I've just seen this article in E&T highlighting the increased incidence of reported broken PEN's from 57 in 2003 to 474 in 2021. It seems they are becoming less of a rare event.
David
I've just seen this article in E&T highlighting the increased incidence of reported broken PEN's from 57 in 2003 to 474 in 2021. It seems they are becoming less of a rare event.
David
I'm pretty sure we've debated this regulation and its recommendation of use of the additional earth electrode for a TNC-S system.
Since some time has passed - are guys ACTUALLY installing this additional earth electrode? Seems like a very good recipe to eventually hit SOMETHING, gas, water, sewerage drain, electricity supply, mole burrow, badger set......something will get hit eventually if we're all doing this every day.
Is anyone actually adhering to this regulation?
Since some time has passed - are guys ACTUALLY installing this additional earth electrode? Seems like a very good recipe to eventually hit SOMETHING, gas, water, sewerage drain, electricity supply, mole burrow, badger set......something will get hit eventually if we're all doing this every day.
Only if by 'electrode' you mean 'drive a rod' (which I'd agree is very risky).
There are other options.
Since some time has passed - are guys ACTUALLY installing this additional earth electrode? Seems like a very good recipe to eventually hit SOMETHING, gas, water, sewerage drain, electricity supply, mole burrow, badger set......something will get hit eventually if we're all doing this every day.
Only if by 'electrode' you mean 'drive a rod' (which I'd agree is very risky).
There are other options.
Only if by 'electrode' you mean 'drive a rod' (which I'd agree is very risky).
There are other options.
What other option would you recommend Graham?
I'm building a house, it is a TN-C-S supply, but, it is not coming into the house, the meter and cut out are located near the front gate, the house is 20 metres away (not the one you know JP!), so I have the choice of making it TN-C-S or, not exporting the earth from the meter, and making the house TT. I am tending toward TT, as I can get a number of earth rods in around the property.
What would you do?
I'm building a house, it is a TN-C-S supply, but, it is not coming into the house, the meter and cut out are located near the front gate, the house is 20 metres away (not the one you know JP!), so I have the choice of making it TN-C-S or, not exporting the earth from the meter, and making the house TT. I am tending toward TT, as I can get a number of earth rods in around the property.
What would you do?
If I were building a house, I'd put in a foundation electrode. How does the risk of an RCD failing (in 6 months between presses of the test button ;-) ) compare with the risk of a broken PEN; and what is the risk with aerial supplies compared with under ground?
Too late for the foundation electrode, as the footings and drains are finished, my only option is a ring of earth rods around the building, or, keep the TN-C-S. The supply from the meter will be protected by a time delayed 300mA RCD, as well as a type 1 SPD. Of course, internally will be 30mA and type 2 SPDs.
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