REC switch and meter seals...

piemme · Dec 20, 2015

Hello everyone, I would like some advice regarding some work that a contractor has performed on my flat.

I live in a block of flats where major works are taking place. Some of the major works have involved the rewiring of the electrical supply from the road up to the electricity meter in the individual flats (via an external electrical cabinet) As a part of that:

- the seal on the meter was broken (as you'd expect)
- a REC 100A switch was installed between the grid and my meter rather than between the meter and the consumer unit.

See pictures here to understand what I am talking about:

https://sdds.de.quickconnect.to/direct/photo/share/BAiiTIuO (I can't seem to be able to create a proper link so please copy/paste!)

(edit, photo added)

[ElectriciansForums.net] REC switch and meter seals...

This arrangement looked wrong to me as they are essentially installing something that would theoretically allow me to steal free electricity, and I am afraid I might end up in trouble just for the fact of having such a circuit in my flat. When I question this with the contractors I got this answer:

"All works have been carried out before the meter and in line with UKPN guidelines and under the BNO (building network operator) there is a full document on this that UKPN was in with the specification. UKPN and the energy supplier would not be interested in this [lack of seal] as its the responsibility of the BNO. The supplier can reseal the meter on there next inspection / visit. The installation of the REC switch before the meter is now required within the UKPN document."

I have managed to find the document they may be referring to, and it seems to be including a diagram that represents the current installation (page 15):
https://library.ukpowernetworks.co....0118+Supplies+to+Multi-occupied+buildings.pdf

The questions I have are:

- are the contractors right that this arrangement is correct as it seems to be the one shown in the UKPN document?
- whose responsibility is to put new seals on meter and switch? The BNO? The energy supplier?

Thank you very much

mechelec · Dec 20, 2015

Take a look at the link below page 14 may be helpful. The meter should be sealed. email your supplier and explain about the missing seals and keep the email and you are covered. I wouldn't worry too much I have never heard of anyone being prosecuted for having no seals on their meter (unless they were stealing electric)

https://library.ukpowernetworks.co....0118+Supplies+to+Multi-occupied+buildings.pdf

bradder · Dec 23, 2015

They've used a DP switch rather than a "red link" cut-out

marc8 · Jan 1, 2016

Hi all

what is at the other end the head end. do you have a switch fuse that end or is there a Ryefiled panel or similar does this have a switch or fused dis-connector ?
as above could have used a RED link cutout & would have looked a bit neater.

Sparkie30 · Jan 1, 2016

piemme said:
Hello everyone, I would like some advice regarding some work that a contractor has performed on my flat.

I live in a block of flats where major works are taking place. Some of the major works have involved the rewiring of the electrical supply from the road up to the electricity meter in the individual flats (via an external electrical cabinet) As a part of that:

- the seal on the meter was broken (as you'd expect)
- a REC 100A switch was installed between the grid and my meter rather than between the meter and the consumer unit.

See pictures here to understand what I am talking about:

https://sdds.de.quickconnect.to/direct/photo/share/BAiiTIuO (I can't seem to be able to create a proper link so please copy/paste!)

(edit, photo added) View attachment 30997

This arrangement looked wrong to me as they are essentially installing something that would theoretically allow me to steal free electricity, and I am afraid I might end up in trouble just for the fact of having such a circuit in my flat. When I question this with the contractors I got this answer:
"All works have been carried out before the meter and in line with UKPN guidelines and under the BNO (building network operator) there is a full document on this that UKPN was in with the specification. UKPN and the energy supplier would not be interested in this [lack of seal] as its the responsibility of the BNO. The supplier can reseal the meter on there next inspection / visit. The installation of the REC switch before the meter is now required within the UKPN document."

I have managed to find the document they may be referring to, and it seems to be including a diagram that represents the current installation (page 15):
https://library.ukpowernetworks.co....0118+Supplies+to+Multi-occupied+buildings.pdf

The questions I have are:

- are the contractors right that this arrangement is correct as it seems to be the one shown in the UKPN document?
- whose responsibility is to put new seals on meter and switch? The BNO? The energy supplier?

Thank you very much

Looks to me that they have upgraded the lacturals as the old ones must have been damaged or IR is poor so they upgrade them.

1st thats 3 core armoured cable pretty sure there is a ryfield board somewhere. It looks to me the op has a skeleton board fitted. A bit strange they went into isolator 1st instead of meter should be other way round.
as for the meter seals, i wouldnt worry to much to much about it.

Sparkie30 · Jan 1, 2016

bradder said:
They've used a DP switch rather than a "red link" cut-out
View attachment 31013

Its fed from a ryfiled board mate, pretty sure of it. cant be straight into isolator, cable not protected otherwise.

drzsta · Jan 1, 2016

Can't see anything wrong apart from the seals removed. As stated, the DP iso has been installed instead of a Red-linked service head. Fusing will be in the communal electrical cupboard.

davesparks · Jan 1, 2016

What a mess of a termination!

Sparkie30 · Jan 1, 2016

drzsta said:
Can't see anything wrong apart from the seals removed. As stated, the DP iso has been installed instead of a Red-linked service head. Fusing will be in the communal electrical cupboard.

Really have a look at that pic again please?

R G · Jan 1, 2016

You need to contact the REC to put that right ...

I ran estates on Riser renewals and some of the agency guys would do all sorts when your back was turned ...

drzsta · Jan 1, 2016

Sparkie30 said:
Really have a look at that pic again please?

What? its all rough and I don't particularly like the exposed singles in the mantel and what looks like over sleeved swa (could be split-con actually) cores into the isolator.

The OP's question is whether the use of a DP isolator is permitted. Looking at the information provided I see no reason why it could not, although the consensus is usually to provide a red-linked cut-out for obvious reasons.

amlu · Jan 1, 2016

Are you sure that seals were there before the work?

Sparkie30 · Jan 1, 2016

drzsta said:
What? its all rough and I don't particularly like the exposed singles in the mantel and what looks like over sleeved swa (could be split-con actually) cores into the isolator.

The OP's question is whether the use of a DP isolator is permitted. Looking at the information provided I see no reason why it could not, although the consensus is usually to provide a red-linked cut-out for obvious reasons.

op is asking wether the isolator should fitted before the meter or after the meter. Also the dp isolator is upside down.

drzsta · Jan 1, 2016

Sparkie30 said:
op is asking wether the isolator should fitted before the meter or after the meter. Also the dp isolator is upside down.

With reference to the UKPN document provided in this thread yes it can. The isolator is property of the BNO not the consumer and thus provided as per MOCOPA regs to allow meter operatives to safety repair/replace meter.

davesparks · Jan 1, 2016

Sparkie30 said:
op is asking wether the isolator should fitted before the meter or after the meter. Also the dp isolator is upside down.

The switch is the right way up.

REC switch and meter seals...

piemme

mechelec

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bradder

-

marc8

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Sparkie30

-

Sparkie30

-

drzsta

-

davesparks

Sparkie30

-

R G

drzsta

-

amlu

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Sparkie30

-

drzsta

-

davesparks

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