Distribution board question

[leebut]

hi guys

Question for the knowledgeable on here, I went to look at a possible board change last night after the couple had experienced the ring final circuit going down when the fuse wire burnt out due to s faulty socket outlet had burnt out

The socket face had been replaced by the customers insurance companies emergency electrician, my question is why would the distribution head unit have overheated and melted quite a bit of black tar out the bottom edges

See the photo i have enclosed




Regards


Lee

 

[dmxtothemax]

It is not unusual for the tar to ooze out of those types of cables over time.
Did you point this out to the electrician ?
They can test it for you and determine if there are any problems.
But just because it is coming out doesn't mean it is a problem.
A megger type test will soon tell you.

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

If there is tar coming from the service head, it would be worth getting the DNO out to check there isn't an issue - an loose connection overheating perhaps.

As @dmxtothemax says, it's not unusual but it would be worth getting it looked at. The whole lot looks like it might be due an upgrade anyway (cast iron service head?), plus they could fit an isolator for that board change.

 

[Bobster]

It's bitumen, an from the looks of that I wouldn't say it's an issue.

It cold flows naturally, but the DNO will come out an check it for you. They'll come a bit faster if you tell them it feels hot....

I'd be more concerned why the G/Y bond has been disconnected and is just hanging in free air.

Also the proximity to the gas meter, far to close.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - looks a bit like its dripping from the cutout (?) which may've had it to seal it up years ago.
As above, have it checked out by DNO.

 

[telectrix]

get that cuot-out replaced and an isolator fitted by DNO. then sort the CU out.

 

[leebut]

Hi All

Thanks for the replies


ROB

The earth/gas bonding is connected in the Wyler board to the right whoever did the last install had looped it through the MET as you can see, but somehow the brass bolt had come out and got lost not sure if that happed when emergency spark came out to the customers house on Saturday.

My concern with the earthing arrangements is the size of the original earth it must only be 4 or 6mm


The tar has poured out recently so it must have warmed up at some point, there has been a smart meter installed recently too, but nothing said to DNO About the condition of the head at that point going to advise customer to get the local DNO our ready for me to carry out board change.


Cheers

Everyone

 

[Dustydazzler]

Dear oh dear , that lot is a sorry state ....

As above get the cut out replaced and a new isolation switch installed just before the old fuse box ,

Then do a full Eicr on the property and later down the line a new consumers unit

 

[leebut]

I’m doing a board change in April for them

 

[Bobster]

My concern with the earthing arrangements is the size of the original earth it must only be 4 or 6mm

Does it show signs of overheating or thermal damage?

Is the Ze compliant.

If so it's still ok for service.

Edit: If you are having the head replaced it would be upgraded at the same time.

 

[leebut]

I’m going to advise customer to have the head replaced upgrade the MET and new isolator fitted


LEE

 

[davesparks]

.

My concern with the earthing arrangements is the size of the original earth it must only be 4 or 6mm

What size is it required to be for this particular installation? 4 or 6 is often all that is required when you calculate it.

 

[leebut]

16mm earth on any installation where the tails are up to 35mm so being either 4 or 6mm is way undersized

 

[Bobster]

16mm earth on any installation where the tails are up to 35mm so being either 4 or 6mm is way undersized

You are wrong, an if you find me the regulation you believe you are quoting you will know why.

4mm is the minimum but not due to current carrying capacity.

 

[The Ghost]

As a matter of urgency I would have called out the DNO on the spot. I am astonished the "emergency electrician" did not do so or that he would blithely connect a new socket without addressing the earthing and checking that is ok before doing any remedial work. I think I would offer to talk to the insurers for the client to discuss the matter. I am concerned the insurance company is allowing such a cavalier approach to electrical safety. If as you say tar had melted out of the main supply cable then DNO immediately!