Earth Loop too High

[Peter Hartley]

Hi there Guys

I am new to the UK and have just a quick question. When your earth loop reading I too high in the UK, can you proceed to do an earth/neutral bond before the consumer main switch or do you have to contact the applicable power utility company?

 

[drzsta]

Contact your DNO who will advise if PME is available in your area.

 

[Andy78]

Are you talking about an EFLI reading on a final circuit or the external EFLI (Ze) ?

It is prohibited to alter or tamper with equipment belonging to the DNO or the electricity supplier.

 

[Risteard]

It is prohibited to alter or tamper with equipment belonging to the DNO or the electricity supplier.

It is also prohibited to have a PEN conductor within the installation, ie. a TN-C system.

 

[Peter Hartley]

Thanks Guys. I was talking about the external loop, however I have established that in the UK the DNO is responsible for that cable and I will just alert them. Yes PEN conductor is illegal after the customer point of control. In SA the DNO stops at the meter in the kiosk outside the property. Therefore you have a cable feeding the installation from the meter to the point of control. Sometimes the earth on this cable deteriorates and a earth/neutral bond is then made in order to restore a proper earth.

 

[Andy78]

Out of interest, what is the external earth fault loop reading you have and what earthing arrangement is it ?

 

[davesparks]

Thanks Guys. I was talking about the external loop, however I have established that in the UK the DNO is responsible for that cable and I will just alert them. Yes PEN conductor is illegal after the customer point of control. In SA the DNO stops at the meter in the kiosk outside the property. Therefore you have a cable feeding the installation from the meter to the point of control. Sometimes the earth on this cable deteriorates and a earth/neutral bond is then made in order to restore a proper earth.

Even in that scenario it would be unacceptable to make such an earth/neutral link. If the earth conductor has deteriorated then the cable is damaged and must be replaced (or repaired if possible)