I'm almost of a mind to get the client to bite the bullet and get a new separate supply and remove the problem from access, sharing a cutout with the downstairs flat and the loop in, etc. Or do you think that's excess and unneccesary cost. Install a new cabinet outside, move the smart meter outside as well; install a Lewden switched fuse in there and run a 25mm2 three core SWA externally and enter the upstairs flat at a similar point to where the old VIR cables exit the brickwork and enter the CU direct?

AJJewsbury:

I'm almost of a mind to get the client to bite the bullet and get a new separate supply and remove the problem from access, sharing a cutout with the downstairs flat and the loop in, etc. Or do you think that's excess and unneccesary cost. Install a new cabinet outside, move the smart meter outside as well; install a Lewden switched fuse in there and run a 25mm2 three core SWA externally and enter the upstairs flat at a similar point to where the old VIR cables exit the brickwork and enter the CU direct?

What's the actual demand for the flat? I suspect a completely new supply is going to be expensive (especially if the DNO see it as an opportunity to charge for re-inforcing their network). It looks like it's been OK on "half shares" of a 60A supply until now - does it really need a 100A supply?


If that's the alternative, then a small Ryefield, SWA or split-con up to the flat and red-head cut-out will probably start to look financially attractive...


  - Andy.

Possibly not 100A Andy, but there has been talk of an EV charging point and power shower by the new owner so suspect that the 'half shares' might be stretched ...

Ryefield, etc. would be more financially attractive than a new supply ... certainly for their pocket!

davezawadi (David Stone):

I did read what you wrote about UKPN viewing the cutout. Are UKPN the metering provider? If so they did not give correct advice. I suspect they are not, in which case fair enough, you need the meter man! In any case, you can do nothing on that side of the meter, it is not your problem. You cannot change the wiring, pull the cutout fuse, or anything else as this would be counted as an attempt at the illegal abstraction of electricity even if it is all connected back again. This looks to me as a case where the responsibility has been messed up by the supplier / DNO split. In any case, as no actual danger appears to be present on the tails, they might just be following "policy". In principle there is nothing wrong with rubber tails, there are still many about in good condition. Hicky59, you say badly degraded, but in rubber cable terms this means rubber falling off or badly cracked. Where are the cracks / exposed conductors? You could well be the one who has fallen into the crack in the system!

Hi David

If you look at the pics I posted, one of them shows the N cable between the downstairs service head and the upstairs cutout where it exits the brickwork having no insulation on at all and the bare conductor showing.  The rubber has indeed fallen off ... I wouldn't say no danger.  See my reply to Chris as to the arrangement of the cables, routes, what's where, etc.

davezawadi (David Stone):

I have just seen the first photo in context, it is a different area. Clearly, there is a serious problem there, and I am surprised UKPN didn't at least tape it up and report it. It is presumably the other end of the tails in the flat upstairs? Did they look at that area, because I would not expect it to be ignored, even though it is not very dangerous? I presume the red cable has not got exposed conductors, although it would be wise not to move it as they could appear suddenly. The solution you suggest is not open to you, it is not the landlord's installation. It is down to the metering company, which owns the cables between the head and meter, and these will be sealed at both ends (or should be) by them. You will have to ask the tenants who is the supplier if the meter is not marked.

Thanks David.  The owners changed to British Gas dual fuel when they moved into the maisonette in November.  The L cable (VIR) as far as I can see does not have exposed conductors and the pic was taken before UKPN came to have a look.  The engineer did wrap the N cable in the plastic you can see but it does need sorting pronto.

mapj1:

What UKPN  will want to see,

1) a wire sealable fused isolator downstairs supplied by new tails from  the DNO head (replacing  the bolts with ones with drilled heads for lockwires or some seal they consider equivalent).

2) A length of SWA from the fused isolator to upstairs

3) Upstairs a a  wire sealed "red link"  cut out.  (if need be for mechanical reasons, an adaptable metal box or similar with Henley block inside to take the SWA to  tails to supply if the size of SWA wont fit the head chamber directly)

4) From the red link to the upstairs meter, in the existing ordinary tails.

5) A piece of paper from the BNO electrician (you ?) that says the riser is to BS7671.

Then they will connect the tails at the lower end to the company fuse.


For now, tape only if you can do this with no disturbance split flexi conduit is another kind of patch.

M.

Cheers mapj1. :)

I'm not going to attempt this one myself; I'll assist and learn for the next time ... but good learning for me to read the different options.

 

Hicky59:

Thanks David.  The owners changed to British Gas dual fuel when they moved into the maisonette in November.  The L cable (VIR) as far as I can see does not have exposed conductors and the pic was taken before UKPN came to have a look.  The engineer did wrap the N cable in the plastic you can see but it does need sorting pronto.

OK, belay my last.


So the DNO is fully aware of the hazard, but has just put a bit of plastic around it! I can scarcely believe it.


When I reported a slightly elevated Ze at home about 5 years ago, SSE were round in about an hour and a half. Then there was a discussion with HQ as to whether the fuse should be pulled until the situation had been remedied. They decided that because it is only a 60 A one, the supply could be left intact. The service cable was "PME'd" by lunch time. That's what I call good service.