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.
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.
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.
