Missing Earthing?

Stevecc · 22 Oct 2019

Please see attached photo of electricity authority incomer and consumer unit

I cannot see an earth cable coming out of the electricity authority incomer cable, nor can I see a main earth terminal on or around consumer unit.

Should I direct this to the electricity authority as I can't see an earth to connect.

EFLImpudence · 22 Oct 2019

No. An electrician - to begin with.

Where does that black wire from the fuse box go?

Stevecc · 22 Oct 2019

Thanks for your reply. Not sure about that cable. I will be back at the property tomorrow and I will update

I don't know whats thats called around the incomer cable, its like a heavy duty clip. I was wondering if the cable was SWA, and SWA was acting as earth, and SWA connected to the clip and earth was supposed to be taken from that.

EFLImpudence · 22 Oct 2019

Let's have a better picture of that ''clip',

If it is the earth it would still need connecting to the fuse box,

securespark · 22 Oct 2019

From my limited view, it looks like some kind of metallic clamp, so it could be TN-S. However, it depends where the OP lives.

There are shed-loads of subterranean TT supplies in Staffs (and quite possibly other areas too).

Stevecc · 23 Oct 2019

Securepak, the incomer is clamped to the backboard

EFLImpudence, The black cable from the fuse box is connected to a green/yellow earth cable which in turn appears to be connected to the lead water pipe entering the property.

EFLImpudence · 23 Oct 2019

Stevecc said:
The black cable from the fuse box is connected to a green/yellow earth cable which in turn appears to be connected to the lead water pipe entering the property.

That would have been acceptable in the past but not allowed now as water pipes are being replaced by plastic.

It might still be effective.
I would get an electrician to test it soon.

You can contact the DNO and ask if they will convert to what's called PME or TN-C-S.
http://www.energynetworks.org/info/faqs/electricity-distribution-map.html

Stevecc · 23 Oct 2019

Thansk EFLImpudence

Do you know what the DNO will do. Will they replace the the incomer and offer up a live, neutral and earth to the customer

EFLImpudence · 24 Oct 2019

Stevecc said:
Do you know what the DNO will do. Will they replace the the incomer and offer up a live, neutral and earth to the customer

Can't tell. It's up to them.

If not then an Earth Electrode will be required.

Although, as said, the pipe may be perfectly adequate - just not actually allowed nowadays.
Is the property in a street or middle of nowhere?

Stevecc · 24 Oct 2019

Its in a street surrounded by houses

JohnD · 24 Oct 2019

Then there's a fair chance the supplier can provide PME or other good earth.

I have an idea they might charge £150 or so. If there is already a company earth, they are obliged to maintain it; but if not, they are not under an obligation to provide one.

Can you see any defects around the cable and service head, or tarry leaks? I really can't see. Turn your Flash on.

There seems to be a lump on the RHS of the service head so perhaps it already has one.

BTW a phone call may be fobbed off, but a letter is more likely to be passed to someone who can help.

I think that old piece of paper says "Scottish Power"

aptsys · 24 Oct 2019

Without testing, that looks to be a clamp for the incoming earth on the PILC sheath. If it tests out OK, the solution is already there and preferable to a CNE derived earth.

Stevecc · 24 Oct 2019

Thanks JohnD and aptsys

Ill get a better picture of the incomer and post

I was thinking if the incomer was SWA and the glanded off on the clamp (but is does not look like it)

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Missing Earthing?

Similar threads