulled out from wall this switch is precaution.
l remember my mother's cooker had a switch above on wall.
My DM would always say on leaving her home,l need to
turn off the range meaning power to cooker.

Author:  chippy [ Mar 14, 2012 2:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

Rogue Rogue
Your sparkie is either telling fibs, or you are using something other than the generic HPM or Clipsal switch plates.

We did a kitchen reno about 12 months back including new appliances, and had to install the isolation switch for the electric oven. It's a 30amp switch as well. I went to John R Turks and got the 30amp switch and a double GPO with an extra switch in the middle. Pop the 10amp switch out, push the 30amp switch in, perfect fit. Double-checked with sparkie and a Council building inspector - both gave it the thumbs up.


Ovens are different to induction hotplates, induction plates have a massive current draw, that's why they heat so quickly.
Our induction has a total draw of 42 amp therefore a special switch. I've just looked through the installation manual and it specified a switch with a 3mm gap between all contacts.
My sparky chose the required switch based on the 42 amp. As he mentioned, that is the draw if you had every element on full which in the real world will probably never happen, however he has to work too the rated current draw so we ended up with a separate heavy duty switch tucked into the appliance hutch.

Author:  AJW [ Mar 18, 2012 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

PHL PHL
Rogue Rogue
It's a 30amp switch as well. I went to John R Turks and got the 30amp switch and a double GPO with an extra switch in the middle. Pop the 10amp switch out, push the 30amp switch in, perfect fit. Double-checked with sparkie and a Council building inspector - both gave it the thumbs up.


I'll check and see if I can get a 32A switch for a Clipsal Slimline double GPO; my electrician's concern, which I confirmed with him yesterday, was the high draw when the normal switch is 10A.


You can get a 35A switch in a 30 series mechanism, these are what goes into most clipsal plates. Above 35A and you need a dedicated switch plate.

Author:  AJW [ Mar 18, 2012 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

pattycake4 pattycake4
My Electrician said reason l had to have isolation switch is,
if cooker (freestanding) needs maintaince/repairs before
cooker is pulled out from wall this switch is precaution.
l remember my mother's cooker had a switch above on wall.
My DM would always say on leaving her home,l need to
turn off the range meaning power to cooker.


That's a pretty silly reason in this day and age because if maintenance needs to be done it can also be turned off at the circuit breaker.

Author:  stormjr [ Apr 11, 2012 12:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

I was always told that the isolation switch was a incase of fire safety type thing.

An induction cooktop for the purpose of the as/nzs 3000 clause I would say is a heating element, it heats by induction, but saucepan on stove catch fire still producing heat!

Also if you read AS/NZS 3000:2007 you will find that active and neutral are both live conductors and as such you would need to open both to satisfy the clause and a normal switch in a powerpoint will only open one wire.

If it was me, as an electrician, I would not use an extra switch in a power point, and I would think it was needed!

However, you could ask the regulating body in your state, energy safe Victoria in Victoria, if a switch operating a contactor which failed open would be acceptable, then the normal extra switch could operate the coil in the contactor which could be mounted in an enclosure hidden somewhere.

2

Author:  barkly [ Apr 11, 2012 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

Quote:
"-it heats by induction, but saucepan on stove catch fire still producing heat!"


I just can't believe these isolation switches have anything to do with the contents of saucepans on stove tops (induction hot plates) catching fire. The last thing I would be thinking of in this situation would be to turn off the isolation switch. My actions would be very much directed at what the hell I am going to do with this fire in the saucepan.

The need for an isolation switch must have some thing to do with (as above) "A circuit for fixed or stationary cooking appliance having an open cooking surface incorporating electric heating elements....." So...If the source of heat is regarded as an issue why isn't there a need for an emergency gas shut of valve for gas cook tops? Induction cook tops just do not have an open cooking surface incorporating electric heating elements.

I just don't get the need for these isolation switches. Seems very much like a belt and braces approach particularly when safety switches (at the switchboard) are there to isolate when any electrical issue arises.

cheers

barkly

Author:  * jas * [ Apr 14, 2012 2:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

Odd one out here, but I love the isolation switch. I can turn it off and know that my kids won't accidentally turn on the stove (touch button controls) so for me it's peace of mind.



Author:  stormjr [ Apr 14, 2012 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Above counter isolation switch for induction cooktop?

That would hold true for servicing to, electronic isolation for safety is a absolute no no, even if induction is cool to touch, it would still be live if you had it in pieces to change a part, why a lock on the breaker isn't enough I don't know!

You will also find most if not all electric cook tops are not on a safety switch, only a circuit breaker.

2

Page 1 of 2 All times are UTC + 10 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/