Electricity DNO Supply installation outdated and UNSAFE?

[Gutsy-Fungus]

Hi folks,

Moving into my new property in a couple of weeks to find a concerning electrical installation in the cubby hole underneath ther stairs. I have attached a couple of pictures of the installation.

1. Does this main feed from the DNO (#3) look safe (left hand picture)? It is corroded and appears unsafe. What to do?
2. I am a bit confused with all the bits labelled up with numbers. Can anyone in the know comment?

The house was built over 100 years ago and any steer on what to do would be appreciated. The electrical supply components are in the living area (okay under the stairs and in a cubby hole) and appear as if they need relocating to the outside.

Many thanks!

D

 

[James]

A lot to unpack here.
first the items numbered are as follows

1 main cut-out fuse
2 spare unused cut-out fuse
3 service head
4 spare unused cut-out fuse
5 a damaged cable joint (often called a henly block)
6 & 7 henly blocks

If it were my house, I would call the DNO and tell them that a connection on one of the cables between the service head and the meter is damaged and you can access the screws.
ask them to come and make it safe. (item 5)

then when the engineer comes to do the replacement of the damaged block, you can ask them there opinion on the service head itself.

 

[Gutsy-Fungus]

James, Thanks for the reply. Really appreciate it...

(I did receive some feedback explainign the service head was a Three phase supply hence why x3 100W fuse blocks, is this possible?)

Not withstanding...I DO LIKE the idea of calling the DNO out regarding the damaged Henly Block... this brings about a wider question of why it got damaged in the first place....

The installation is underneath the stairs in a broom cupboard / Cubby hole, where I assume coats brooms and stuff have been stored...Note the installation of gas meter in the "middle" of the floorspace.



I wonder whether the question of the damaged Henly Block should be extended to a sfae place for an installation of this sort? I don't know whether I am stretching here. Ideal;ly I'd like the thing moved outside. Whether there is a case for this I do not know, the home owner is also an OAP so.... gawd knows what she would put inot this place.

<edit1> I am wanting to upgrade the electric in the property in the future too and I cannot see how the electrician would isolate the consumer unit from the supply? Would this also be useful in requesting from the DNO?

<edit2> Sorry about this constant editing but anothber question where does the home owners reswponsibility start and the DNO's ends?



CHeers

D

 

[James]

Moving them outside is likely to be expensive.
Think in the region of 10 to 20k

You may be able to upgrade to a 3 phase supply with little hassle but it would need confirmation from the dno.

The responsibility for the dno ends at the service fuse.
The meter operator takes over from there.
The home owner’s responsibility starts at the outgoing terminals of the meter.

 

[Gutsy-Fungus]

Moving them outside is likely to be expensive.
Think in the region of 10 to 20k

You may be able to upgrade to a 3 phase supply with little hassle but it would need confirmation from the dno.

The responsibility for the dno ends at the service fuse.
The meter operator takes over from there.
The home owner’s responsibility starts at the outgoing terminals of the meter.

My understanding (hope) is that the dno will conduct works but will not charge vulnerable groups such as OAPS. Is this an approach that might bear fruit?

 

[Gutsy-Fungus]

I think I have a plan of approach......



1. Call the DNO and request them to attend item #5 "broken Henly block and it's exposed elements".
2. Whilst the engineer is in attendance ask him about the serviceability of the "Service Head" #3 with a view to making/moving it safe, ideally in the wall on the otherside which is outside. Follow up on this point.
3. Talk to the MO and discuss the installation and safety concerns surrounding Henly Block 7 (and it's bodged blue tape) which appears to be far from best practice. In the process of applying best practice request the MO replace #7 with a suitable 100A isolation switch to enable the customer to change the consumer boxes if they so wish.

This sounds like a plan of approach.
Is it time to put camo cream on, DPMs, grab my walkie talkies, check batteries and lepoard crawl to the Insertion point?

Any comments?>

 

[James]

I like the plan.
Best of luck.

 

[Gutsy-Fungus]

I like the plan.
Best of luck.

I should have an update on all of this come the weekend... And it may prove interesting.