Pulling fuses

[nicsin02]

Hi guys what's your opinions in pulling main fuses to replace d/b's? I am against it and always fought it was ilegal etc.... But checking other forums the majority of ppl say the just pull it, any1 else just pull it?

 

[telectrix]

you have 3 options.

1. work with live tails.

2. pull fuse.

3. bang head against brick wall phoning DNO.

 

[Darkwood]

It is illegal and so is driving at 35 in a 30 buteveryone does it, but this isn't advice to do it too im just saying what happens in realty ... the risk here is the cutout collapsing or the fuse carrier breaking apart.. its a real risk and you probably end in hospital if your lucky if it occured.

If you are confident wear the appropriate Protective clothing and use appropriate insulated tools it should not be beyond a competent and confident experienced Electricians capabilities to cut the tails live and re-route into a appropriate Henley block....

You are taught to isolate and not work live under these circumstances and to remove the DNO fuse you need to arrange for them to do it their exists only one circumstance where you can remove the DNO fuse without risk of prosecution and that is when not doing so immediately could be a risk of life or a fire hazard.... this dosn't however mean you can remove it to stop the risk to yourself to do the work its where isolating the customers main switch would not remove the danger i.e. if the main switch was arcing or smoking and overheating and the risk of physically trying to operate it could endanger you and leaving it as is would be a fire hazard.

In a word no you cant remove it for your CU change .... and with new smart meters that log power down times the first successful prosections have already happened.

 

[ifindoubtdont]

If while inspecting said DB you found a life threatening fault, and the only way of isolating said fault was pulling fuse, so be it. Replace faulty DB, replace fuse tell DNO.

 

[SJD]

If you are in SSE area, scheme members can get temp seals from the SSE - this is what I do - after replacing fuse, add a numbered temp seal, and call them to notify you've done it. I've found SSE quite helpful, I don't know that any other areas that do this?

 

[telectrix]

it's too much like common sense for our local DNO. it took 3 months of phoning and emailing to get an answer on whether PME was available at 1 of my client's.

 

[nicsin02]

No life threating faults on d/b, client who own several properties wants d/b replaced with dual RCD, I was thinking if the power company came out to check meter- seen fuse has been removed- seen new d/b- puts 2 + 2 together and traces with client who fitted new d/bs etc.... And it will lead them to the company I work for

 

[Brendan976]

I pull them and dont give it a second thought. Just make sure there is no load on it, ie you have turned it all off.
I would sooner that than try to work on live stuff did that in my yourger days. I dont do that now.

Ben

 

[Engineer54]

Any links to confirm that statement, where an electrician has pulled the fuse in order to undertake a CU change?? I just find that highly unlikely!! lol!!

with new smart meters that log power down times the first successful prosections have already happened. ​

​

 

[ifindoubtdont]

It was meant to be a, read between the lines, comment.

 

[nicsin02]

When I moved into my house I re-wired it and got Scottish power out to install a isolator switch before I touched the d/b, I would never do it live!!!!

 

[OWLelectrical]

When I moved into my house I re-wired it and got Scottish power out to install a isolator switch before I touched the d/b, I would never do it live!!!!

western power will do this if you request a switch

 

[Guest111]

There are 2 ways of doing it and I've done both but I know what I'm doing and wouldn't advise anyone on which way to go.It all depends on training and circumstances,

 

[shanky887614]

never pulled a fuse, but i have witnessed them fall out, i asume it was because of the missing tags.


a couple guys ive worked with hide the tags because if they dont see you doing it then they cant prove anything in there exact words

 

[timo1]

Southern Electric will let you pull fuse if you are with a scheme. I have some seals that I use afterwards which I have aquired. If the fuse carrier looks healthy I will pull it. Always have PPE on though (Gloves and eye protection)

 

[Guest55]

Any links to confirm that statement, where an electrician has pulled the fuse in order to undertake a CU change?? I just find that highly unlikely!! lol!!

agreed.
my understanding is that prosecutions are only brought about when its suspected electricity has been extracted without payment , ie a meter fiddle.

 

[Silly Sausage]

I can't resist any longer!

 

[RmBo_0]

Changed a CU last week and the meter had an isolation switch which is so much easier. Don't come across many like that though.

 

[Guest55]

I can't resist any longer!

what are you babbling on about now ?

and your post coincides beautifully with my new sig.

 

[Piratepete]

You can always ask the supplier to fit an isolation switch. Cost varies but in my area British Gas charges £45 (and do within a week) which most customers will accept. I insist on this if upgrading the tails means breaking the meter seals! And yes I pull the fuse but reseal it afterwards with own seals as a safety measure. How else can you find out what size it is? Carriers are usually unmarked.
Pete