What is under this lid?

[Redlander]

I am thinking of having an air source heat pump installed on the concrete path in front of the blue wood-clad structure (see photos), but there may be impediments. One is a hinged iron lid with "Stop Cock" on it. Inside is not a stop cock but some sort of a metal projection with a single black wire attached to it. It has been suggested that this is an earthing rod, but then what are the twin cables that emerge from the wall and then apparently run within the concrete towards the lawn? The concrete shows evidence of a filled-in channel to contain the wires, which is visible in the third photo.

So what is under the "Stop Cock" lid? Does it still serve a purpose or can it be disregarded

The cavity beneath was partly filled with sand. Would this have been deliberate?

 

[littlespark]

It certainly looks like an earthing rod. Is there a sticker at your consumer unit saying it is a “TT earthing system” or similar?
It should be labelled somewhere.
This should be kept accessible.


The grey twins running under the concrete also must be there for a reason. Is there a shed, or remains of a shed anywhere in line with the channel?

The twins have been a diy install, as that kind of cable is not suitable for outside.

You would need someone to check it for power, and if redundant, removed.


You also have an open drain there to the right of the blue, also that needs to be left exposed for inspections



Is it possible to site the air source under the window to the left, where the little green plastic shed is?

 

[Redlander]

It certainly looks like an earthing rod. Is there a sticker at your consumer unit saying it is a “TT earthing system” or similar?
It should be labelled somewhere.
This should be kept accessible.


The grey twins running under the concrete also must be there for a reason. Is there a shed, or remains of a shed anywhere in line with the channel?

The twins have been a diy install, as that kind of cable is not suitable for outside.

You would need someone to check it for power, and if redundant, removed.


You also have an open drain there to the right of the blue, also that needs to be left exposed for inspections



Is it possible to site the air source under the window to the left, where the little green plastic shed is?

Thanks for taking time to respond. On further investigation the grey twins look as if they might be broadband/TV cables, so the thing under the "Stop Cock" hatch probably is the earthing rod. The consumer unit was replaced a few years ago and it doen't have a label about earthing.

The preferred place for the heat pump was, as you suggest, under that window. Problem is that there are issues with noise as it is closer to the neighbour's bedroom, and boxed in on 3 sides, which apparently amplifies the noise.

Thanks once again

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Underneath there are many, many spiders.

 

[DPG]

Thanks for taking time to respond. On further investigation the grey twins look as if they might be broadband/TV cables, so the thing under the "Stop Cock" hatch probably is the earthing rod. The consumer unit was replaced a few years ago and it doen't have a label about earthing.

The preferred place for the heat pump was, as you suggest, under that window. Problem is that there are issues with noise as it is closer to the neighbour's bedroom, and boxed in on 3 sides, which apparently amplifies the noise.

Thanks once again

Definitely consider the noise. A constant whirring can be very annoying.

 

[Avo Mk8]

The preferred place for the heat pump was, as you suggest, under that window. Problem is that there are issues with noise as it is closer to the neighbour's bedroom, and boxed in on 3 sides, which apparently amplifies the noise.

If it came to it, an electrician could install a separate earth rod in an alternative place, connected instead of the current one, and put the heat pump where you are suggesting. That is assuming an installer is happy that position would be compliant with the installation requirements.
If you are already talking to an installer, they might be able to advise on the type of earthing arrangement you have on your electricity supply, and whether the earth rod is still connected/required.

PS don't put the heat pump outside a bedroom, and especially don't fix it to the wall of the bedroom! (Speaking from experience!)

 

[westward10]

That electrode may have nothing to do with the OP's installation. Do you live in a block of flats, if so that could be for lightning protection.

 

[Avo Mk8]

The heat pump would probably be installed 250mm away from the wall anyway, so the earth electrode wouldn't be covered?
Whether that's "accessible" I'm not sure!

 

[Redlander]

The heat pump would probably be installed 250mm away from the wall anyway, so the earth electrode wouldn't be covered?
Whether that's "accessible" I'm not sure!

You're right. There might be a reason to want to access the earth, and then there would need to be the width of a person behind the heat pump.

 

[littlespark]

Is the property suitable for ASHP?

There are quite a few unscrupulous salesmen promising all sorts, but without the insulation factors and large enough pipework and radiators… it could be an expensive folly.