Electrical Supply ?

[Chri5]

There's an earth on the gas pipe which is about 100mm away

 

[Deleted member 54734]

You shouln't really have opened the iron cutut to expose the porecelain. They are sometimes cracked or broken and can cause a very impressive flash that doesn't go out even after it has burned your hands and eyeballs.

But it's ok John the seal was missing.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Can an earth be fitted easily or should I contact the electricity supplier?

Your electrician needs to find out from the supplier what earth they provide, if any.

The shower has got to be fitted for health mobolity reasons, so we want it done safetly.

The earthing and bonding must be sorted out.

The main fuse my need to be uprated, which will have a knock-on effect on the size of the existing tails.

Can a new unit with appropriate trips be fitted just for the shower with new tails to the meter as suggested by a local sparks

Yes, no problem.

If the old metal clad units can be shuffled about to make room then a full-sized CU can be put in right from the start. Initially just for the shower, as the electrician said, and then later to cope with any rewiring.

He was unsure of the earthing situation as he had never seen something this old !

The age is irrelevant - he ought to be able to tell from looking what the earthing system is.

I have attatched further pictures but unfortunately they are a little out of focus as I find it difficult to get into the cupboard.

In that case you should consider having the CU installed in a more accessible location. If a flush one can be installed it will be pretty unobtrusive.

 

[2wheels]

I have seen two sparks and their answer differ ! One said the earth was run with the neutral supply and the other that it would need an earth stake or run from the pipes !

both would fit the shower on a seperate consumer unit for the shower only with new tails.

Are either of these correct before we part with any more money ?

Thanks for your help so far.

 

[Steve]

No. You need to get the cutout replaced. It may be a 30a fuse. This will not safely handle an electric shower.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

One said the earth was run with the neutral supply

It might be, but unless you have a sticker/notice on or near your supply head he can't be sure that you officially do have a PME, or TN-C-S supply. He may know that in your area they all are, but he should still confirm with the DNO that your particular one is.

and the other that it would need an earth stake or run from the pipes !

Don't have anything to do with him - even if your supply is TT you haven't been allowed to use water pipes as an earth for several decades.

Are either of these correct before we part with any more money ?

Please take notice of what people are telling you about getting your supply upgraded. At the same time you can get the supply type officially confirmed.

 

[Chri5]

The shower has got to be fitted for health mobility reasons, so we want it done safely.

Have you considered seeing the CAB / Council and asking them for some grant assistance ?
Disability illnesses normally qualify for some payments. Certainly did a few years ago when my stepfather became house ridden due to MS.

If the shower work qualifies, then maybe you could get the electrics added in.

Have you looked at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/YourHome/DG_4000642

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