Bypassing main fuse. Anyone else seen this?

[simpson93]

Evening all,

I was doing an eicr in a flat today, it came to checking the main service fuse.
Fuse pulled I proceeded to undo the case to check the amperage and was a little shocked with seeing a metal bar essentially bypassing the fuse(pics attached).
After a little thought I guess there is another fuse down below removing the need for a second fuse.

Anyone else seen this before and know the name of the part used? Or is this a one off

 

[Octopus]

That’s not bypassing the fuse ....

 

[westward10]

That is a Redlink it is a link not a fuse.

 

[simpson93]

Rightio, first time I’ve seen one used.

Common practice then?

 

[westward10]

Yes.

 

[westward10]

Is it in a block of flats.

 

[GMES]

Is it in a block of flats.

No it's in his hand, keep up Westy

 

[westward10]

No it's in his hand, keep up Westy

Gonna report you if you send this highly informative thread off course

 

[GMES]

Gonna report you if you send this highly informative thread off course

Sorry Sir, you're right Sir, won't happen again Sir, promise Sir

 

[rolyberkin]

Is it common practice or required now to pull the main fuse on an eicr or am I doing it all wrong again!?

 

[Richard Burns]

For any standard electrical work including EICRs: It should not be common practice, it is not required, it is illegal, it is dangerous, to pull the fuse.
In this case luckily he has not pulled the fuse as it is just a link!
Just as dangerous though.
Where there are two service heads in series on the single supply it is redundant to have a second fuse so a link is used instead at the downstream service head.

 

[davesparks]

Evening all,

I was doing an eicr in a flat today, it came to checking the main service fuse.
Fuse pulled I proceeded to undo the case to check the amperage and was a little shocked with seeing a metal bar essentially bypassing the fuse(pics attached).
After a little thought I guess there is another fuse down below removing the need for a second fuse.

Anyone else seen this before and know the name of the part used? Or is this a one off

Oh dear oh dear.

So you’re a DIYer carrying out an eicr and you don’t even know what a red cutout link is???

Clearly you are not competent to carry out an EICR if you don’t know something as basic as this! If you don’t even know the difference between a fuse and a disconnect link do you know the difference between left and right?

 

[Midwest]

I’ve never seen one before, but don’t do work in flats, EICR’s and I’ve lived a sheltered life.

 

[telectrix]

Oh dear oh dear.

So you’re a DIYer carrying out an eicr and you don’t even know what a red cutout link is???

Clearly you are not competent to carry out an EICR if you don’t know something as basic as this! If you don’t even know the difference between a fuse and a disconnect link do you know the difference between left and right?

diplomatic as ever, dave. .

 

[Midwest]

diplomatic as ever, dave. .

davesparks would never makes it the diplomatic corp.

Edit that said he might prove useful in forthcoming discussions with the Russkies

 

[telectrix]

maybe we could get him elected as our Brexit representative. that'll sort them europe federalists out.

 

[rolyberkin]

For any standard electrical work including EICRs: It should not be common practice, it is not required, it is illegal, it is dangerous, to pull the fuse.
In this case luckily he has not pulled the fuse as it is just a link!
Just as dangerous though.
Where there are two service heads in series on the single supply it is redundant to have a second fuse so a link is used instead at the downstream service head.

Just in case.................I was joking!

 

[Richard Burns]

I kind of hoped you were!
Not really your level at which to fail.
I was just confirming your point categorically.

 

[oracle]

I've found 200 Amp fuse in the suppliers fuse holder in a domestic installation. Probably followed the logic of if a fuse blows fit a bigger one. Since both the EIC and EICR require one to state the type and rating of the fuse, how can you be sure it is as expected, without removing and opening the fuse holder ?

 

[stevels4]

But it was only a fuse I put back and it was fine when I left.

 

[Midwest]

But it was only a fuse I put back and it was fine when I left.

Arrgh just pull the fuse and put the seal back in afterwards, and then crink it a bit. No one will notice.

 

[Percyprod]

DNOs must vary on this. ENWL do not allow interference with main fuse by private electricians. Seals are there for a purpose
You are not authorised to work in the incoming mains, it is not part of the installation, and is not covered by BS 6761. You did of course re-seal it afterwards, and wore the correct ppe and worked to the relavent code of practice as issued by the DNO? Again it's a big joke to interfere with the supply equipment, but look out anyone who does a bit of wiring when they're not qualified. I suppose next you'll be in the sub-station checking the lv board out.

 

[ferg]

SSE allow us to pull the fuse.
If a customer phones for an isolator they tell them to get an electrician to do it.

The idea of not being able to islolate the supply is utter bollox.

 

[Deleted account]

DNOs must vary on this. ENWL do not allow interference with main fuse by private electricians. Seals are there for a purpose
You are not authorised to work in the incoming mains, it is not part of the installation, and is not covered by BS 6761. You did of course re-seal it afterwards, and wore the correct ppe and worked to the relavent code of practice as issued by the DNO? Again it's a big joke to interfere with the supply equipment, but look out anyone who does a bit of wiring when they're not qualified. I suppose next you'll be in the sub-station checking the lv board out.

Bs6761 ?

 

[Percyprod]

BS7671. Just testing, glad you're paying attention.

 

[Percyprod]

Don't tell me ferg, you fit the isolator between cut-out and meter!

 

[ferg]

Don't tell me ferg, you fit the isolator between cut-out and meter!

Why would I do that?

 

[richy3333]

I've found 200 Amp fuse in the suppliers fuse holder in a domestic installation. Probably followed the logic of if a fuse blows fit a bigger one. Since both the EIC and EICR require one to state the type and rating of the fuse, how can you be sure it is as expected, without removing and opening the fuse holder ?

Have to agree that on an EICR you shouldn’t be pulling the bullet. If you’re not sure it is as stated on the cut-out by supplier just LIM or NV your report?

 

[richy3333]

SSE allow us to pull the fuse.
If a customer phones for an isolator they tell them to get an electrician to do it.

The idea of not being able to islolate the supply is utter bollox.

SSE/Hydro around my parts allow NICEIC Approved contractors to pull the main fuses subject to wearing the appropriate PPE. I think it’s written into their own internal guidelines?

 

[Baddegg]

SSE/Hydro around my parts allow NICEIC Approved contractors to pull the main fuses subject to wearing the appropriate PPE. I think it’s written into their own internal guidelines?

SSE told me anyone registered with a scheme can pull the fuse,but I don’t think they have any kind of sustain place to check anyway

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I’ve lived a sheltered life.

I am not buying that you are all sweet innocent and naive at all @Midwest

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

SSE told me anyone registered with a scheme can pull the fuse,but I don’t think they have any kind of sustain place to check anyway

apparently if you pop in the sse depot to pick up sticker seals they check with the scheme you are a member when you phone to arrange this. you have to give addresses of said fuses. if you cant give address they limit you to 10 seals and then when you give addresses you get another 10.
I use metal wire and crimp seals. and they were fine to let me use these. they said no need to let them know then but if in doubt about the fuse or its old/stiff give them a call to do it.

 

[rolyberkin]

I use a bit of old chewing gum with the silver wrapping paper stuck to it!

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I use a bit of old chewing gum with the silver wrapping paper stuck to it!

thats alright @rolyberkin as once you have finished making the chewing gum wet and applied it, you can use your wet tongue to test its live and back working. its no different to licking a 9v battery as a kid, just a little tingle.