AC Isolator Switches for Safe Power Isolation | 20A-150A | IP66 Enclosed | IEC 60947-3

Domestic Consumer Unit Main Switch

A UK domestic consumer unit uses a UKP1 100A 2P isolator as the main switch, providing single-point isolation for the entire household installation. The electrician isolates the supply before working on any circuit, padlocks the handle in OFF, and retains the key, satisfying the safe isolation procedure in the IET Wiring Regulations. The compact 2-module width fits within a standard consumer unit alongside the RCCBs and MCBs, and the clear ON-OFF handle position is visible with the consumer unit door closed, allowing the householder to verify the installation is isolated before, for example, changing a light fitting.

Motor Control Panel Local Isolator

Industrial motor control panels use a UKP1 63A 3P isolator as the local disconnection point for each motor, mounted on the panel door or adjacent to the motor. The isolator provides the means of isolation required by IEC 60204-1 for machine safety, allowing maintenance personnel to lock off the motor supply before working on the driven machinery. The AC-22A rating ensures the isolator can safely disconnect the motor under full load (for example, if the motor contactor has welded closed and the motor cannot be stopped from the control panel). The padlock facility accepts the maintenance technician’s personal lock, and the auxiliary contact signals the PLC that the motor isolator is OFF, preventing the control system from attempting to restart the motor.

Solar PV Inverter AC Isolator

Grid-tied PV inverters require a dedicated AC isolator adjacent to the inverter per IEC 60364-7-712, allowing the inverter to be isolated from the grid for maintenance or emergency disconnection. A UKP1 32A 2P isolator (for a single-phase 7.4 kW inverter) provides this function, with the handle clearly labeled “PV Inverter AC Isolator” for firefighter identification. The isolator is wired between the inverter AC output and the dedicated MCB, providing local isolation without requiring access to the consumer unit.

Building Services Equipment Local Isolation

Building mechanical services (air handling units, pumps, chillers) use UKP1 isolators as the local disconnection point for each item of equipment, mounted adjacent to the equipment per BS 7671 requirements for mechanical maintenance. The isolator allows the HVAC maintenance technician to safely de-energize a single AHU for filter replacement or belt adjustment without shutting down the entire mechanical services distribution board. The padlock facility is used when the technician is working inside the AHU enclosure, preventing accidental re-energization by another building occupant.

Firefighter Emergency Isolation Switch

Commercial buildings install a UKP1 125A 4P isolator adjacent to the building entrance as the firefighter’s emergency isolation switch, per BS 9999 for fire safety in the design of buildings. The switch is housed in a red-painted enclosure with the words “FIREFIGHTER SWITCH – ELECTRICAL SUPPLY” in white lettering. The firefighter operates the switch to isolate the building’s electrical supply before entering to fight a fire, eliminating the risk of electric shock from damaged cables or water contact. The auxiliary contact signals the fire alarm panel that the supply has been isolated. The padlock facility is not used in this application (the firefighter must be able to operate the switch immediately).

Specify AC Isolators for Your Installation

• Application Review: Our engineers review your installation layout and specify the UKP1 rating and configuration for each isolation point.
• Safety Compliance: Obtain IEC 60947-3 test certificates and installation guidance for lockout-tagout compliance documentation.
• OEM Supply: Source UKP1 isolators in bulk for panel building and electrical wholesaler distribution.