age of cutout

consumer done over · 18 Apr 2008

hi,

does anyone have a rough idea of how old this cutout is and what material.

thks

securespark · 18 Apr 2008

A look at the cable would help. But sometimes the cut-out is newer....

What supply type is it? Where does the earth for the supply come from?

JohnD · 18 Apr 2008

is it plastic or iron?

RF Lighting · 18 Apr 2008

Its plastic (of sorts)

Maybe 1960s at a guess

consumer done over · 19 Apr 2008

there is an earth block connected to the incoming cable sheath via a small green wire.

would you guys bother getting it changed?
I'd rather let sleeping dogs lie if it is ok.

kai · 19 Apr 2008

Is that small opening to the bottom left of the fuse giving access to live parts ? (put a test meter an measure the voltage between it and the earth block below) - if it is - it shold be changed immediately.

JohnD · 19 Apr 2008

And I don't like the look of that ?string? knotted round the incomer. If it is wire, it should probably be put it into your earth block. If your earth block is too small get an 8-way.

If and when you get a new service head they will hopefully give you a better earth terminal.

p.s. there seems to be a shortage of screws and seals on the head, has the fuse fairy been in?

consumer done over · 19 Apr 2008

kai said:
Is that small opening to the bottom left of the fuse giving access to live parts ? (put a test meter an measure the voltage between it and the earth block below) - if it is - it shold be changed immediately.

which opening are you referring to?

the square looking one or the rounded one?

Steve · 19 Apr 2008

I'd guess the square one. It looks almost like a plug where an additional fuse would be plugged on, where one cutout supplies 2 homes. And that looks like a metal lug sticking out from it . . .

As someone said, very carefully measure for voltage on that metal lug (if it is as i described). If you get 230-250 volts, call your electricity company immediately and report a dangerous installation.

SparkyNinja · 19 Apr 2008

That MET looks reasonably shiny and new to me, where's the warning label?

oharaf · 20 Apr 2008

Widdler, could be new or has Mrs CDO been doing the spring Brasso

Warning stickers what do you want them for

a lot of that Equipotential bonding looking rather nice and new as well, is there a new cu and tails knocking about?

Those cheeky fairys, upgrading and stealing the screws and seals for their collection

consumer done over · 20 Apr 2008

Steve said:
I'd guess the square one. It looks almost like a plug where an additional fuse would be plugged on, where one cutout supplies 2 homes. And that looks like a metal lug sticking out from it . . .

As someone said, very carefully measure for voltage on that metal lug (if it is as i described). If you get 230-250 volts, call your electricity company immediately and report a dangerous installation.

can i use a tester bought from B&Q?

it is one of the cheap ones, nine quid or so. I don't want it blowing in my face whilst measuring.

Click-Sure · 20 Apr 2008

I disagree with the advice given to go poking tester probes into supplier cutouts.

Very Bad Things can happen!

If you are concerned about the state of the cut-out in your home report it to the people who own it and are responsable for it.

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age of cutout

kai

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