Earthing arrangements and the DNO

[Knobhead]

Have a look at http://solutions.3m.co.uk/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_BC01426B24AC69B79C7C1A40E588A4EAA7000700 your wholesaler should be able to get them.

 

[Paul.M]

Link doesn't work Tony.

As for these houses being built on sand, get a rod and do a Ra/Ze test to see the ground resistance.

 

[Knobhead]

Works for me

 

[Paul.M]

Problems on my end (oh matron)

 

[JamesBrownLive]

He checked it over and all ok, and we asked about the earthing.
"Yes mate, we dont provide that and a lot of the houses round here dont have it." was his reply.

I don't understand, I thought that they are required by LAW (ESQCR??) to provide an earth? How can they get away with this?

 

[Engineer54]

Link doesn't work Tony.

As for these houses being built on sand, get a rod and do a Ra/Ze test to see the ground resistance.

Why would you do that in a sand rich soil?? The DNO guy obviously knows the conditions in that area, and what others are achieving with a roded earth. Mind you, if your prepared to spend a bit of money and time, you may well get a decent Ra value going down deep enough and in a crows foot configuration. But then, you would still be better off spending 120 quid for the TN-S connection. Personally being held to ransom like that, i'd go the spring clamp route. And Tony would probably go with sweating the earthing connection, but he has a wealth of experience with lead joint terminations!! ...lol

 

[daver]

Thanks Engineer 54.
Not that I want to open a discussion about building. But he was digging out his footings for an extension. He hit water table at 1.8M. Before that it was literally all sand. Building control have made him put steel and steel mesh into the footings for a relatively small single story extension. Southport is built on sand, so the DNO guy does know.

I will take a Ze with a rod next week and see what we get. But as you have said, its about being held to ransom. They have the means to do the job, they just choose to pull your pants down.

Will look at spring clamp option.

Cheers everyone.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Not sure Dave if you should be contemplating a DIY TN job on the DNO cable, if heaven bid something went wrong, as often can be the case with an older cable or if down the road the clamp is removed or gets damaged and leaves the installation without an earth, you'll be having more than your pants being taken down.

Personally I would quote the customer for a TT making sure it is over the 120 quid and advising them to get the DNO in install an earth, because once they do it, it's there responsibility. to

 

[Knobhead]

Have they poured the concrete yet? If not get a 16mm connected to the rebar. See http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...l-regulations/43386-using-rebar-earthing.html

 

[Engineer54]

Not sure Dave if you should be contemplating a DIY TN job on the DNO cable, if heaven bid something went wrong, as often can be the case with an older cable or if down the road the clamp is removed or gets damaged and leaves the installation without an earth, you'll be having more than your pants being taken down.

Personally I would quote the customer for a TT making sure it is over the 120 quid and advising them to get the DNO in install an earth, because once they do it, it's there responsibility. to

I was basically talking as if it were my house... lol!! I would have no hesitation whatsoever in providing myself a TN-S connection, when being held to ransom like this, ....bit different if we were talking TNC-S!! It's doubtful to get a decent stable Ra in sand even with a high water table, especially if that water is freshwater, different if salt/sea water, but then you have corrosion to think about...

Just trying to fathom, as too who would remove an earth clamp connection from a cable that was covered in protective amalgamating tape, and how such a connection could get damaged. Very little chance of either senerio in my honest opinion. Most service cut-out boxes are left gathering dust from one year to the next in my experience. only time there ever opened is to read the meter.

 

[Knobhead]

And Tony would probably go with sweating the earthing connection, but he has a wealth of experience with lead joint terminations!! ...lol

Yes I would, but under no circumstance would I ever recommend anyone else to do it. You have to be quick and accurate with a gas torch. Knowing how to blend plumbers metal and tinmans solder helps as well.
The CP springs are the safest method and to be honest I use them now when I get involved with live paper lead.

There’s even ways around plumbing LV/MV terminations with glands lined with plumbers metal.
The funny thing is I learnt how to terminate PL’s first with the lead lined glands. Then I had to learn the traditional method later.