Main Earth connection

In a TN-S system is the earth connection to the sheath the responsibility of the service provider?

Is it possible for an electrician to perform this without waiting weeks for the provider to come out?

1. Yes

2. NO!!!

I have a TN-S system and am not convinced that the connection between the clamp and the sheath is that good. Can also see that the clamp and sheath has been painted although doesn't look like they took the clamp off to do this as I can see the paint doesn't completely cover it. Ironically the first bit of bodging/ corner cutting that has actually worked in my favour in the house.

Not sure who to contact to get this checked. presumably it is the supplier but I am with British Gas for my electric and there is nothing on their website. I live in London if that is any help

I have a relation with a similar arrangement, i wrote to London Electricity (who is the supplier) who after a couple of months wrote back saying they would fit a TNC-S earth for £60, if I provided them with an electricians test and inspection certificate to show the installation was safe.

I am quibbling over the need for the test certificate, since it is not a new or changed supply, only an improved earth. Oddly enough the service head is only a few years old, a new plastic head was fitted to replace the old cast-iron one, but the earth was not upgraded at that time, the old pipe clamp was left in place.

The accompanying documents show that London Electricity (EDF) do the "supply" including changes to connections even if another company does the "metering" and you are billed by a different company; because EDF owns the networks, from the days when London Electricity was the monopoly Regional Electricity Company for London.

In your case you can write to your supplier (quote your account no) because you are their customer, and it is their responsibility to deal with whoever does the metering and distribution.

Is the clamp on the pipe a standard electricians clamp? Is the pipe lead? If so I have found that if you ring them up and say that there is an electrical clamp on the lead pipe they are out sharpish!

Yes, Yes, No.