Borrowed neutral question.

[schoe]

Just out of interest if i was to fit a new dual rcd split board and a came across a borrowed netural on a lighting circuit how could i resolve it?


Thanks Chris

 

[oxocube]

If you disagree with what I have said, then tell me why you think this is so dangerous by putting both circuits on the same MCB?

I don't think its dangerous.

Also if the customer would not have you putting in new circuits....what would you do??

I would have tested and found the borrowed neutrals before the change and if the customer refused the rectification works, I would walk away.

 

[Rappid]

I would have tested and found the borrowed neutrals before the change and if the customer refused the rectification works, I would walk away.

I'm sure the customer would find another electrician who would change the CU.

 

[Hawk81]

Ponty while I do not agree with you on this thread I was hoping to see a good debate on the subject but your poor attitude has ruined it. What need was there to belittle another forum member by calling them "son" and "get back to your 3 week coarse"?? Hope you feel big now. I still stand by my statement that borrowed neutrals are dangerous and if you can't see how then its is maybe you who needs more education.

 

[oxocube]

50 fuses or MCB’s returning on a common 0V neutral bus isn’t uncommon,[/QUOTE]

Yes thats found in every fuseboard in the world. And for you to make that comparison with borrowed neutral shows that you don't understand what a borrowed neutral is, and thats why you wrongly believe they are not dangerous.

 

[Hawk81]

I'm sure the customer would find another electrician who would change the CU.

I have saw a lot of unsatisfactory work done by other "electricians" that I would not do.

 

[Rappid]

same here, because everybody has their own interpretation of the regs. i.e. is that glass half full or half empty

 

[Ponty Massive]

Hawk, I also enjoy a debate on questions like this and seeing other peoples view, but when I make an input to the debate and in return get a comment like this...

I can't believe an electrician said that.

...then the standard of the thread looks to be set.


I do agree a borrowed neutral can be dangerous and that's why I feel it's safer to change the board for an RCD type and put both circuits on the same MCB as aposed to leaving in a 3036 board with a borrowed neutral let across two fuses.

 

[oxocube]

I do agree a borrowed neutral can be dangerous

Thats strange you said in post No 9 they are not dangerous, perhaps you've learnt something today.

 

[Ponty Massive]

Thats strange you said in post No 9 they are not dangerous, perhaps you've learnt something today.

If you are going to use one of my quotes (#9) then at least have the decency to use the whole quote (#26) to try and attack me!

 

[Engineer54]

If you are going to use one of my quotes (#9) then at least have the decency to use the whole quote (#26) to try and attack me!

Someones trying to make a mountain out of a molehill here. Either that or they haven't read what you have written, in the way you intended.

 

[ezzzekiel]

the borrowed neutral on a single mcb no longer becomes a borrowed neutral and thus is no longer dangerous (loading may be an issue) which is exactly what has been said (not that a borrowed neutral is not dangerous as is being claimed was said) and it is an accepted method by all scheme providers to overcome the problem.

alternatively run in a new cable which would be the prefered method but not always available depending on the run, cost or damage to decor.

anyone claiming any different to the above two options are talking dribble.

 

[oxocube]

If you are going to use one of my quotes (#9) then at least have the decency to use the whole quote (#26) to try and attack me!

I think you're the one doing the attacking, I'm just trying to put the record straight.

This post is No 9 - Hawk81 said "I don't know where you live either but leaving a borrowed neutral is lazy and dangerous. In my book it should always be rectified."

In responce Ponty said "Can't agree with that. In what way is it dangerous?"

Thats Ponty clearly stating they are not dangerous.

Then in post No 37 Ponty said "I do agree a borrowed neutral can be dangerous"

The words in quotes are what was actually said.

 

[telectrix]

the usual scenario of a "borrowed neutral" is where the landing light takes its neutral from the upstairs lighting cct. and it's line from the downstairs cct., fed via the 2 way switching arrangement, so, in my book this is a "borrowed live" and as such, the borrowed live should be removed and replaced with a feed from the upstairs circuit. this would ental an extra conductor between the switches, either by wiring in a single, or replacing the T/E with 3core/E. customers are often unwilling to have their nice wallpaper chased, so that is the reason for the compromises outlined previously. personally, i'd mnodify the circuit, redecorate, and do without the new bog/microwave/200kW shower/iphone/overpriced stilettos/ballet lessons/horse riding (for the sprogs) etc.etc.

 

[Engineer54]

oxocube,

Why don't you just admit, that you misread what Ponty was saying?? He has never said, or implied that a shared neutral situation wasn't dangerous.... Then the thread can be left to it's natural conclusion!!

 

[oxocube]

Why don't you just admit, that you misread what Ponty was saying?? He has never said, or implied that a shared neutral situation wasn't dangerous.... Then the thread can be left to it's natural conclusion!!

It could do if people stopped telling lies.

How can you possibly argue against what I've said in post No. 42, perhaps you have a hidden agenda.