removal of main cutout fuse!

[HappyHippyDad]

Hello all,

I think this may be a controversial question, but here goes..

I have passed my domestic installers course and will be getting registered soon (so showing a CU change would be good). I would like to update my consumer unit and have read many of the posts on this site regarding that. I will first try and get the DNO to fit an isolation switch if not then I do not want to work with live tails so pulling the main cutout seems like the option. Lets say for arguments sake that I will get permission by the DNO, thats not really what I want to get into on this thread.

From other threads I think it a very good idea to first assess what type of head it is (cast iron seems one to avoid) and what condition it is in.

Wear electricians gloves.

Test the tails after removal of main fuse to be 100% sure they are not live.

Have main switch off when removing and replacing.

One question is how to make the meter box safe for others whilst I am working inside. Do I just remove the fuse from the main cutout and replace?

This is clearly something that should have been taught during my course, but it wasn't, they just said pull it, which isn't good enough for me.

Any futher advice on removing the main cutout fuse would be most welcome.

Cheers.

 

[Guitarist]

Its an idiotic system
it should be compulsary for the suppliers to upgrade there equipment and provide a adequate means of isolation to allow improvements to be made such as fitting the CCU without breaking any laws or seals
Or allow the seals to be cut and new tails installed as long as the supplier is notified and temporary seals fitted upon completion as well as having to fit a DP isolator if the equipment looks safe to do so

I think we would all be in agreement mate. Just been reading an article in the last ECA magazine saying how they have been lobbying parliament to get something sorted, and that the Government is on-board with finding a solution. I think the key is for us all to write to our MP, as this is a matter of safety.

 

[DNS1]

UPDATE...

Contacted e-petitions website yesterday to ask why my petition hadn't been finalised.

They said that as it was quite complex it might involve more than one government department so they were taking time to check it properly and make sure everything was ok.

I'll keep everyone updated and hopefully post up the link on here in the next few days...

 

[RAD_22]

Signed :20:

Government ePetition calling for a change in the law regarding DNO fuses and safe isolation. Please add your signature: https://submissions.epetitions.direc...etitions/37408

 

[oldtimer]

We would not need this if the Electrical Safety Council had got the government to either get the DNOsto fit an isolation switch or get one fitted in the new smart meters but nope the government were lobbied by the meter and DNO companies stating there was no need to put this extra cost or burden on to business as it was no a safety issue reference Switched On issue 25.

I have signed this but I feel big business has more of a say plus I returned to a job this morning to fix a socket and I had fitted an isolator when I changed the CU now there was 16mm singles coming from the meter but since then the meter and mains were renewed and they fitted an isolator now you are asking what 2 isolators YEP and worse than that they kept the 16mm singles as this was on the consumer side in.

The customer did ask saying the electrician had left enough DI cable going to the CU but no.So this morning it took me 10 minutes to put the DI cable straight into their isolator thus removing the one I fitted and the single 16mm.

Sorry no pics left camera in the house

 

[Guitarist]

We would not need this if the Electrical Safety Council had got the government to either get the DNOsto fit an isolation switch or get one fitted in the new smart meters but nope the government were lobbied by the meter and DNO companies stating there was no need to put this extra cost or burden on to business as it was no a safety issue reference Switched On issue 25.

I have signed this but I feel big business has more of a say plus I returned to a job this morning to fix a socket and I had fitted an isolator when I changed the CU now there was 16mm singles coming from the meter but since then the meter and mains were renewed and they fitted an isolator now you are asking what 2 isolators YEP and worse than that they kept the 16mm singles as this was on the consumer side in.

The customer did ask saying the electrician had left enough DI cable going to the CU but no.So this morning it took me 10 minutes to put the DI cable straight into their isolator thus removing the one I fitted and the single 16mm.

Sorry no pics left camera in the house

Just shows the average intelligence of these guys....

 

[hermetic]

interesting point, when the old sangamo weston mechanical meter was removed at my house, it was replaced by a new digital meter WITH A BUILT IN ISOLATOR!, when it went faulty a couple of years later it was replaced by another digi meter, without an isolator, when I asked the guy, he just said, "we're not fitting those any more". It was the same make, just minus isolator. When the original digi meter was fitted, I asked the DNO man what the difference in price was, he laughed and told me the old black mechanical meters were about £70 each, whereas the new ones cost..........................."about £11"! So the "cost to much" excuse is a bit invalid then?

 

[oldtimer]

Yep the cost is a red herring but charging you anything from £80-£120 to fit one shows up on their bottom line

 

[Knobhead]

Any Sangamo time switch was expensive. Well made but you had to pay for that quality.

 

[trev]

Signed.

 

[snowhead]

Any Sangamo time switch was expensive. Well made but you had to pay for that quality.

I used to like the ones with mechanical solar correction as used in Phone boxes and probably other locations as well.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Just giving an update on this thread..

Not much to say, but I contacted the DNO to fit an isolater..

Only had to speak to two people before speaking to the right person, which is ok.

Chap came out within 1 week to assess what needed doing and said he'd been given 2 quotes.. £45 and £80. Said he'd organise it and call me back.

Left it for another week, nothing heard, so I gave them a little push and someone is coming out this wednesday to fit the isolater for £65.

I'll let you know if they turn up :teeth_smile:

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Just thought I should close this thread properly by giving an ending.

The chap turned up and fitted the isolater, simple.

Quite interesting seeing him remove the cut out though. He just pulled it out, no gloves, no checks, just pulled it out.

Now I can get on with my first CU change!

 

[DaveyD]

Signed. Not a problem for me in south west. Just collect the stickers and ring through to DNO

 

[Guitarist]

Just thought I should close this thread properly by giving an ending.

The chap turned up and fitted the isolater, simple.

Quite interesting seeing him remove the cut out though. He just pulled it out, no gloves, no checks, just pulled it out.

Now I can get on with my first CU change!

I have never seen them use PPE either. It's always available, but doesn't seem to get worn...

 

[Geordie Spark]

I have never seen them use PPE either. It's always available, but doesn't seem to get worn...

It will never wear as the don't wear it. :jester:

(has anybody seen me coat ??)

 

[SW1970]

Here's the link again (the one above didn't work): Allow electricians to lawfully remove distributors fuses. - e-petitions

This benefits the industry. If the scheme operators are serious, they will publish this to all their members and request them to consider and sign.

 

[brucelee]

signed mate for what use it may do would make life easier

 

[wildgoose]

Signed it.

The weasels in parliament are very switched on to people power in numbers, especially when the press get involved or if it could mean their jobs are at risk!

Apathy is the death of all progress, so if you can't be arsed signing the petition, then don't complain ever again about this predicament we electricians are faced with!

 

[edexlab]

Signed !
Can the moderators send a link / message to all members of the forum to inform them about this petition, so others can add their signature if they wish.

 

[leonard]

signet it

 

[Guitarist]

Signed !
Can the moderators send a link / message to all members of the forum to inform them about this petition, so others can add their signature if they wish.

This is a great idea. I don't know how many members this forum has, but if everyone signed the petition it would certainly help.