Isolator for CU

[marshr02]

Hi there. If my supplier does not install DP isolators (CU side of Meter) am I right in thinking there is nothing stopping me from installing one - or will they throw a wobbly when they come to refit the fuse (no meter fairies). Also would you slap it on 'their' board on the basis that the meter really should have an inbuilt isolator - so that is where it should be rather than on the CU board nearby (which has no space). Cheers for any opinions....

 

[telectrix]

just install it between meter and CU. anyone asks " it's been there since before i moved in"

 

[marshr02]

Been there 20 years and the CU is shiny new, choc full of RCBOs. The REC isolator is one of the reasonably new Wylex jobbies. So...not sure the old it's been there since 1950's line will work in the case. Also my other question - would you slap it on the meter board?

 

[Guest55]

the consumers installation technically starts at the load side of the meter terminals.
therefore you are perfectly within your rights to fit an isolator or any other suitably rated device prior to the CU
;-)

 

[Octopus]

Why do you want an isolator before the CU?

 

[telectrix]

would you slap it on the meter board?


i'd put it in the most convenient place, depending on how the tails run. irrespective of whether it's on the boarfd or not.

​

 

[Guest55]

Why do you want an isolator before the CU?

cos it impresses the chicks , innit.
:-D

 

[marshr02]

Thanks for the replies. Why? Obviously we should all be able to pull the main fuse without prosecution AND obviously the new smart meters (that will report pulled fuses) will have an inbuilt SP isolator (!) BUT seeing as none of the above actually apply then unfortunately it seems the only way to go is to fit an isolator OR live working. Does anyone have any opinion about increased fire risk re more terminals to possible be loose?

 

[Octopus]

If the DNO fuse is less than 5m from the CU I would leave it "as is".

 

[marshr02]

Murdoch - I'm thinking of leaving as is i.e no isolator (other than the fact that I'm replacing the CU at the moment) BUT I though everyone was getting p'eed off with working live or waiting around half the day for the DNO to visit to de-energise. (Remember after Smart meters the fuse fairies will not exist)...

 

[La Poste]

How do you know if you have a smart meter?

Does anyone have a picture or a link to one so I know what I am looking for in the future.

 

[telectrix]

ask it a question similar to those on millionaire for the 20grand. if it gets it right, it's a smart meter.

 

[Toonlad]

ask it a question similar to those on millionaire for the 20grand. if it gets it right, it's a smart meter.

stole my thunder lol

 

[Robotstar5]

Been there 20 years and the CU is shiny new, choc full of RCBOs. The REC isolator is one of the reasonably new Wylex jobbies. So...not sure the old it's been there since 1950's line will work in the case.

Put a small sticker on with "inspected 1949" then rub a bit of grime on to it with your thumb

 

[Silly Sausage]

Put a small sticker on with "inspected 1949" then rub a bit of grime on to it with your thumb

Just make sure you scrape off BSwxyz : 1996 off the side as well!

 

[Guitarist]

Hi there. If my supplier does not install DP isolators (CU side of Meter) am I right in thinking there is nothing stopping me from installing one - or will they throw a wobbly when they come to refit the fuse (no meter fairies). Also would you slap it on 'their' board on the basis that the meter really should have an inbuilt isolator - so that is where it should be rather than on the CU board nearby (which has no space). Cheers for any opinions....

Have you actually asked them?

 

[jeffelectric]

i just rang western power to come pull the fuse ,while i fit an isolator.(doing a cu change for part p assessment, everything right), bloke called back said, bit of a long way to come pull a fuse, yep! are you qualified? yep! you got my number call me when done and i'll reseal cutout!

 

[Guitarist]

i just rang western power to come pull the fuse ,while i fit an isolator.(doing a cu change for part p assessment, everything right), bloke called back said, bit of a long way to come pull a fuse, yep! are you qualified? yep! you got my number call me when done and i'll reseal cutout!

Common sense prevails. Good man.

 

[Octopus]

Murdoch - I'm thinking of leaving as is i.e no isolator (other than the fact that I'm replacing the CU at the moment) BUT I though everyone was getting p'eed off with working live or waiting around half the day for the DNO to visit to de-energise. (Remember after Smart meters the fuse fairies will not exist)...

Do not do that - emergency change of CU, fuse pulled for safe working

 

[markc123]

Agreed never change a CU live.

Only ever done it once, years and years ago and wouldn't do it again or recommend it to anyone.

As Murdoch says, pull the fuse and if they moan casper pulled it out