Refused connection

MNR · Jun 2, 2010

Talking to one of the other guys this morning he got a phone call from site agent, head had been fitted a while ago, but our electrican had not earthed to the lug provided on head so supplier refused to connect, they have always taken the earth from the head to switch fuse is this down to us and we have just got easy going guys befor?

ezzzekiel · Jun 2, 2010

not 100% what you mean, but if you mean there is no earth connecton from the head then there should be one provided (pme) otherwise you would need to enter the servce head to connect one which contravenes there regs

MNR · Jun 3, 2010

They said they left a nut and bolt on side of service head for us to connect to but we have never done this befor they have always done it?

bugsy · Jun 3, 2010

Its a pme head I take it and there will be an earth bar to the left / right hand side which is pre drilled for you to connect MET
DNO do not normally make the conection from this to your installation

baldsparkies · Jun 3, 2010

Was your earthing conductor prepared and lugged, if so this sounds a bit petty if you ask me. Was he short on tools

. Its down to you to connect but blimey whats the big deal, these guys aren't exactly on a price.

glen.mason · Jun 4, 2010

I had to replace a CU late last year, this had the main earth spurred off the neutral feed inside the metal fuse box which housed 4 well used 1391 fuses! This is a tn-c-s pme supply but had no provision for main earthing at the head. Advised the customer as a matter of urgency to speak to his DNO to get this sorted before replacement. 3 months later, they attached a pretty little MET block next to the SH. Its their responsibility to supply an adequate means of earthing-not the installer.

baldsparkies · Jun 5, 2010

When you think about this one, the dno connect all tails phases and neutral to there supply via a meter or through cct taps, whatever. So would logic not dictate they connect the earthing conductor also.
In my opinion the dno do not take enough responsibility on there side. I remember a 3 phase install to a pub. The meter had been replaced, and the only means of earthing was a 4mm cpc that had been connected to an old lead water pipe.

And yet the service head had pme provisions. For any electrician to connect and walk away from this situation under the assumption (Its not my responsibility) is plain wrong. I don't care if your dno or a contractor your still a sparks with a duty of care. Off my soap box