pulling main fuse

[dean7828]

hi just wondering if you can become qualified to pulling a main fuse so to isolate a distribution board, i know its supposed to be done by the suppliers, is there anyway around this?

thanks in advance

 

[mogga]

I for one wish ADVICE on pulling of DNO fuses wasnt taken so lightly series7 fuses are "pullable" although I havent seen anyone mention what to do with the bit hold the fuse carrier fits in but without seeing what it is the person intends to pull I wouldnt advise it Some of the older style bakolite ones can crumble or crack the backing when pulled older cast heads can have exposed live parts before fuse removal and when the fuse is removed this leaves a large expanse of exposed live

From the other side DNOs should run courses for electricians and give them a method of reporting other than the way it is atthe moment with every DNO having its own set of rules and methods of what is essentialy Isolation

 

[mbga9pgf]

As an aside, before working on the neutral block from the supply, after testing for live, do people recommend creating a temporary earth path to neutral prior to working it in case a fault occurs on the neutral? I know we need to treat neutral as live, but as there is no isolation other than neutral, how can we decrease risk whilst working a supply neutral?

 

[IQ Electrical]

Do you work for a supplier?

 

[mbga9pgf]

No. but I am working on the consumer side here, not the supply side.

 

[IQ Electrical]

No. but I am working on the consumer side here, not the supply side.

You were talking about working on the 'supply neutral' I don't understand your question, you say 'there is no isolation other than neutral' I'm lost, please explain.

 

[mbga9pgf]

Disregard Sorry. I was refering to there being no isolation (pulled fuse in this case) on the neutral like there is on the live. Other than testing for live, I was wondering if there were any temporary extra precautions to take in case the neutral dveloped a fault.

 

[the pict]

One thought if it's old and grotty looking be wary not the first time its all fell apart luckily I carry a new one also make damn sure theres no load on it had a few fizzles and crackles in my time a pair of VDE rated gloves (dry ones) for the sus looking ones you do not want to be left holding the ends of the holder whilst the plastic crumbles like toast in yer hand
Pict

 

[malcolmsanford]

Disregard Sorry. I was refering to there being no isolation (pulled fuse in this case) on the neutral like there is on the live. Other than testing for live, I was wondering if there were any temporary extra precautions to take in case the neutral dveloped a fault.

There isn't really, it's the same situation when working within the installation the chances of a neutral fault occuring and you only open the protection device at the CU The only thing you could do is fit a double pole 100amp isolator in the tails from the meter. That way you will get the isolation on your neutral. A Wylex REC 2 is perhaps the most popular as below

REC 2 isolator - Compare prices on Twenga.co.uk

But pulling a DNO fuse is not only illigal, but as others have pointed out it can be quite scarey if it's an old head, there is a really good chance you will create more problems that you solve.

I would recommend in your position fit an isolator and tail it 25mm^ . One set to your CU and the other set to your Meter and call the DNO. It's not expensive in the scheme of things and often if it's an older head they will replace free of charge, and if they do they may well upgrade your fuse free of charge as well.

 

[Paul.M]

The law and regs need to be changed on this matter. How about in the up coming amendments or the next we ask for this to be addressed. Let's say a new reg/law:- The main protective fuse may be withdrawn without notifying the DNO if that person has proved his competency of save isolation by being a member of any scheme. (not part p)

This way everyone's happy, the scheme provider can sell the seals to us.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Unfortunately Paul the DNO don't work to the Regs so I don't think it could be addresssed in them.

I remember a couple of years back there was talk of the DNO allowing electricians to pull the main fuse after a risk assement was taken and there was no sign of previous tampering. It was along the lines of you got a supply of 10 temporary seals from the DNO with an electronic form to fill out. These seals were numbered and you only got another 10 when you had filled out the 10 forms with the customers details. The DNO would then go along at a later date to seal properly.

I'm not sure what happened about this, if it ever did take off as I'm not involved in this anymore. Maybe one of the other lads might have more info on it.

Lol mate how's the head this morning.

 

[Paul.M]

Drinking cherry coke for the past hour, don't feel good. Helping Phil out with a small job later, thank god it dosent involve pulling main fuse or ladders. Not well

 

[malcolmsanford]

Ah the evils of drink, be careful mate whatever the job is

 

[Paul.M]

Ah the evils of drink, be careful mate whatever the job is

Thanks for your concern but I'm one if those people that won't even drive if I don't think I'm legal to never mind gu up a ladder. It's not until late morning, plenty of time for a fry up.

 

[telectrix]

Ah the evils of drink, be careful mate whatever the job is

I made a New Year resolution that I'm not going to drink anymore. I'm not going to drink any less either!

 

[Des 56]

I cant ever see the suppliers giving an official nod of approval for breaking and replacing seals

I think from their viewpoint,allowing such an action,even to competent sparks, will open the possibility of them being sued by someone after an accident,whereas that could not occur at present

So in practice,they are happy with the present, though very unoficial stance of regularly announcing that it is illegal,it must not be done,yet in a whisper employing a procedure to have them isolate and re energise which is so long and drawn out, that its nigh on impractical to adhere to their rules,they then turn a unofficial blind eye to the tampering we undertake,barking a lot without ever biting

This is bourne out by the question,would or has a judge ever convicted a person of isolating a supply whilsy working on the installation without the suppliers authority >
I believe the answer is no and neither would any court entertain such a charge
The suppliers would be in a mess if they did attempt prosecution and it was thrown out,so they are content with the staus quo