Economy 7 and storage heaters

[grimysparks80]

Im having problems with getting a new storage heater installation connected up to the meter. I called the supplier and asked for an isolation switch to be fitted at their E7 meter so I could connect up the new consumer unit ive just fitted for storage heaters. They said they would send someone out. a few days later they rang the customer and said they would not be doing this as its not their responsibility.

I called them back and asked if they could send someone round to reseal the meter if I connected them up but they say no, im not authorized to do so. I asked if they could come round and connect up the meters but they wont do that, as they dont want to take responsibilty for the installation.

After much arguing they have said that i will have to fit an extra isolation switch before my consumer unit and leave an installaition cert, and they will then come round and connect up the installation.

I have done this but am I right in thinkin that when their guy connects the heaters to their supply he is becoming responsible for the installation as he is making it live? surely its no different than connecting in the Cu in the first place.

 

[polo1]

Grimy
The supplier won't make your installation live...they will simply leave your isolation switch in the off position!
Of course what you describe is pure farce and makes the life of hard working sparks more difficult than it already is.

Let's hope the smart meter roll out ('cos it is going to happen) includes provision for isolation after or as an integral part of the meter.
Regards.

 

[grimysparks80]

I asked in the first place if I could just leave the main switch in the cu off but they said just by connecting it they would be taking on responsibility for it. Makes me wish Id just done it myself. Trying to do things properly is a real pain.

 

[Knobhead]

Talk about catch 22!
You can’t do the right thing no matter which way you turn.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

DNO Jobsworth strikes again!

 

[needasparks]

can you not just leave it as a main switch with no cables in and only tails and second fix it after or perhaps just have a main switch with henley blocks. As far as i remember their requirement is just for a main switch to be fitted.
As Markie and Tony say your down to whether they have common sence or not. it pot luck nowdays with who turns up.
I tend to try to be in attendance when they come as they don't know if its a sparks doing your side or not as its just a job number to them.

 

[grimysparks80]

Ive already been back to it once to fit the switch and leave a very limited installation cert. They dont know yet when theyll be out and wont give an arrival time other than am or pm. the customer has had a hip operation cancelled already as his doc wont do the op till his heatings sorted.

His sister tried to get an appointment from them after i agreed to do the cert before they came. They asked if the cert was on site and she said I was comin the next day to do it and that shed like to get the appointment arranged for as soon as possible after that. They refused to arrange an appointment untill she had the cert in her hand so shes had to call them back today. ive never known a supplier to be so awkward before.

Its so frustrating. I stood looking at the meter when i did the switch thinking "just snip the seal, 2 quick connections and the damn things are on" But of course now ive tried to do it properly I cant just pretend the seals were already cut.