Service head location

[Commercial1]

A client wants the service head on the first floor of a building as they have a policy to install their electrical equipment above ground floor level as a security measure.
This would mean that the cable would not have protection where it enters the building but only back at the sub station. This is of course the same for all heads as they are all above ground floor slab.
Has anyone out there installed a head at first floor, and does anyone know if this actually contravenes IEE 17th (7671) or any other BS.

 

[malcolmsanford]

The Service head is the responsibility of the DNO and they work to the ESQCR 2002 and as such they do not normally worry too much asbout the BS 7671-2008 for our part of the installation, therefore normally the siting of the head will be down to them.

They will of course take into account the clients requirement, but the over riding requirements for the emergency sevices ie the fire brigade and the police, will take precedent. Now days most heads need to be sited in a position to allow for easy isolation of the entire installation by the services, and therefore if installing the head on the 1st floor does not allow this, then they will not do it. Also they would normally charge a fortune to run heads above ground floor levels.

Would it not be easier to have the head on the ground floor and run a sub main yourself up to the 1st floor to start the installation?

 

[Commercial1]

It would certainly be easier if it was not such a tight site, unfortunately it means reducing the (fire brigade) watch managers resting accomodation. Accessability would be better in the switchgear room than in there. Thanks for your post and hope its not too hot out there.

 

[malcolmsanford]

A nice balmy 32 this morning .................but getting hotter

 

[Spudnik]

Some DNO's may install the cutout on ground floor level, and then install the meters remotely.

You will however be responsible for installing the ducting from the cut out to the meter position.

 

[Commercial1]

Thanks Jason, Hopefully that will be the worst case scenario as we have a profound lack of space.
The DNO Estimator has now passed it to his Engineer to consider, I will let everyone know the outcome.