calm down guys, let me explain before you get further, i certainly know the difference between the two systems, but when you are on site, it is difficult to tell the difference between them, i know you guys are very experienced, but from on site guide i dont think it is very obvious and enough to make everyone can identify them immediately, so why not be more patient and more constructive?
Fella, let's make something pretty clear right off.
The term "just finished an inspection" implies that you have just completed a periodic inspection on a system. In oder to have done that, the general level of experience would be something around the level of C&G 2391.
To obtain C&G 2391, you would certainly know how to tell the difference between one earthing arrangement and another - that's basic stuff.
It is NOT difficult to tell the differences between an earthing system either on site, or from the OSG - the differences are VERY clear, and for good reason. Again, it really is BASIC stuff.
Most of your respondees have been very patient with you. And they have asked especially constructive questions, given that one key requirement for an electrician engaged on test and inspection is the ability to think, and to reason through a given situation.
There's another angle to this.
Wandering in with the view that on the face of things you're claiming a knowledge on one hand, that your statements aren't backing up on the other, is only going to get you incredulous responses.
Had you come in and said something like "Fellas, I'm out of my depth here - I've been asked to complete a PIR and I haven't got a clue how to do it" would have got you far more helpful responses, since that's the impression you have ACTUALLY created, in any case, but with the emphasis on blagging a test which could have potentially disastrous, if not fatal results if wrong.
Page 15 of the OSG shows you a TN-C-S system VERY clearly, in colour, and the other two systems you're likely to come across are equally clearly shown on P16.
If you actually look, you can see the differences. And they are clear.
It isn't to cause offence that people are asking what qualifications you actually have. Mostly, that's for YOUR safety, and that of your customer. Would you throw a hissy fit if we shouted at you when you were about to fall off a ladder, or electrocute yourself?
I'll ask you a simple "what-if" question here to highlight what I mean about danger.
What if you carried on and disconnected that supplier earth in preparation to upgrade it - for any reason.
What if, as is likely, the supplier cut out is locked and tagged against unauthorised removal - so you don't remove it, leaving the installation live. After all, it's only an earth, right?
So, what if, while you've got that disconnected, a fault you missed further on in the installation causes all the shiny stainless steel metal work in the bathroom to go live, just as the owner of the house is getting out of the bath they were taking to keep out of your way? Where is their towel? On the shiny exposed metal towel heater. And they're touching it with wet hands and body.
What do you think happens next?
THAT is why we take what we do so seriously. That is why, when someone comes in claiming a certain level of knowledge (inspection and testing) and then falls over on fundamentally basic points, alarm bells ring loudly. And that is why, as professional electricians, we act with pretty well one voice in the way we do.
Perhaps, then, you can leave the hurt and indignation aside for a little while, and be honest about your actual skills and qualifications. Then you might just get the advice and help you need. For everyone's safety.
Do you actually have an on site guide, or BRB, by the way?
