Distributors Equipment.

[Madjick]

I have recently been asked by a client to re-fix an existing supply cut-out and seperate kWh meter to a back board and run new tails from the meter to a new main isolator.

I have informed the client that the Electricity Supplier is responsible for the incoming supply, cut-out and meter and that unless you are one of their employees; Joe Bloggs must not touch or tamper with their property and in doing so being liable for prosecution.

However, in contacting the Electricity Supplier we find that they are not able to come out and assist with this for some time and the client wants it done asap.

To proceed with doing this work (which I stress I won't be!) I would need to pull the cut-out fuses, cut various tags, access the inside of the meter to re-mount it and run new tails - all without the Electricity Supplier being involved!.

The clients persistance for me to "just do it" means they are effectively asking me to break the law - are they not?

On consulting the Electricity Supplier (diplomatically I may add) on this they reassured me that touching/tampering with they're property left you open to a possible prosecution.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had any similar issues like this? Maybe an Employer has asked you to cut tags or move /touch Electricity Suppliers equipment? Maybe you have done it but were in-experienced and caved to pressure or thought you were doing nothing wrong by proceeding?
I welcome views and opinions.

I would like some further evidence to go back to the client with rather than "I spoke to EDF and they said I couldn't touch it..." Does anyone know where info relating to this may be? There's not much in the Regs ( as such ). Anyone know of any other material I can refer to?

Many thanks

 

[ian.settle1]

I have recently been asked by a client to re-fix an existing supply cut-out and seperate kWh meter to a back board and run new tails from the meter to a new main isolator.

I have informed the client that the Electricity Supplier is responsible for the incoming supply, cut-out and meter and that unless you are one of their employees; Joe Bloggs must not touch or tamper with their property and in doing so being liable for prosecution.

However, in contacting the Electricity Supplier we find that they are not able to come out and assist with this for some time and the client wants it done asap.

To proceed with doing this work (which I stress I won't be!) I would need to pull the cut-out fuses, cut various tags, access the inside of the meter to re-mount it and run new tails - all without the Electricity Supplier being involved!.

The clients persistance for me to "just do it" means they are effectively asking me to break the law - are they not?

On consulting the Electricity Supplier (diplomatically I may add) on this they reassured me that touching/tampering with they're property left you open to a possible prosecution.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had any similar issues like this? Maybe an Employer has asked you to cut tags or move /touch Electricity Suppliers equipment? Maybe you have done it but were in-experienced and caved to pressure or thought you were doing nothing wrong by proceeding?
I welcome views and opinions.

I would like some further evidence to go back to the client with rather than "I spoke to EDF and they said I couldn't touch it..." Does anyone know where info relating to this may be? There's not much in the Regs ( as such ). Anyone know of any other material I can refer to?

Many thanks

Get written proof from the DNO and show it to the client to so you are not bull****ting them.

 

[acat]

Hi it was covered by the Electricity Supply Regulations Act 1988 however that was replaced by the ESQC in 2002 what you need is buried in there somewhere so its probably best to take the advice above. A lot less work and cost to you.

You could also mention that if you happen to damage the property in anyway you could also be prosecuted for criminal damage and Im quite sure the HSE would have a field day.


Hope that helps


Chris