Hi 
I've been living in France for the last 20 odd years and am just back in the UK.  One thing that has surprised me is that the MCBs in the screwfix catalogue seem predominantly to be single pole.  By implication this means that it's ok in the UK just to switch the live; no need to throw the neutral too.  Is this really the case?  

 

thanks

justin

 

Yes, in the UK neutral is strapped to earth in the distribution system, so while officially a "live" conductor, unless there is a fault in the distribution network it is safe to touch. 

Just now, ProDave said:

Yes, in the UK neutral is strapped to earth in the distribution system, so while officially a "live" conductor, unless there is a fault in the distribution network it is safe to touch. 

well that's a perfect explanation!   
thanks!