Contacting DNO to fit isolator

[cupsandtrousers]

Hi,

Can anyone answer me a quick question? I live in a cottage with pretty old electrics. CU is about 10 years old (previous occupant got a mate to update it for him), wiring dates from at least 35 years ago. I want the DNO to fit an isolator so that when it comes to moving the CU everything is ready to go BUT.....

Will the DNO carry out any tests on the household electrics when installing an isolator or do they not care what happens beyond the meter?

The only reason I ask is that I would imagine we're not up to any current regs here (I will be getting that sorted as soon as some more money comes in) and the last thing I want is them refusing to reconnect the supply for any reason.

Thanks for any help, Matt.

PS - just noticed one of the seals is gone on the meter, imagine it was done when the CU was replaced, is this going to cause me a problem or do I just plead ignorance?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Just ask them to fit an isolator. They may charge you.

They should not be concerned about the condition of the installation, its nothing to do with them unless its a brand new supply and then all they (usually) need is confirmation that a registered electrician is doing the installation.

And that missing seal, it wasn't there when you moved in, right?

 

[westie101]

Will the DNO carry out any tests on the household electrics when installing an isolator or do they not care what happens beyond the meter?

No they won't test, if anything dangerous is spotted they may comment.

its nothing to do with them unless its a brand new supply

Check ESQCR if we spot anything that is dangerous or likely to affect the supply to other customers we can issue a defect notice giving a set time period for it to be corrected or in extreme cases disconnect a supply without notice!

I was discussing the Defect Notice we issue earlier today with a senior manager

 

[flameport]

They won't care about the existing wiring, unless it is obviously dangerous such as live parts hanging out. Even then they may not care.

As for the isolator - waste of time and money.

 

[cupsandtrousers]

Thanks very much for quick replies, shouldn't you guys be in the pub?!

One final thing, how do I go about finding out which is my DNO and get contact numbers etc?

 

[EFLImpudence]

http://www.energylinx.co.uk/electricity_distribution_map.htm

 

[westie101]

http://2010.energynetworks.org/electricity-distribution-map/

or it will be stated on your bill

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I want the DNO to fit an isolator so that when it comes to moving the CU everything is ready to go ... I will be getting that sorted as soon as some more money comes in ...

Forget the isolator for now - have it done by the electrician at the same time he does everything else.

 

[cupsandtrousers]

BAS, I thought it was only the DNO that's allowed to fit them? Otherwise the electrician will have to break more seals on my meter. Is this OK if it's done to fit an isolator?

 

[westie101]

Is this OK if it's done to fit an isolator?

No, only authorised people (that is authorised by the DNO) can legally break them seals!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

BAS, I thought it was only the DNO that's allowed to fit them? Otherwise the electrician will have to break more seals on my meter. Is this OK if it's done to fit an isolator?

1) It's not necessary to break seals on the meter.

2) The DNO can pull the fuse so your electrician can do his stuff.

3) Your electrician will know what he may/may not do, and what in practice he will/will not do.

 

[gadget300]

http://www.ssepd.co.uk/uploadedFile...actors/RemovalAndReplacementOfCutOutSeals.pdf


For Southern and Scottish Energy, you can remove the main cut-out fuse. As long as you follow the above.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes, but this is a specific allowance for registered competent electricians.
This does not apply to the focus of this forum (DIYers).

I can't find the ref right now but in the back of my brain is something that says that SSE has pulled this.
EDIT: The procedure is still on the SSEPD web site, so still current.

PS. This is an old thread. Any reason for digging it up again. Shouldn't we drive a wooden stake through its heart before morning?

 

[gadget300]

When looking at threads it shows similiar ones at the bottom, i often find myself clicking these and before you know it have gone back years on weird and wonderful topics.

 

[Wontdothatagain]

I can't find the ref right now but in the back of my brain is something that says that SSE has pulled this.

SSE did suspend the scheme but re-introduced it after pressure from NICEIC & NAPIT

For what it is worth, i belive the scheme should never have been put back on as i know it is abused and not auited properly and i have NEVER seen a domestic electrician with the correct PPE. (not to say that this applies to everyone)