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Service cable and cut out too hot.

broadgage
I was called by a local hospice to investigate "overheating" and found the DNO service cable and cut out to be alarmingly hot, I would estimate the surface temperature of the service cable to be at least 60 degrees. Definite smell of hot PVC.

Enquires suggested that the supply was originally 60 amps, single phase and was upgraded to 100 amps by fitting a larger fuse.


Measured load was just just under 100 amps, it probably exceeded 100 amps if anyone used a kettle.Service cable looks like only about 10mm. Voltage is rather low at 221 volts, but just within tolerance.


Is it worth calling the DNO, or will they simply say "supply working, do not worry" I suspect that the service cable is very undersized, but am aware that DNOs work to different rules.


I have moved combustibles away from the cable and advised reducing the load a bit,


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  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    DNO's explanation was that the black cut-outs, although marked 100A, are only rated for 100A intermittently and are only really good for 60A continuous. They changed to a grey (100A) cut-out and all then seemed well.


    The grey ones are what WPD refer to as "dough moulded clay" and are the replacement for the previous black type.

    In the "old forum" I replied to a similar concern but if you look at section 3.1 in the link below, there is a good explanation of what cut-outs can do and WPD's policy.


    Not sure if the OP is in WPD area but if not, I'd like to think the OP's DNO would publish something similar.


    Regards


    BOD



    www.westernpower.co.uk/downloads/3347
Reply
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    DNO's explanation was that the black cut-outs, although marked 100A, are only rated for 100A intermittently and are only really good for 60A continuous. They changed to a grey (100A) cut-out and all then seemed well.


    The grey ones are what WPD refer to as "dough moulded clay" and are the replacement for the previous black type.

    In the "old forum" I replied to a similar concern but if you look at section 3.1 in the link below, there is a good explanation of what cut-outs can do and WPD's policy.


    Not sure if the OP is in WPD area but if not, I'd like to think the OP's DNO would publish something similar.


    Regards


    BOD



    www.westernpower.co.uk/downloads/3347
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