Help! Never seen this before!

[Steve93]

I am installing solar to a house and this is there main incoming. I can’t see an Earth anywhere but test ZS across L-N coming out at 0.20. Then with gas bond disconnected is 0.38! But we only have gas bonding. No other earth anywhere. Anyone had this?

 

[wsoppitt]

The coloured discs attached to the backboard maybe an indication that the neutral conductor has been directly attached to the main earthling terminal, thus making this a tns . Your thoughts girls and guys.

 

[markythesparky]

That's bull...
The incoming equipment is owned by the supply authority. If any danger occurs it's their responsibility.
They may have less interest but that doesn't mean they aren't responsible.

The equipment is old and, especially looking at the ceramics involved, requires an upgrade.
I've had quite a few changed over the years.

You are correct, the incoming equipment is the owned and is the responsibility of the DNO but as I said the earthing is not their responsibility and has not been for some time, it is now being pushed as the responsibility of the consumer. Unless there is a real and present danger, they will not consider it a priority to attend site to look at ‘no earth’. You will find that they are doing the same for lateral mains which they are now pushing to the free holders.

 

[markythesparky]

I don’t think it was, as far as I can remember all the old regs books I’ve got don’t allow the use of pipes carrying flammable fluids.

Gas is not a flammable fluid and water is not a flammable fluid.

 

[markythesparky]

That's bull...
The incoming equipment is owned by the supply authority. If any danger occurs it's their responsibility.
They may have less interest but that doesn't mean they aren't responsible.

The equipment is old and, especially looking at the ceramics involved, requires an upgrade.
I've had quite a few changed over the years.

 

[SparkyChick]

but as I said the earthing is not their responsibility and has not been for some time, it is now being pushed as the responsibility of the consumer.

Unless I'm much mistaken, distributors are obliged to provide an earth wherever practical as stated in the ESQC regulations, regulation 24 item 4 to be precise.

"(4) Unless he can reasonably conclude that it is inappropriate for reasons of safety, a distributor shall, when providing a new connection at low voltage, make available his supply neutral conductor or, if appropriate, the protective conductor of his network for connection to the protective conductor of the consumer’s installation."

 

[SparkyChick]

View attachment 44855

And I'm sure that incomplete quote is likely to go on and state it is the consumers responsibility to ensure the installation is earthed, which it is. That doesn't alter the fact the DNO is obliged to provide a means of earthing wherever possible.

 

[drzsta]

Although there is nothing dangerous with the the current ISCO equipment currently installed and in fact looks in very good condition for its age a modern insulated head would be inherently safer and with the possibility of a TNC-S connection (area dependant).

I would of probably rang the DNOs emergency No. and stated I could hear fizzing from inside IF I wanted it changed ASAP.

The E.B. lads are usually really helpful if you manage to get them onsite.

 

[markythesparky]

And I'm sure that incomplete quote is likely to go on and state it is the consumers responsibility to ensure the installation is earthed, which it is. That doesn't alter the fact the DNO is obliged to provide a means of earthing wherever possible.

Correct again. They are obliged to provide a means of earthing but it is the consumers responsibility to Earth his installation.

 

[markythesparky]

And I'm sure that incomplete quote is likely to go on and state it is the consumers responsibility to ensure the installation is earthed, which it is. That doesn't alter the fact the DNO is obliged to provide a means of earthing wherever possible.

Sorry! This is the full article.

Responsibility for earthing of an electrical installation - http://professional-electrician.com/features/responsibility-electrical-installation/

 

[DPG]

That's better

 

[ipf]

You are correct, the incoming equipment is the owned and is the responsibility of the DNO but as I said the earthing is not their responsibility and has not been for some time, it is now being pushed as the responsibility of the consumer. Unless there is a real and present danger, they will not consider it a priority to attend site to look at ‘no earth’. You will find that they are doing the same for lateral mains which they are now pushing to the free holders.

The earthing isn't the actual issue for contacting the authority. It's the age and suitability of the incoming equipment. Upgrade of any earthing facility, if occurring, is a bonus.
A talk on site is the way to explore possibilities.

 

[freddo]

It sure is a thing of beauty though. (The cutout, not the mess connected to it)

 

[b-spark]

I don’t think it was, as far as I can remember all the old regs books I’ve got don’t allow the use of pipes carrying flammable fluids.

Well being sad, I have some books dating back to 1900 which say it was acceptable. Would that be 3rd edtion? either way, I've come across quite alot here in yorkshire. some being post war buildings.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Need to get that metal cut-out replaced with a plastic one for safety

 

[Tokyo Joe]

From my experience .
Old supply. ( rewirable fuse. not cartridge.)
Needs new cut out.
Earth has not been sweated onto incomer. ( probably )
I usually get customer to complain about incomer and supply company usually fit a new one.
You could try scrapping insulation ( sticky bit ) until you see lead.
Then get ya tester on that.