Earth Loop Impedance Test and problem with power supply

[Engineer54]

I'd be careful E54 about asking a self confessed "not good at DIY" (as the op as stated) to take off the cu panel to take a pic. I'm not having a go E54, I'm just saying that we need to draw a line somewhere and I believe we are now crossing it.

Fair point, OK at least a photo of the CU then, and the power company Cut-Out/ meter installation... lol!!

 

[Maverick777]

From left to right: Consumer Unit; Breaker; Cowboy Unit to Garage; Garage

 

[SPARTYKUS]

How does a new DB bring down the earth loop results?

There are some new metal ones, that, well, have a spike on the bottom. They are waterproof so you can fit into the garden directly.

Also they use a new wireless technology, so no need to extend any cables (including tails, amazing I know!)

 

[Engineer54]

Doesn't look as if you have any earthing shown in these photo's, certainly none provided by the power company, so if there is an earth anywhere, it will be by earth rods (TT system).

Can you see ANY green and yellow cables any where around your fuse board area?? Or come to that where your main water service and gas service enters your house??

EDIT.... Just noticed...You have 2 power company supplies to your property?? How come, 2 meters as well??

 

[Maverick777]

Not sure I can see the earth, but it is PME certified with a sticker.

 

[Maverick777]

I can see the yellow and green cable from the power supply that enters the house. But none near the consumer unit in the house or the garage or gas supply, which is a worry as the cable from the consumer unit runs through the gas meter box to the garage.

 

[telectrix]

well, if the supply is PME, then your Ze should be lower than 0.35, nothing like the 300 odd you mentioned. something fishy here .

 

[Maverick777]

What do you mean that we have 2 power company supplies?

 

[Des 56]

Not sure I can see the earth, but it is PME certified with a sticker.

My eyesights not up to much these days but that sure as damn it looks like a green/yellow in that pic

It is very possible that if there are services requiring bonding they will be present,the terminal should only be used when the requirements are met


edit Just seen the other picture with the second supply?
It gets interesting

 

[Engineer54]

I can see the yellow and green cable from the power supply that enters the house. But none near the consumer unit in the house or the garage or gas supply, which is a worry as the cable from the consumer unit runs through the gas meter box to the garage.

Are you out in the country as opposed to being in a village or town?? I would almost certainly be getting back in touch with your power company and asking if PME earth connection is available at your location. If not, then you will need to install your own TT system by means of driving a rod or rods into the ground in your back garden preferably. You will NEED to bond your incoming water/gas services too as close to there entry point as possible (within 600mm) It certainly looks to me as if you have no means of earthing or bonding to your property. Your electrician should have been far more conserned about this than renewing your CU, that could have been done at a later date!!!

 

[Engineer54]

Not sure I can see the earth, but it is PME certified with a sticker.

My eyesights not up to much these days but that sure as damn it looks like a green/yellow in that pic

It is very possible that if there are services requiring bonding they will be present,the terminal should only be used when the requirements are met


edit Just seen the other picture with the second supply?
It gets interesting

Can't see anything coming out of either of the 2 cut-outs myself either...lol!!

 

[Engineer54]

oops just seen post 20!!


Seems you have 3 power company cut-out positions, not going to even ask how. But the cut-out where the meter is definitly has a PME connection to it. Now where that earth conductor goes, i haven't a clue, can't see any sign of an earth or bonding conductor in any of the other photo's

 

[Des 56]

I wrote the reply below but didn't post in case I made an idiot of myself,but I am less convinced (being the idiot that is)

This must be a real off day for me

I just looked through the 2 posts showing the pics and can now count 3 cut outs,I gather there must be 2 supplies and 2 cut outs and one home made jobbie

Perhaps

 

[Engineer54]

What do you mean that we have 2 power company supplies?

You seem to have a power company fuse cut-out in an external box, in your house by the fuse board and another in the garage by another CU.... 3 power company cut outs, ...So how come?? Most premises will have only one!!! lol!!

 

[Maverick777]

I believe the cut out is correct by the external box, the one by the fuse board and in the garage where installed by Bob the Builder many moons ago. I've looked at the one in the garage and it was bridged by some 15 amp fuse wire. So I assume it was not a bona fide electrician. Could this be the cause of the problem?