Electrical fire

[Marvo]

It's possible that the RCCD has been added by someone after connection by the supplier, should non be there.

From the first photo it looks like a 2-pole isolator, not an RCCD.

 

[micknew]

Yes, looks more like an isolator. Still should not be there.

 

[vernam616]

Unfortunatley with these boxes being located outside, it may well have been sabotaged

 

[JamesBrownLive]

In the South East the electricity supplier (EDF) will no allow anything on their meter board.
It's possible that the RCCD has been added by someone after connection by the supplier, should not be there.
Either way the connections to the RCCS are on the consumers side of the unit so not the responsibility of the electricity supplier.

I presume that if EDF are taking that line, then they are quite happy to come and fit an isolator themselves? or are they just happy to stipulate that rule and it becomes someone elses problem?

 

[vernam616]

Yes, looks more like an isolator. Still should not be there.

You're kidding right?

All new installs ive worked on have a DPI fitted as standard by the electricity board, they seal it up and leave the load side unsealed so you can connect up once you have finished your internal fix and test, hence why a few of us have stated the liability more than likely lies with the electrical contractor

 

[micknew]

If an isolator is required it has to be supplied and fitted by the consumers electrician outside of the meter box.

 

[vernam616]

If an isolator is required it has to be supplied and fitted by the consumers electrician outside of the meter box.

Do you live in the UK?


Ok tell me how you would do this?

Customer calls and requests a isolator to be fitted, so your saying you would go cut the seals to isolate the power to install or alternativly work live on it?

If you currently live in a property which doesnt have one you can request one from them but im pretty sure they charge you for it

The only time i seen them not fit isolator was on a pme supply which was being used for a temporary site supply, but before they connected to my install i had to show them a earth rod along with main rcd before they would connect

 

[redlittle]

Firstly thanks for all of the replies, it is very much appreciated.

Secondly I can assure you all that neither my wife nor I have ever tampered with the box in question.

Reading from your replies there clearly seems to be fault, now I have spoken with the Mrs and she can’t recall anyone of any significance working on the wires within the box, which either leaves sabotage or could it be that the fault was there from the beginning?

Now we moved into this house in June 2003, could it have taken this long before the problem came to light?

Once again thanks.

 

[vernam616]

That is a long time!

Id be more inclined to say sabotage or faulty switch, i see the idea of having the box outside for isolation purposes if there was ever a fire in the home, however i dont like how anyone can come and turn off your electricity or worse still sabotage it

If you do beleve it was sabotage or have a inclination, get yourself some cctv fitted, it doesnt cost a lost and im sure someone from this site who is local to you can fit it for you

 

[redlittle]

That is a long time!

Id be more inclined to say sabotage or faulty switch, i see the idea of having the box outside for isolation purposes if there was ever a fire in the home, however i dont like how anyone can come and turn off your electricity or worse still sabotage it

If you do beleve it was sabotage or have a inclination, get yourself some cctv fitted, it doesnt cost a lost and im sure someone from this site who is local to you can fit it for you

I am not quite sure with sabotage, I really don't see that however it can it can't be ruled out. A faulty switch, can that take 8 years to before it goes?

My main aim with this post is to prove or at least try to prove to UK Powernetwork that I am not at fault as they claim I am.

 

[vernam616]

Well for them to claim you are at fault is ridiculous, there is 3 reasons why that switch set on fire and none of them to do with you personally

1. Whoever fitted the meter tails on consumer side didnt tighten them up enough, they have arced under heavy load and caught fire, now this seems less likely as its been such a long time to surface

2. The switch had broke down inside, manufacturers problem

3. Someone has sabotaged it by loosening the meter tails slightly, then causing arcing under heavy load and subsequently causing the fire you have had

 

[Spudnik]

It may not necessarily be your fault the fire started, however, as the fire appears to be AFTER the metering equipment, it is your responsibility to put right, as the supplier will only be responsible for everything up to and including the meter.

Some DNO's are now supplying a stand alone DP isolator so that work can be carried out on an installation safely.

The consumer side of that isolator appears to be where the fire has started, be it improper installation, or as Marvo has put it, loosening of the terminals over time.

This does happen, especially on older installations, although its not un common on more recent ones.

 

[Marvo]

Doesn't look like sabotage to me. The connections are mechanical and a combination of corrosion and heating/cooling effect can result in loosening and increased resistance which is where the runaway heat comes from.

Looking at the extent of the damage the result of any post mortem on the components will be inconclusive.

Edit
Don't you have mandatory periodic inspections on your premises in the uk? This is the kind of problem that could be discovered before it starts a fire if an inspection was done recently.

 

[Spudnik]

Edit
Don't you have mandatory periodic inspections on your premises in the uk?

Not mandatory, no.

 

[Deleted member 19807]

As it has taken 8 year i would go with the heating/cooling loosening the screws,

Have you a high usage, showers, electric cooking/heating etc?