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Western Power Distribution didn't set a maximum distance even when I asked them. They did require that the meter tails were a minimum size 16mm with a 10mm earth for an 80A supply. These cables had to be in conduit between the service fuse and meter. In my case it took the DNO sparky about...

I've not seen a four or five way system with intermediate switches - sounds fun! :D

You just need live, neutral and 'switched live' at each box. In each box the switch connects between live and 'switched live'. The neon indicator connects between 'switched live' and neutral. It depends on the location of your switches as to whether you daisy chain them with 3 core and...

Thanks for the answer John, and thanks for all the other comments. I didn't know those regulations existed when I asked the DNO to move the meter. I guess it would be bad to enclose both meters in the same cupboard then. I'll add a new post in the plumbing section and see what they think. The...

The connections at the switch sound fine, so the problem is most likely to be at the light fitting. Try comparing it to one of the diagrams on the Wiki: http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting As Spark says, the switched live from the switch (blue) has probably been connected to the...

I've recently added main equipotential bonding at home by connecting the gas and water pipes to the TN-S earth. Following recent posts and re-reading the wiki I think I've made a mistake: The TN-S earth, mains water pipe and consumer unit are bonded together on a block by the service fuse...

If it's just the switch you've worked on, then you may have connected the earth to the wrong terminal. There should be a terminal marked L2 - leave this empty. The earth wire should be connected to a separate connector that may not be connected to anything else. Is it just the switch you're...

I had the same issue with my LABC (see this thread) Initially the council requested that I employ an electrician to test and issue a certificate of conformance to BS7671. After reading through the documents linked from the Wiki I wrote back to them and they agreed that they would arrange for...

If the electrician isn't able to self-certify the work then you need to submit a building notice. This cost me £100 +VAT a few months ago. The council are then responsible for inspecting the work and will issue a certificate of completion. As Mark says, the building notice should have been...

Also, if the RCD trips to a half way position you need to switch it off before you can switch it back on again.

Thanks for the help BAS. I sent my latest e-mail to the building control team leader, with the following statements: I am not registered with a Part P competent person scheme, and as such the local authorities are allowed to test whether the completed electrical installation complies...

The EIC I'm using has three sections. I'll be signing the first two sections (design and installation). The registered electrician will sign the third section if the installation passes his tests.

Here they are then, the before and after photos: I'll admit, there is still a little finishing up to do decoration wise! The sparks from Western Power Distribution were fantastic. They were booked to replace the service fuse unit, but while they were there they moved it into the corner and...

I find this link is intermittent, but it does work: http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/buildingregulations/circularscircular/divisionalcircularletters/buildingregulationspart/ There have been reports that some local authorities are asking householders to have electrical...

I've submitted a building notice to South Gloucestershire council (see this thread). My latest e-mail to them was still polite and contained the following: I have arranged for a local NAPIT registered electrician to inspect and certify the work, as per your e-mail below. My understanding...

I've created a new thread for my exchanges with South Gloucestershire Council.

Although Part P is supposed to allow DIY electrical installation, the related fees (LABC fees and cost of inspection) discourage this. The result is out of date installations missing basic safety features such as CPC in lighting circuits and RCD protection. It appears to me that the government...

:shock: I'll remember to keep my feet together when standing near an earth rod during a thunderstorm! The following website explains the principle: http://www.duncaninstr.com/Gr_article.htm "Calculations for the case of an hemispherical electrode show that 90% of the total resistance is...

This is my understanding (I'm happy to be corrected): Correct. This large current should operate the over-current device e.g. Fuse. It would not trip an RCD. If the earth is connected to the neutral, either at the user's end (PME) or at the substation (TN-S) then the current should be large...

Thanks for sharing the experiences. I guess my LABC haven't had many applications of this type either. I've received acknowledgement of my building notice, and they ask for inspections at the following stages: Excavation, Concrete, Damp proof, Preparation, Structural, Drainage and...