Replacing Fuse Board

E

EagerApprentice

Hello All.
When replacing a fuse board, what is the procedure for cutting or accessing the terminals via the Electricity supplier seal or lock?
Thanks in advance
EA
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Welcome to the forum Eager

- This is a bit of a sticky subject, you are not legally allowed to access the meter or cutout regardless whether the seals are in place or not having said that some area's do allow a notification scheme where the Electrician would cut the seals and fit temp' ones then report to the supplier ..(Maybe Scotland not sure?)

If this scheme is not in your area then the correct method would be to contact the DNO and arrange for them to disconnect and then reconnect to your new board...PS this is expensive though, probably >£200 for them to unscrew 2 cables and then fit them back after.

I would also have a look at existing threads on this matter to get a good idea where you stand and get a overall view, try not to act on the comments of one post that suits your needs without knowing the big picture.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0 Downvote
EagerApprentice said:
Hello All.
When replacing a fuse board, what is the procedure for cutting or accessing the terminals via the Electricity supplier seal or lock?
Thanks in advance
EA
Click to expand...

I take it the DNO has not supplied an Isolator between the meter and the CU you are looking to change?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Same frame of mind with Pete on these matters.

Ask the DNO to fir an Iso switch or to change the smart meter to the newer model with the built in Iso switch/screw on the secondary side. I've only seen a hand full of these but what a great idea for us lot, the designer should be nominated for the Noble Peace Prize! Simple design that makes a big difference to the safety of electricians.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Hello Eager...

As darkwood has said the correct way to do it is to contact the DNO as only they have the authority to remove it, although in fact anyone they 'authorise' can remove it (537.1.3).

When I first became registered I used a CU change for my first assessment. I contacted the DNO and got them to fit an isolator (this was free although some DNO's charge), I then carried out the CU change.

In practice I think many electricians will remove the cut out fuse themselves but I feel it could be dangerous to make it seem like this is the 'norm'. Some Cut out fuses are very dangerous (metal clad cutouts - IET Forums - Cut Out Fuse?).

Like Darkwood said, read the many other threads on this subject and then form your own decision.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Lots of sparks turn of the CU to remove the load and pull the bullet. Off course there is never any seals. You can buy seals from ebay (not the DNO type), do the meter readers ever check the type of seal? or even worry if there is no seal, no off course not, they dont care.

My first job for my assessment was a board change at a friends home. I had pulled the bullet and was working on the CU and the meter man turned up. I was slightly worried to say the least. So I told him what I was doing and he said 'carry on, you are a sparks so we dont care'

Some will have a go at me for this but just pull the fuse and get the job done!!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Delboybully said:
Lots of sparks turn of the CU to remove the load and pull the bullet. Off course there is never any seals. You can buy seals from ebay (not the DNO type), do the meter readers ever check the type of seal? or even worry if there is no seal, no off course not, they dont care.

My first job for my assessment was a board change at a friends home. I had pulled the bullet and was working on the CU and the meter man turned up. I was slightly worried to say the least. So I told him what I was doing and he said 'carry on, you are a sparks so we dont care'

Some will have a go at me for this but just pull the fuse and get the job done!!!
Click to expand...

Delboybully said:
Forgot to say, dont do this if it is an old cutout
Click to expand...

Delboy, we all know that most electricians pull the fuses, however you know what you are doing and have probably done it many times hence it becomes second nature to you. The OP, having asked this question, shows that he has never done this before so I dont think he should 'just pull it'. He should learn what an 'old cut out' looks like (perhaps the one he is intending to pull is one), he should read up on the dangers involved, he should read up about any protective equipment he should use (some may laugh but I always put my 1000V gloves on when I partake), he should learn the correct procedure... and then, maybe, partake.

Also... Once the fuse is pulled a big, gaping (live) hole is left, quite possibly outside the house for the general public to access whilst we go inside to change the CU. If the OP is going to pull the fuse then he needs to know how to make this safe, and not just popping a bit of tape over it or even forgetting about it.

It is frustrating that only the DNO is tecnically allowed to pull the fuse as this stops their being proper instruction around electricians pulling it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
happyhippydad said:
Delboy, we all know that most electricians pull the fuses, however you know what you are doing and have probably done it many times hence it becomes second nature to you. The OP, having asked this question, shows that he has never done this before so I dont think he should 'just pull it'. He should learn what an 'old cut out' looks like (perhaps the one he is intending to pull is one), he should read up on the dangers involved, he should read up about any protective equipment he should use (some may laugh but I always put my 1000V gloves on when I partake), he should learn the correct procedure... and then, maybe, partake.

Also... Once the fuse is pulled a big, gaping (live) hole is left, quite possibly outside the house for the general public to access whilst we go inside to change the CU. If the OP is going to pull the fuse then he needs to know how to make this safe, and not just popping a bit of tape over it or even forgetting about it.

It is frustrating that only the DNO is tecnically allowed to pull the fuse as this stops their being proper instruction around electricians pulling it.
Click to expand...
? take the fuse out of the carrier and pop the carrier back inplace, no one will put there fingers in then.

if you really want to you can put a seal on the empty carrier while you work inside, i was working with a guy before that didnt realise you could remove the fuse from the carrier!!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
shanky887614;1115841[B said:
]? take the fuse out of the carrier and pop the carrier back inplace[/B], no one will put there fingers in then.

if you really want to you can put a seal on the empty carrier while you work inside, i was working with a guy before that didnt realise you could remove the fuse from the carrier!!!
Click to expand...

I know that Shanky! That wasn't the point, the OP doesn't know, he's an 'eager apprentice', impressionable, wanting to please and inexperienced. Just don't think he should jump straight in.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
happyhippydad said:
I know that Shanky! That wasn't the point, the OP doesn't know, he's an 'eager apprentice', impressionable, wanting to please and inexperienced. Just don't think he should jump straight in.
Click to expand...
true, like you say it shouldn't be pulled unless you know how to do it safely.

some idiots ive worked with will just pull it with stuff still on inside!!! i make sure there is no load on it if it is safe to remove, its not always safe for example cast iron ones are dangerous and old dc meter heads.


if you really do want to pull it get your mentor to makesure its safe and gives you permission once all ppe is there and its safe to remove
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Need to be wearng this PPE
DNO_fuse_removal.jpg

Not sure if the fleece jacket is correct though..!

Also I spy an isolator already fitted, and he's going to pull the fuse with the isolator ( and the load-presumably) still switched on:shocked3:
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Also have my safety specs on but that's habit after having a piece of plastic dug out of my eye when I was an apprentice! Don't use the full face visor unless it's a metal clad then I've also got a pair of leather over gauntlets and fireproof overalls as well as you don't want to be in front of one of those when it goes wrong!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Stu1312 said:
Also have my safety specs on but that's habit after having a piece of plastic dug out of my eye when I was an apprentice! Don't use the full face visor unless it's a metal clad then I've also got a pair of leather over gauntlets and fireproof overalls as well as you don't want to be in front of one of those when it goes wrong!!
Click to expand...
to be honest the only ones ill personally remove are from newbuilds in good condition with the main board isolated so no load on it
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Taylortwocities said:
Need to be wearng this PPE
DNO_fuse_removal.jpg

Not sure if the fleece jacket is correct though..!

Also I spy an isolator already fitted, and he's going to pull the fuse with the isolator ( and the load-presumably) still switched on:shocked3:
Click to expand...

Switch the Isolator to OFF lock off fit warning sign, no need to pull the fuse in this situation is there?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
DNO SSE allow electricians (who are registered with a scheme) to remove their cut-out fuse and supply temporary numbered seals to reseal with afterwards, when the work is completed. The seals have details of the installer, who has to contact SSE with property details and seal number(s).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Without meaning to imply or encourage anything, I would be interested to know what is the act of parliament that makes it illegal to pull a cutout? The Electricity at Work Act 1989 quite rightly makes it illegal under most circumstances to work live.

I think it is downright dangerous that electricians are told not to touch the DNO's equipment. What if the electrician suspects the tails have become loose at the meter during the installation of a new CU? Most will not open the meter to check/tighten them, and some will be too scared to contact the DNO in case of being fined for having pulled the cutout! So then what happens if the meter goes up in smoke as a result?! If one can't name a statute making it illegal to carry out the essential safety check them I doubt 'the DNO says I'm not allowed' would be much of a defense!

It's about time we all got together and told the suppliers, DNOs etc that their filthy profits don't come before safety!
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Selfmade said:
Without meaning to imply or encourage anything, I would be interested to know what is the act of parliament that makes it illegal to pull a cutout? The Electricity at Work Act 1989 quite rightly makes it illegal under most circumstances to work live.

I think it is downright dangerous that electricians are told not to touch the DNO's equipment. What if the electrician suspects the tails have become loose at the meter during the installation of a new CU? Most will not open the meter to check/tighten them, and some will be too scared to contact the DNO in case of being fined for having pulled the cutout! So then what happens if the meter goes up in smoke as a result?! If one can't name a statute making it illegal to carry out the essential safety check them I doubt 'the DNO says I'm not allowed' would be much of a defense!

It's about time we all got together and told the suppliers, DNOs etc that their filthy profits don't come before safety!
Click to expand...

^^^^ I like this chap ^^^^

No electrician has ever been prosecuted in a court of law for cutting/removing a seal to a bullet aka tempering with their equipment. Only bypassing the meter etc.

If your competent and have the correct equipment to pull the bullet, just pull the bloody thing and work safe. The DNO's really need to address this issue for the everyday Sparks like us. Something needs to be put in place nationally, ok with training and a licence at a minimal cost to us. It is an issue that needs to be resolved.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0 Downvote
If there is a greater hazard to property or life leaving the fuse in then you should wear appropriate PPE and remove the fuse then call the DNO emergency line explaining why you removed the fuse.

You have to be very careful here though as some older cutouts are so dangerous that even the DNO will not touch them until they have been de-energised upstream... I have only needed to pull the fuse once in such circumstances which was water leaking through a main isolator 3 phase and it was arcing on the tail side - they had no issue with my actions.
If your reasons are lame in there eyes then you could end up with a hefty callout fee from them although I not known any that have taken anyone to court I do know a few sparks who have been charged for DNO attendance.

99% of the time you are not allowed to cut the seals or remove the fuse as this isn't the consumers property and is the property of the DNO and to do so is a criminal act.

I know the frustrations we all have with this set up but thems the rules and to cut any seal is vandalism unless you have special permission by the DNO to carry out such an act.

What actually happens in reality is another story but just expressing how it is from a legal stance.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0 Downvote
First of all I absolutely agree with everything that has been said here regarding safety.

Paul.M said:
No electrician has ever been prosecuted in a court of law for cutting/removing a seal to a bullet aka tempering with their equipment.
Click to expand...

Makes me wonder why not though...

darkwood said:
99% of the time you are not allowed to cut the seals or remove the fuse as this isn't the consumers property and is the property of the DNO and to do so is a criminal act.

I know the frustrations we all have with this set up but thems the rules and to cut any seal is vandalism unless you have special permission by the DNO to carry out such an act.
Click to expand...

But is it though? I'm not trying to get at anyone at all but I just think people are a bit too inclined to believe anyone appearing to be an authority figure without question: let's recap; we have:

- no specific act of parliament relating to this (I couldn't find one when a trawled the internet a while ago, and nobody has yet come up with one on this thread

- no legal precedent (not one single prosecution according to Paul.M and others I have read)

- thousands of people pulling cutouts up and down the country for decades and either never being reported (e.g. by the DNOs), or the reports not being acted on by the police/crown prosecution/procurator fiscal, which doesn't say much for those bodies confidence that such a case would be successful

- stickers on equipment up and down the country stating that it's an offense to 'tamper'.

I think I might start putting stickers on the CUs I fit stating that it is an offense for anyone else to carry out maintenance/alterations or to use the CU to isolate circuits for maintenance etc. Would that an offense make it, I wonder?

Afterthought: If person A fixes his/her property to person B's property, and person B then has to temporarily remove person A's property in order to carry out essential maintenance to his/her own property, I wonder if that is vandalism...
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Selfmade said:
First of all I absolutely agree with everything that has been said here regarding safety.



Makes me wonder why not though...



But is it though? I'm not trying to get at anyone at all but I just think people are a bit too inclined to believe anyone appearing to be an authority figure without question: let's recap; we have:

- no specific act of parliament relating to this (I couldn't find one when a trawled the internet a while ago, and nobody has yet come up with one on this thread

- no legal precedent (not one single prosecution according to Paul.M and others I have read)

- thousands of people pulling cutouts up and down the country for decades and either never being reported (e.g. by the DNOs), or the reports not being acted on by the police/crown prosecution/procurator fiscal, which doesn't say much for those bodies confidence that such a case would be successful

- stickers on equipment up and down the country stating that it's an offense to 'tamper'.

I think I might start putting stickers on the CUs I fit stating that it is an offense for anyone else to carry out maintenance/alterations or to use the CU to isolate circuits for maintenance etc. Would that an offense make it, I wonder?
Click to expand...
put a void if removed sticker on the lid that voids your warrenty if broken XD
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
shanky887614 said:
put a void if removed sticker on the lid that voids your warrenty if broken XD
Click to expand...

That's a good idea! Although I think the law has been clarified that a warrantee cannot be voided in this way - only if the third party work actually caused the failure that led to the warrantee claim, can the claim be refused on these grounds. That's my understanding anyway.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
no one keeps any records of seals and stickers. when DNO/meter man comes for some reason he will look for usual signs of dodgy meter bypass, if none found he will put new seals in place. most of the jobs i have been to, the seal fairy was there before and there was nothing to cut anyway.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
amlu said:
no one keeps any records of seals and stickers. when DNO/meter man comes for some reason he will look for usual signs of dodgy meter bypass, if none found he will put new seals in place. most of the jobs i have been to, the seal fairy was there before and there was nothing to cut anyway.
Click to expand...

Yup same here: often decades worth of dust on them and no seal in sight.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

Similar threads

K
What are the risks of having a 9000watt induction hob on a 32 amp fuse at the breaker?
Replies
5
Views
438
Avo Mk8
Avo Mk8
Fuseboxclueless
Does fuse board or switches contain asbestos?
Replies
2
Views
177
littlespark
littlespark

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Green 2 Go Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses Heating 2 Go
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

Advert

YOUR Unread Posts

Daily, weekly or monthly email

Receive a daily, weekly, or monthly email containing a digest of new and recently updated threads.

Thread Information

Title
Replacing Fuse Board
Prefix
N/A
Forum
UK Electrical Forum
Start date
Last reply date
Replies
57
Unsolved
--

Thread Tags

Tags Tags
board fuse fuse board replacing

Advert

Thread statistics

Created
EagerApprentice,
Last reply from
Midwest,
Replies
57
Views
6,697

Advert

TrueNAS JBOD Storage Server

Tilers | UK Tiling Forum | Tilers Forums | Find a Tiler
UK Tiling Forum by Tilers Forums UK
Plumbers Forums | Plumbing Advice | Gas Forum
Outside Play
Back
Top