Overhead Supply with PME, DNO?

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robo83

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #1

I have been called to a job that has an fault unrelated to this question.

When conducting checks to earthing and Main Bonding I noticed the earthing arrangement has been converted to PME, there was also no main Bonding.

I have attached a picture, I am a little sceptical to who has altered the earthing arrangement as the board change was 2014, the 16mm earthing conductor now acting as the earth is also 2014.

I was expecting an Earth Rod???

 

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #2

Picture attached

 

westward10

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #3

Without further info it is difficult to say who has done this. You would have to consult the DNO.

 

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #4

The board change was done by an electrician who was friend of the family.

No bonding, split load board with sockets put onto non RCD side of the board. That's the circuit I was called too, kept overloading the mcb. Did IR and it's a damaged cable which would have been existing fault when board was changed which is why it wasn't put on rcd , but deteriorated now to taking out the mcb.

I'm going to conduct ze tests, sort the bonding and contact DNO and seek their advice. If ze is too high ill go get a ROD :/

 

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #5

Is this bloke still a friend of the family???

 

RWJ

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #6

We had the same issue a few months ago, overhead lines with a what looked DIY PME install. Couldn't see an earth rod or where an earth rod would have ever been so phoned UKPN who couldn't tell me if it should be PME, TT or anything.
Took the details of the person on the phone and made a note on our job system.

 

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #7

Sounds like a bit of a mess to sort out. Kerching!

Seriously though, you know what you have to do, so best warn them now about what may need to happen and how much it may cost .....

 

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #8

robo83 said:

I'm going to conduct ze tests, sort the bonding and contact DNO and seek their advice. If ze is too high ill go get a ROD :/

Click to expand...

Worth getting the DNO to send someone round to take a look and confirm whether it's an official PME connection and, if not, whether they can supply one. I've had a couple of similar situations with SSE, who have been very helpful once you manage to talk to someone who knows what they're talking about. You may have to get the householder to make the call and then hand over the phone once it gets technical. If you say that it may be dangerous, it might get their attention.

 

7029 dave

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• Aug 15, 2017

• #9

The cover is off, if not labelled IMO it's a diy jobie, call the DNO to confirm this earthing arrangement.

 

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• Aug 17, 2017

• #10

Called DNO today.

They called back and lady confirmed all PME conversations were done via UK power the past 5 years, she said if it isn't on their system dating back 5 yrs it maybe done before.

However I explained the 16mm earth cable is dated 2014 so MUST be diy. I am back there Monday, the lady has given me her contact details. Once I'm back and confirm ZE they will send out an enginner whilst I am there.

Ill pick up material to convert back to TT just incase.

All this polarva because some clown sparks hasn't a conscience, faulty sockets with no earth without rcd supplying outbuilding and custom PME conversion ...

I can't even leave a job knowing I haven't Clipped a cable sufficiently... Does me nut in....

 

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• Aug 17, 2017

• #11

These are not nice jobs,usually the householder is unaware of the problems and when you mention installing this and that cable,they lose the plot and scepticism often takes them over

The existing connection without any main bonding,whether its a naughty or not,it is a danger as it stands, even a temporary rod until confirmation of the supply and the main bonds can be sorted would lessen the danger

 

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• Aug 18, 2017

• #12

letus know the Ze , PSCC and PEFC ?

 

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• Aug 20, 2017

• #13

telectrix said:

letus know the Ze , PSCC and PEFC ?

Click to expand...

Why did you not do these tests at the time of finding existing fault ?.

 

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• Aug 20, 2017

• #14

anthonybragg said:

Why did you not do these tests at the time of finding existing fault ?.

Click to expand...

I did a quick IR test to be sure what was the issue with the sockets as this was my purpose of the visit.

I am booked in for Monday so will update.

 

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• Aug 21, 2017

• #15

Ok update
ZE:0.41
PSCC: 1.07kA
PEFC: 1.12kA

I informed UK power, they sent an enginner out who I just missed. Customer informed via text he was happy with the PME. I am not sure if any alterations were made to reduce the ZE, I am however returning to the job again so will check.

UK power were superb.