Metal cut-outs - your thoughts please!

GrahamBrighton · May 25, 2015

Evening all,

I've been to quote for 2 jobs today, and both properties have had metal cut-outs one of which I believe may have a fused neutral (I've not opened it for obvious reasons) I didn't complete any testing, so for now I'm assuming they have good Ze's

What are your thoughts?

Should I email UK Power networks to upgrade them (my local DNO)?

Graham

Richard Burns · May 25, 2015

Definitely worth contacting them and see what they say, there are not all that many with fused neutrals now.
However the heads should have been upgraded before now.

amlu · May 25, 2015

there may be a solid copper link in the neutral fuse socket.

Andy78 · May 25, 2015

As said, call the DNO and get their assessment on the situation. After all I have seen and heard about these types of head, I'm glad they don't seem to have them this way on.
Just out of interest, what's a trainee doing handling the quoting and contacting of DNO ? Or do you have the wrong forum designation ?

GrahamBrighton · May 25, 2015

Ah, flying solo now after completing my 3 years... must update my profile!

Thank for the pointers guys, I'll let you know what they advise.

londonlec · May 25, 2015

I've had UKPN out before over this issue, and they wouldn't upgrade it as apparently they couldn't do it without shutting the street off.
I've also had them out over a high Ze on a TNS supply (with a bonding clamp on the sheath) and they said it was an unauthorised connection and to make it TT!

uksparks · May 25, 2015

Talking of old cutouts, look at this one, it's from 1964, what's inside it? The cover is loose ish, sealed but rattles a bit.

firtu steely it's got a Siemens Meyer with a little switch in so can just switch it off there, I can oh assume it's TNS from the readings and lack of stickers etc to say otherwise, I would have liked to get s new bit of earth cable into the cutout but will give it a miss as the CSA of what's there looks quite good and probably soldered in some way to the sheath so will be better than any clamp.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Metal cut-outs - your thoughts please!

uksparks · May 25, 2015

When I say sheath it's not lead, it's probably split concentric

uksparks · May 25, 2015

Actually just thinking about it, is the bit coming out the head the actual supply cable, it must be.

Dave OCD · May 25, 2015

That looks like a 60amp cutout at a guess, I'd definitely run a new insulated 16mm main earth from the outgoing side of the 'MET' , and label it too.

Dave OCD · May 25, 2015

uksparks said:
Actually just thinking about it, is the bit coming out the head the actual supply cable, it must be.

Yeah I'd say you're right.

uksparks · May 25, 2015

I bet if you took it apart it's just twisted and soldered into that MET

Dave OCD · May 25, 2015

Yeah I reckon so, someone probably took ages doing that back in the 1960s :smile5:

Leesparkykent · May 25, 2015

It's split concentric cable, Just like this in the pic.

UKMeterman · May 25, 2015

Leesparkykent said:
It's split concentric cable, Just like this in the pic.

Someone wired the meter neutral in red?

Metal cut-outs - your thoughts please!

GrahamBrighton

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