TNS Hybrid with PNB strap

Firstly I’d like to say, thank you for taking the time out of your day to reply!

Information about the property and installation:

2 core Live and neutral most likely 25mm2 because it’s protected by an 80A fuse PILC or PILS, looped supply, Semi detached 1968 build.

I’ve pretty much modernised everything in the property. Full Type A RCBO setup with CPN Cudis type 1+2 surge protection.

I’ve also installed an Isolator switch with an SPD too! Garo type 2 spec.

During my examinations and also bringing in my sparky. We’ve discovered that the system is no longer a proper TNS system. Essentially what’s happened from observation is that the lead sheath of the supply has lost its Earth. Most likely because of degradation and lifespan 40-50 years (BS6480) The system is now a hybrid of some sorts with a mechanical neutral bond to the sheath of the looped supply then wired to the MET terminal Earth block. There is also a tinned Earth CPC nave green that goes underneath somewhere I am assuming it’s an Earth rod…because of the tinned Earth copper configuration and the cable being dug deep down and no way to access it? The cutout also mimics 5-10 second buzzing/arching noises and then disappears?

I’ve contacted the DNO 4 times. First they said it’s “fine” 2nd attempt they just changed the meter tails that goes from the cutout to the meter. 3rd they sent two guys who only did a visual inspection, and I noticed both glared at each other? But didn’t comment? Like they were hiding something? (I could also be mistaken) this might sound picky or fussy or what not but…I don’t feel safe if I am being honest….I feel worried… they are refusing to replace the old PILC/PILS cable…

I don’t know what to do? I just brought this house? And I wish I did an EICR inspection before I brought it. The sparky lad said it would have most likely failed an EICR inspection because of the sheath bonding…

Parents
  • That looks like a looped supply so the DNO probaly will not allow it to be used for supplying an EV changing point or a high current load such as a heat pump.

    Also it may have the appearance of a TN-S supply it wiil probably be a PME due to DNO cable reapirs. UKPN came clean some years ago and issued an earthing document to say if they have provided an earth from an incomming cable it is TN-C-S (PME).

    JP

Reply
  • That looks like a looped supply so the DNO probaly will not allow it to be used for supplying an EV changing point or a high current load such as a heat pump.

    Also it may have the appearance of a TN-S supply it wiil probably be a PME due to DNO cable reapirs. UKPN came clean some years ago and issued an earthing document to say if they have provided an earth from an incomming cable it is TN-C-S (PME).

    JP

Children
  • That looks like a looped supply so the DNO probaly will not allow it to be used for supplying an EV changing point or a high current load such as a heat pump.
    perhaps wait for the neighbour to get a car charger or solar panels and it will probably happen for free...

    I think that what crafty Mike meant was that because the DNO would not allow a looped supply to be used for an EVCP, etc., the neighbours would have to pay for a new supply from the street, and SIGINT's would no longer be looped. :-)

  • its better than that - quite often the neighours don't necessarily pay , or dont pay full whack at least,  being the end of loop, its not work that is their fault,  but of course once the supplies are  split it makes a dedicated line for each of you.

    These DNOs do unlooping for free

    https://www.enwl.co.uk/about-us/networkinvestment/unlooping/

    https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/planned_service_unlooping.aspx

    for example.
    Not all DNOs are that generous, but it may soon be forced upon them by legislation intended to encourage network upgrades for embedded generation.

    Given that there are a few triple loops out there it can't really come soon enough, and its a shame there is not more upgrading to 3 phase to the home, as it would make the detection of a lost PEN  a lot easier as well as help the network  volt drop issues.

    Mike.