Cast Iron Service head???

[Electricalserv]

Went to a job today. Upon opening cupboard to service head. I am faced with what can only be described as a cast iron service head. Never seen one like this before!


Its of a large square shape with tails coming out the top. No sign of fuse. Disn't investigate if there was any way to open it.


My question is what the score with these can a board be changed or does the DNO need to upgrade it. Ze was 0.13ohms. It loos likle a tn-s


Anyone come across these?

 

[telectrix]

got a pic?

 

[Electricalserv]

got a pic?

No pic yet tel, Il get one when I go back on wednesday though. If you can just picture a smooth surfaced cast iron enclosure about 30cm2. Tails to meter out of the top and cable incomer out of bottom. No sign of main fuse. Must be in enclosure ? Soory about the poor pic!View attachment service head.bmp

 

[telectrix]

:dizzy2:you have a 3 way choiuce.

1. call DNO out. 2. open the box and pull fuse. 3 . work with live tails.... option no.1. will probably cost... 2. will mean removing a seal . 3... dodgy. opion 1. is favorite. both 2 and 3 are naughty and might kill you. ....:shout:

 

[IQ Electrical]

If the lid 'fell open' then I'd only involve the DNO if there was a fused neutral (common on these heads).

 

[Electricalserv]

:dizzy2:you have a 3 way choiuce.

1. call DNO out. 2. open the box and pull fuse. 3 . work with live tails.... option no.1. will probably cost... 2. will mean removing a seal . 3... dodgy. opion 1. is favorite. both 2 and 3 are naughty and might kill you. ....:shout:

Without opening the box I don't know what the main fuses are and as IQ has just told me these tend to have a fuse for the neutral aswell! I've heard that twice now!

 

[telectrix]

the box lid might fall off, but so might half the fuseholder when you look at it.

 

[Electricalserv]

the box lid might fall off, but so might half the fuseholder when you look at it.

Catch 21 or what!!!

 

[Electricalserv]

How much we looking at for the DNO?

 

[telectrix]

tell them there's a funny smell

 

[sjhall]

Did it look like this >http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac68/ste5lfc/e034ce8d.jpg

 

[Engineer54]

These cut out heads were once quite common, and probably quite a few still around and in service. They will be well in excess of 60+ years old now, and as IQ noted, often were equipped with twin rewireable fuses, though many have been subsequently modified to incorporate an early cartridge fuse and a neutral link. Only way your gonna find out what you have in your mystery box, is to open it up and have a look see!!!

To be honest, these heads should be replaced by the DNO without any questions asked, they are well past there useful life expectancy!!! ...Let's face it the DNO's have had there moneys worth out of them, ...several times over in standing charges over the years!! Right??? ...lol!!!

 

[sjhall]

twin fuse in the one in the pic above

 

[Shellybones]

HI This is the same type I have in my house, the cast iron box has been opened in my house I was planning to use this as my NIC assessment but Im now thinking there must be a better option as I cant afford to fail. The system has been upgraded to a certain extent. But its just hard to figure out where to start lol I can take a picture of mine if you like

 

[Electricalserv]

HI This is the same type I have in my house, the cast iron box has been opened in my house I was planning to use this as my NIC assessment but Im now thinking there must be a better option as I cant afford to fail. The system has been upgraded to a certain extent. But its just hard to figure out where to start lol I can take a picture of mine if you like

Yes!!!! Please

 

[Shellybones]

Here goes......

 

[sparky3366]

Yes!!!! Please

She meant the service head...oh crap... that sounds just as bad

 

[Shellybones]

Im not biting at the minute, guys im new lol

 

[Electricalserv]

Its not the same this one I'm doing is much bigger and older!

 

[mogga]

as per my previous post CALL DNO as opening these can open a box of worms an may lead to more danger DNO should replace it Specialy if you take Teelxtrikals advice and "Smell something funny"


Another point on these is the earths Iv seen are usualy soldered ,braised on the lead cover of the cable and in some instances they have "Allround band" type stuff on them so its realy a DNO Issue specialy as its before the meter