Who is responsible?

[Burnt Fingers]

I have come accross an installation (which is pretty scary generally) and I am easing the customer towards a re-wire, by someone other than me (I'll probably be pulling wire though). He has two mains coming in, one very old and meter is fed by single insulated cables (looks like 25 aint measuring them) that pass through a rough hole in the brick from service head to meter. I would be happier if these tails were double sheathed and not clipped to the wall with metal bands - I see no earth here either. Is this bit down to the supply company? Its after the 100A Fuse, before the meter. I'll put a pic in later but frankly every time I go there I see something else that makes me soil my pants almost. Thanks in advance, your answers are appreciated big time.

 

[sjm]

The distribution company ie Western Power as it is down here, are responsible up to and including the main incomer or fuse. After that the power supply company ie EDF, Scottish power etc are responsible up to and including the meter. From the meter it is the consumers responsibility. If the supply is PME for earthing then the connection should be on the main incomer and anyway is the responsibility of the distribution company and only them. If the supply is not PME or TNS the consumer will need to supply their own earth ie an earth rod and RCD.

Hope this helps.

 

[Burnt Fingers]

Yes, thanks sjm. The meters have recently been renewed and i think my next step is to work out what the earth arrangement is (hoping its not TFA), but as I thought - its the suppliers responsibilty, much thanks.

 

[Guest123]

Supply companies have no obligation to supply you with an earth connection, only to maintain an existing one under ESQCR.

 

[RexT]

Hi Burnt Fingers,

Would it be a good idea for you consider putting your findings in writing to the client? This would help to ensure that it is correct. You should include your points about danger to ensure that you have done everything possible to assist putting this situation right in case the client decides to not follow yur findings. At least there would be a paper trail that would back up your actions and cover you in case of an incident after you have discovered the situation and before any (or if) works are carried out? A picture would be very interesting and of use.
Best wishes
Rex

 

[Burnt Fingers]

At the meter end. Will post pic of head tmrrw, it's hidden behond a mirror in a staff bedroom. Like in a particularly disturbed fairy tale really. I'm also going to follow that earth.

 

[Burnt Fingers]

Yes RexT I like a nice paper trail - we (my company) record everything we do or see pretty much. Tedious but great for breaking pointed fingers - thank you.

 

[RexT]

Hi Burnt Fingers,

It would be interesting how this ends up. Sometimes you cant believe how something starts. What should be there and isnt. As they say the first impressions count and if it looks untidy then its possibly going to be very untidy else where.
Thanks for the photo, its all good evidence you have of showing something later if peoples' memories get vague. Well done.
Best wishes
Rex

 

[Burnt Fingers]

Well it's not so bad in the end. Customer has asked me to book upgrade of incomers/tails...and I found the earth is joined way down behind panelling in a Henley box, which I guess originally would have been the MET. I have asked the supplier to upgrade the earth cable too, so a continous earth will go from head to new MET. Its amazing what you find behind panels sometimes.