Kiwi raises a darned good point here.
Not so much about the open or closed Neutral, but the difference in ideas of Inspectors.
AS/NZS 3000 says:
1.7.12 Devices For Isolation:
Electrical installations shall be provided with isolation devices to prevent or remove hazards associated with the electrical installation and allow maintenance of electrical equipment
An isolation device shall open all active conductors, but shall not operate in a Neutral Conductor, unless permitted by Clause 2.8.2, or an Earthing conductor.
[quote]2.8.2.2:
Switches in Neutral Conductors:A switch or circuit-breaker shall not operate in a Neutral conductor of-
- An Earth Sheath Return (ESR) system, or
- Consumers Mains, or
- A submain where the Neutral is used for earthing of an electrical installation in an out-building, in accordance with Clause 3.5.2(c).
- A submain or final sub-circuit in which the Neutral is solidly Earthed.
The requirements of the above need not apply to-- A multipole switch which includes a contact intended for connection in the neutral, or
- A switch, which is linked, with corresponding switches, so that the Neutral contact cannot remain open when the active contacts are closed, or
- A multipole switch, which is installed for the purpose of connecting an alternative supply arrangement.
