Help with DNO cutout please...

[timo1]

Hello all,

I am looking to start work at a rural property soon, I got the work through a customer recommendation at a neighbouring property I had worked on which was a TT supply.

The meter and cut out on this occasion has been replaced as the property has had some major renovation. I initially thought that the property was TT, however I was looking at a picture on the forum and am now wondering if this may be a TNCS but missing the earth to C/U? The only time I have worked on new properties the supply type is obvious, and was wondering if the DNO has left out the earth connection to be fitted later?

I contacted the DNO (Southern electric) and spoke to the engineering department who said they have no record of the supply type (!) and they will have to inspect it, but could not rule out a charge for doing so.

The main incoming power is underground, the new tails from the isolator are a temporary supply fitted when the meter was put in (Not by me, I will be changing them to 25mm). House is currently supplied on its original C/U, an ancient Bill unit.

Property will be a total rewire, should be a nice job as access is easily available as all boards are up. Ultimately I will wait to see what the inspection is, but interested in your thoughts?

 

[telectrix]

you will have to treat that as a TT system unless informed by DNO that it's PME.

 

[timo1]

Thanks Tel I agree. I will wait and see what they say. Its TT at the moment, I found a photo I took of the C/U. Its not a Bill I think its a MEM. I will put a decent rod in for now and wait and see what they say. Thanks for your response. Tim

 

[applemac]

keep phoning dno! you have a right to know, who ordered the supply? there must be paper work for the install/upgrade.

looking at the incoming supply it splits of before the head.

what does the white label say

 

[DurhamSparky]

normally says removal of this cover will result in death!!

blah blah blah!

- - - Updated - - -

yup treat as TT,

it may be that the only head on van was a Lucy/Henly PME head...!! seen it done other ways as well...

 

[applemac]

no the label on the main cable,

 

[StuSpiers]

looks like TT just with a modern head, despite what some people say TT is still a great method of earthing and perfectly acceptable.

What makes you think it is PME?

If the dno had upgraded to PME they would have brought out a little flying lead from the cutout into a MET but taken it no further.
If you do ever find this situation always do a ZE on the MET before relying on it.

 

[timo1]

Thanks for replies. I'm not sure what the label says, sorry applemac. TBH, I treated it as a TT and it was only when I saw the cut out thought it may be PME. thanks Stuspiers that has answered my question I think. Have to add and earth pit to the list of parts!!!

 

[oldtimer]

Well done and thanks for the photographs I hope people are watching as this is the best way to get a post answered very professional

 

[mechelec]

To the DNO they are not supplying an earth it is up to you what system of earthing is used , unless they just forgot to put PME sticker on co.

I guess the label says something along the lines of don't mess with this gear as it is an offence bla bla.
the block above the co is to stop tampering and bypassing the meter.

 

[Strima]

That's completely wrong, there's a pack of fuse-wire by the CU, why isn't it at the bottom on a kitchen drawer where they'll never find it in the dark? :lol:

 

[sedgy34]

Isn't that rcd potentially dangerous and should be changed as it's current ssupplied (can't remember)

 

[StuSpiers]

looks like a voltage operated trip, and yes they are dangerous.

He is re-wiring so I would assume it would be put in the bin.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Yeah looks like a voltage operated trip- lose the earth and its just a big on / off switch.

Like the single insulation layer. Nice little job Timo

 

[telectrix]

if you fit a new CU, ditch the E from the old VOELCB and use it as a main isolator (assuming it's fit for the purpose)

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Great minds.

 

[StuSpiers]

The potential there though is for somebody to come in later and slate you/your work because he hasn't looked to closely.

Not saying its wrong, but I would always rip them out especialy if your replacing tails anyway.

 

[timo1]

The cu is being relocated and will be a full Rcbo board about 10 circuits in total. The new tails are only going to be about two metres from the new meter and a new isolator has been fitted. I plan on removing everything, total rewire bar maybe a few socket drops which are in awkward places. Nice customer as well, who is realistic on costs etc.. looking forward to it actually.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Timo

Need a hand

 

[timo1]

Timo

Need a hand

Thanks mate but I've got a mate that I work with for this one. Its strange I have been really busy since January and then its been quiet for the last 6 weeks. Just picked up a couple of C/U changes and am quoting on another rewire this week. I have two jobs and was looking to go full time electrical but I dont think I have the nerve at the moment.

 

[Des 56]

note: If one of these Elcbs were adapted to be used as an isolator,they generally only have a 63 amp rating ( or is that 60 amp,can't remember )

 

[timo1]

Just an update from supplier....no supplier earth provided, will need to be tt. Start tomorrow....

 

[StuSpiers]

Hope it goes well for you.

 

[Strima]

Have fun banging the spikes in.

 

[Guitarist]

Thanks for update. Always nice to know