Can you shed some light?

[anjo]

In the cellar of my mother in-law old Victorian house there's an old looking incoming supply set up. Just wondered if anyone here in this forum has come across it before or/and could explain how its set up. Link to Photos attached.

Many Thanks

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=321C713D3881DF20!116

 

[amckay]

I've never come across a supply identical to that sorry. But by the looks of it your installation doesnt appear to be earthed via the supply, but maybe its been tt'd and I'm not sure why it has when the dno has supplied an earth.
I'd get a local spark in to check it out tho as I could be wrong

 

[Bobster]

That doesn't look like an original DNO earth.

Get someone in to look at it.

 

[anjo]

Unseen in the photo there is a earth clamp connection on the water pipe which then in turns runs into the 2 fuse boxes (one lighting one power)

 

[Knobhead]

Looks like a three wire DC head reused for AC. Get the DNO out to it.

 

[7029 dave]

Looks like some old lead joint and thimble affair, going to new cut out.

 

[anjo]

What are the risks involved here as the owner tells me besides a burn out fuse wire now and again its worked fine for 20+ years and possibly longer as far as she know knows.

 

[trev]

What are the risks involved here

Fire, death, pain, hospitals, funerals, screaming, running, fear etc.
Seriously though, as per Tony's post get on to the DNO. Don't bother with the first muppet you speak to, get to the duty engineer who will put you right and take whatever action is necessary. Just because it's worked for 20+years (although I'd be willing to bet it's a hell of a lot older than that) it doesn't automatically mean it's safe for continued use

 

[telectrix]

The titanic worked fine for 4000 miles.

 

[anjo]

Sure, I'll have to convince her somehow but unfortunately all she is thinking about is cost at the moment.

 

[trev]

If the DNO need to change it there won't be a charge. It's their toy so let them play with it.
You might have to TT the installation but they might give you an earth, you don't know till you ask now get on the phone to them

 

[telectrix]

Up to and including the meter will be done for no cost to the customer. Apart from any charges you make for your advice, and any work that you do.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

If the DNO didn't make off and provide the earth, are they obliged to do anything to fix it? The installation was originally earthed to the water pipe and now could be taken to that terminal (if the connection is sound) or a rod as a last resort. Although clearly it would be best if they can provide a reliable connection to the lead.

If it gets replaced, Anjo please could you try to see if that cable head could be salvaged intact for our museum? We don't have anything of that style to go with our early fuseboards display. I will happily buy all involved some drinks, in advance if need be. Please contact me by PM if so or see my sig for museum info.

Thanks in advance
Lucien

Oops.. post crossed with above

 

[anjo]

Its been a fair few years but I've come across this once forgotten post and would like to update it.

Did call the DNO and sent them photos of the supply head, they reached the conclusion that it wasn't earthed and they sent an engineer out to have a look. The engineer said the office had made a mistake, nothing wrong with the set up after testing the earth supply impedence (TN-S) and said only issue was it wasn't connected to the installation and there was no need to replace it. Long time coming but thanks to all who contributed.

Anjo