swa submain query

[james beckford]

I have been asked to install a db in a wooden outbuilding, the building has been erected on the base of an old garage.

There is an old 2 core SWA cable running from the main DB in the house underground coming up in the building

I have tested out all the cables and continuity and insulation all fine, the house is tncs.

My question is this, can i use the armour as the earth back to the main DB ? i fitted the board on and connected in a socket and Zs and trip times all good, well within limits or do i need to replace the old cable with a 3 core ?

ps i have disconnected everything pending solving this problem.

client wasnt too happy when i said that i would prefer to dig out cable, said another sparks had told him it would be fine,

Thanks in advance for the usual helpful answers

 

[shocking_eg]

So is the BGB in the van or the garage???

probably was in the garage that got knocked down ! lol

 

[GLENNSPARK]

So is the BGB in the van or the garage???

what difference does it make Damian...its full of bloody mistakes anyway...

 

[D Skelton]

Just that he said it was in the van, then in the garage. Either he's got two copies or he's got none, I'm leaning towards the latter

 

[GLENNSPARK]

James..
i still expect an answer to the very basic (and reasonable) questions i asked at #7...
your response at #11 is not acceptable...

 

[james beckford]

bgb is in van currently locked in garage as too many people round here seem to think a van is a free cash machine, hence the ball ache to go get it,

 

[D Skelton]

Well as you are the one designing a circuit, the BGB should be in your hand! People pay me good money to design circuits for them!

Go fetch!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

bgb is in van currently locked in garage as too many people round here seem to think a van is a free cash machine, hence the ball ache to go get it,

well...
in all fairness you dont need a book to know the answers i posed to you at #7...

 

[GLENNSPARK]

James...
if its a 2 core....
and theres no evidence of any TT having been there (you can always ask the customer this)...
then what do you think has been serving as the earthing for the recently deceased garage

 

[D Skelton]

You're giving waaaay too much away here Glenn!

Let the man go figure, he's gonna need to learn the trade some time!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

You're giving waaaay too much away here Glenn!

Let the man go figure, he's gonna need to learn the trade some time!

just a little prompt damian...
but your right...its up to him now...

 

[GLENNSPARK]

come on james...
out with it man..

- - - Updated - - -

if you answer and its incorrect....
we will then be prepared to guide you...

 

[james beckford]

i am now looking at book ( albeit through red wine tinted glasses) please correct me if the line i am thinking covers me is wrong

a protective conductor may consist of one OR more of the following ...
a metal covering, for example the sheath,screen or armouring of a cable.

therefore i am assuming that i can use the sheath in accordance as long as its equivalent csa meets the minimum

i now see glenn that i can use the steel conduit, as for the three phase i cannot honestly answer that question, i have only ever worked in domestic field

 

[GLENNSPARK]

i am now looking at book ( albeit through red wine tinted glasses) please correct me if the line i am thinking covers me is wrong

a protective conductor may consist of one OR more of the following ...
a metal covering, for example the sheath,screen or armouring of a cable.

therefore i am assuming that i can use the sheath in accordance as long as its equivalent csa meets the minimum

i now see glenn that i can use the steel conduit, as for the three phase i cannot honestly answer that question, i have only ever worked in domestic field

correct.

now, whats the matter with that 3 phase motor?

 

[james beckford]

im lookin bear with me

 

[Silly Sausage]

I can see into the future...

Glenn... The Teacher!