G
All properties out there should either:
-have a supplier earth and an external earth loop impedance measurement of well under 1 ohm (in simple terms) OR
-not have a supplier earth, have an earth electrode, and a higher reading is to be expected. These also need an RCD protecting the whole installation.
UKPN is not obliged to provide an earth if they have not previously provided one.
Now, your email....More context is really needed.
It appears to be implying there is no supplier earth, implying there's no earth rod fitted (UKPN have suggested to install one) and then goes on to say with a external loop impedance of 4.27 ohms you don't need an earth rod because there's an RCD.
If I'm understanding it right, then I'm afraid this is totally wrong advice.
What has bought this matter into focus now? Has another electrician said there is no earth connection at all?
If so it needs urgently looking at.
-have a supplier earth and an external earth loop impedance measurement of well under 1 ohm (in simple terms) OR
-not have a supplier earth, have an earth electrode, and a higher reading is to be expected. These also need an RCD protecting the whole installation.
UKPN is not obliged to provide an earth if they have not previously provided one.
Now, your email....More context is really needed.
It appears to be implying there is no supplier earth, implying there's no earth rod fitted (UKPN have suggested to install one) and then goes on to say with a external loop impedance of 4.27 ohms you don't need an earth rod because there's an RCD.
If I'm understanding it right, then I'm afraid this is totally wrong advice.
What has bought this matter into focus now? Has another electrician said there is no earth connection at all?
If so it needs urgently looking at.
N
nicebutdim
The email suggests that your DNO does not provide an earth to the property, has declined to do so and requested that an earth rod be fitted.
If I'm reading correctly, your electrician has not confirmed that a rod is in place, has not fitted one and assumes that earthing arrangement is okay due to RCD protection and ZE of 4.27Ohms. If no earth rod is in place, it may be that the reading was obtained from bonding to utility services and this is not acceptable. If remedial work stated in email was not carrierd out, to include installation of an earth rod, please engage the services of a competent electrician to check this as a matter of urgency and, if necessary, rectify the situation.
One valid point your electrician does raise is the fact that your installation relies on electronics for disconnection in the event of certain types of fault. An additional level of protection can be installed in the form of an upfront, time delayed RCD that covers the whole installation and allows for a 2nd layer of protection should one or the other fail.
If I'm reading correctly, your electrician has not confirmed that a rod is in place, has not fitted one and assumes that earthing arrangement is okay due to RCD protection and ZE of 4.27Ohms. If no earth rod is in place, it may be that the reading was obtained from bonding to utility services and this is not acceptable. If remedial work stated in email was not carrierd out, to include installation of an earth rod, please engage the services of a competent electrician to check this as a matter of urgency and, if necessary, rectify the situation.
One valid point your electrician does raise is the fact that your installation relies on electronics for disconnection in the event of certain types of fault. An additional level of protection can be installed in the form of an upfront, time delayed RCD that covers the whole installation and allows for a 2nd layer of protection should one or the other fail.
G
Garyburger
Thanks for your reply
There is no rod in place Another electrician has highlighted it as an electrical cert needs to be carried out, I have been onto UKPN this week to arrange a survey to see what’s need doing
It’s only been 50 years with out an earth
When who ever fitted smart meters why would they have not noticed no earth
I had electrical work carried out in my kitchen and a new metal fuse box 5 years ago
I feel disappointed that it was not noticed before
There is no rod in place Another electrician has highlighted it as an electrical cert needs to be carried out, I have been onto UKPN this week to arrange a survey to see what’s need doing
It’s only been 50 years with out an earth
When who ever fitted smart meters why would they have not noticed no earth
I had electrical work carried out in my kitchen and a new metal fuse box 5 years ago
I feel disappointed that it was not noticed before
N
nicebutdim
You have every right to be disappointed, but please ensure this is resolved as a matter of urgency. All is well and good when everything works as intended, but if circumstances conspire against you, the resolution of this issue could make the difference between the inconvenience an interrupted electrical supply and death.
G
Garyburger
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