Q & A of the Day - Can I use 13A sockets as local isolation?

Question: I'm designing a general lighting system in a factory where current lighting is afforded by highbay fittings. The manager in charge of the project is integrating energy efficient lighting luminaires with occupancy PIR detection, and these units will be plugged into metalclad 1 gang 13A switched socket outlets fixed to the lighting trunking. The circuits feeding these luminaires are to be protected by Merlin Gerin MCBs conforming with BS 60898.

The manager's 'manager' does not want a huge switchbank or contactors on the wall and just wants the circuits to be fed directly from the MCBs in the distribution board.

Is this permissible as regards local isolation being afforded by the 13A socket outlets? Or is it necessary to have to have switches at an accessible height to satisfy the regulations?

Answer: Under table 53.2 (page 117) of BS7671:2008, a plug and socket is deemed to be a means of isolation. We would, however, recommend that specific plug and sockets for the lighting application be installed to stop the use of these sockets for general use.

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