I get the impression that on the mainland you cant do anything outside without worrying about the DNO neutral becoming open circuit. No doubt all the fuss over EV installations has percolated through to the wholesalers counter.

It seems that despite the statement in Regulation 114.1 (second paragraph, see extract below) and despite the use of the word "shall", some are determined to tie themselves in knots every time a cable breaks out of a main building. 

On a PME supply, if the neutral is chopped through in the street, there should always be a connection to earth somewhere.  But with all the neutral current going through it, that doesn't mean that it's anywhere near 0V compared with a screwdriver in the flower bed.

It seems that despite the statement in Regulation 114.1 (second paragraph, see extract below) and despite the use of the word "shall", some are determined to tie themselves in knots every time a cable breaks out of a main building. 

Ah, but be aware of the dictionary meaning of the word "permanent" - unlike common usage it doesn't actually mean "forever" or even for a very long time, and certainly not reliable. It simply means for an undefined length of time (compare with temporary which means for a defined length of time). Something temporary could easily outlast something permanent - just as long as you didn't know initially how long the permanent thing would last.

   - Andy.

AJJewsbury said:

Ah, but be aware of the dictionary meaning of the word "permanent" - unlike common usage it doesn't actually mean "forever" or even for a very long time, and certainly not reliable

Not sure about that, Andy. OED says, "Continuing or designed to continue or last indefinitely without change; abiding, enduring, lasting; persistent. Opposed to temporary."

However, caselaw may have different views depending upon the context.

likewise "indefinitely" doesn't mean forever, just an undefined (not definite) length of time ... which might often turn out be a very long length of time, but equally could occasionally turn out to be quite short, ... we just don't know.

   - Andy.

Yes, I think I would agree that if the neutral is "chopped through" it is likely outside the control of the DNO. Mind you, I am not sure how that might happen. 

If the neutral is lost and injury did occur, it would have to be proven that the DNO took all reasonable precautions to avoid such an occurrence (Reg 7 ESQCR). If it was proven that they failed to do so, then a heavy fine might help them focus.

OED (with apologies to those who are not English  ): "indefinitely" = "To an indefinite amount or extent; without specified or assignable limit or end; unlimitedly."

So the pyramids (Egypt, not Glastonbury) were probably intended to be permanent. On the other hand, "indefinite leave to remain" is clearly limited, though one's corpse could be interred here. That is until some archaeologist starts digging. 

OED (with apologies to those who are not English  ): "indefinitely" = "To an indefinite amount or extent; without specified or assignable limit or end; unlimitedly."

So the pyramids (Egypt, not Glastonbury) were probably intended to be permanent. On the other hand, "indefinite leave to remain" is clearly limited, though one's corpse could be interred here. That is until some archaeologist starts digging.