Fused neutrals...

The usual "solution" was simply to replace the fuse element in the N carrier with a solid link (in effect a bit of thicker wire for a rewireable) - are you sure that hasn't already been done?

     - Andy.

Reluctantly, yes I would re use an existing fused neutral. I would insert in the neutral fuse way a fuse one size larger than that used in the phase conductor. This minimises the risk of the neutral fuse blowing and the phase fuse remaining intact. I would not use a solid link or a grossly oversized fuse, in order to minimise the degree of over-fusing if some muppet re-uses the neutral fuse in the live side of the circuit.

Advise client in writing that further works are required urgently.

Thanks both. The neutral looks to be wired in 30a fuse wire, the line in something more substantial!  Will get that sorted.

Feel a bit happier doing the needful, but will look to have the upgrade done ASAP.

I've just noticed the word 'asbestos' in your original post - other here will tell you better than me about that, but some a good deal of caution might be needed there from an respiratory rather than electrical point of view. Depending on whether is really is asbestos and its condition good policy might be anything up to bagging and binning the offending fusecarriers without opening them.

   - Andy.

Thanks Andy. Yes, fairly sure it will be asbestos, given the age of the installation. Unfortunately, I had no option but to pull the fuse carrier as the line conductor was glowing & the main intake was locked. Was masked up tho!

Your warning/suggestion is however well made.

The neutral looks to be wired in 30a fuse wire, the line in something more substantial!

Ah, sounds like one of broadgage's muppets has already been in attendance then...

   - Andy.

The idea that the main intake is locked away is not encouraging, when it may be your isolation of last resort, and may well have a newer and more sensibly rated fuse than the one you have just pulled, which seems to contain the 4 inches of coat hanger wire beloved of the artful bodger trying to get the power on in a hurry. (muppet just about cuts it..)

It may be worth trying to get to see that main intake - it may be safer to bypass this rubber covered double pole fused asbestos loaded nonsense altogether and just add a switched fuse.

Oh, and where in all this line up is the metering ?


Note that some DNOs, UKPN among them, now like to see a means of isolation beside the intake in situations with a rambling pre meter building network - once upon a time that would have been a great no-no, but the H and S consideration overrides the small increase in abstraction risk from the isolator.

see A12 in this UKPN guide for building networks.


Of course it may be that the incomer is also from the dark ages, and in that case the DNO need to be told, and they will probably not work on it at all, but do a cut and shut onto the supply cable  a bit further back - their rules often put asbestos as riskier than live jointing old cables, which is sobering.

Update - temporary lateral run in, customer has power back on. Quote going in for new riser & laterals. The less said about the main intake the better - Scottish Power (who's engineers I generally find very helpful) have been informed.

Thanks again all, for your advice, thoughts etc.