Old TN-S supply too cautions??

[chris day]

Hello guys

Turned up to a job today and carried out the usual checks on the earthing system before i began work and found the supply authorities earthing conductor had been a piece of 1.5mm bare cable wrapped around the outside of the SWA, it looked like a real bodge job.

I said to the client UK Power networks will need to confirm if this is safe and it may need to be upgraded to a PME system.

UK Power networks are due to visit as i said i dont want to make alterations or additions to an existing installation which looks inadequate, whilst a healthy Ze had been achieved 0.30 but the earthing system did not look up to scratch.

Question is am i being too cautious in my younger years?, i did not take any money from the client just advised what to do next and will consult them on UP power networks observations?

 

[dave274]

At the end of the day if its not been done correctly it needs sorting out. if you install something and the it goes ---- you'll be getting the blame so in my opinion you did the right thing.

 

[buzzlightyear]

you need to ring the dno tell them the earths on the swa not adequate.
but looking at the pic is their a earth coming of the swa with cloth on it
next time move away from the item when taking a pic .

 

[The Ghost]

Agree with foregoing. That isn't asbestos on the picture is it? The board on the lower part?

 

[buzzlightyear]

Agree with foregoing. That isn't asbestos on the picture is it? The board on the lower part?

don't frighten him he has enough on his plate.

 

[haptism]

Had a similar issue last week, about 3 strands of wire wrapped around lead sheath, not even sweated on, although it was providing a low Ze. CalledUKPN emergency number, told them it looked way to ropey, they came round next morning and put a new clamp round the sheathing.

 

[Richard Burns]

The picture is unfortunately out of focus but it does look as if there is some sort of bond between the outer conductor of the cable and the earth wire so it may have been sealed to the cable and probably ought to have a sheath over it. If this is the case then it should be OK.
However if you are unsure then it is better to ask the DNO and check than to assume all is well.