I was wondering how supplies to houses in new estates is approached in the U.K. Ireland, for example, is almost exclusively TNCS. In new estates supplies are run to pillars and mini pillars so that connections are available above ground. The contractor is responsible for trench excavation and associated ducting. DNO earthing of the neutral is also often first-fixed by the contractor and photos taken of the composite arrangements at various stages.
DNO earthing of the neutral is also often first-fixed by the contractor
If the situation is as you describe in Ireland, it seems the performance and maintenance of the network PEN is a responsibility now deferred to the Electrician.
Is this not really just an admission by the DNO that the network is rubbish and that they do not want any liability?
Absolutely not Alcomax, there is very careful scrutiny of earthing arrangements. The ESB provide all materials and undertake the earthing at the HV/LV kiosks. It is only at the mini pillars where the contractor will sometimes install on their behalf. Normally this is just a 15m length of bare 25mm copper. If the ESB tests indicate a value outside their parameters then they will install extra rods. It all makes for a well organised easy accessible system which is also not unacceptable aesthetically.
As far as I know, in the UK, joints are still usually made underground (in resin filled joints), additional electrodes (often of the 4' rod variety) left lying in the bottom of the trench. I haven't noticed anything above ground (at least around here). N-PE links in the DNO's cut-outs in each property (before the meter), or occasionally (e.g. multiple occupation buildings) there might be a single N-PE link outside and then SNE cables to each consumer.
