Main earth - options?

[Taylortwocities]

Nothing against TT, but it just seems simpler for if the DNO can give me an earth rather than get someone knocking in rods and having to RCD-protect all circuits.

Generally speaking, you would be RCD-protecting all circuits to comply with 17th edition anyway. The only saving by going PME would be not having to bang in an earth rod.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Generally speaking, you would be RCD-protecting all circuits to comply with 17th edition anyway.

If you're doing a rewire and you don't want all the circuits on an RCD there are a number of perfectly feasible ways to do that and still comply with the 17th.

But not if you have a TT supply.

 

[echoes]

Just phoned EDF networks who have quoted nearly £300 for TN-S, or thousands for PME. I asked if they could install TN-C-S and he said that it something I should organise myself via a spark.

Does this seem correct?

So it looks like I'll be calling a spark - and according to EDF, HE can install TN-C-S, or I can stick with TT and ask the spark to bang in earth rod(s).

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[echoes]

Thanks holmslaw for confirming that - I'm not going mad after all. I did query that installing TN-C-S would involve changing the service head, but he said that 'an electrcian will do that'

TN-S is attractive since I will ideally want a couple of circuits RCD-free. I have a spark coming over today to have a look for me and if I end up with an earth rod and a 100mA RCD, then so be it.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[Taylortwocities]

TNCS and PME are the same thing and only the dno can provide it.

.

That is true, BUT, the DNO offered him TN-S at £300 or PME (TNC-S) for thousands.

Anyways, how do you manage to contact EDF from Zaire, that must be tricky unless...


oh, I think I'm beginning to understand. You aren't in Zaire at all, are you? Have you been lying to us all this time?

 

[LoveRocket]

Anyways, how do you manage to contact EDF from Zaire, that must be tricky unless...

That's how I contact them anyway...

 

[Taylortwocities]

Your exchange still supports pulse dialling? Blimey!

 

[echoes]

Well spark came, had a look, did a quick test and said my earth via the service pipes was not a danger but it did need upgrading (clearly). He said he could install a rod, but suggested that I contact EDF again to replace the service head instead - all the new ones he'd seen came with either TN-S or TN-C-S.

So I will call EDF again and ask for a new service head. Bloke I spoke to was Brian - didn't know his arse from his earths.

Maybe it's worth remembering that a couple of years ago I discovered a broken service head in a house I had been letting. Called DNO saying a live conductor was exposed (it was the neutral). 2 hours later I had a brand new service head with upgraded main fuse to 100A and a shiny new earth clamped on the to the sheath.

 

[ricicle]

Bloke I spoke to was Brian - didn't know his a**e from his earths.

He's not an Electrician, he's a very naughty boy......

 

[LoveRocket]

Your exchange still supports pulse dialling? Blimey!

I use a separate DTMF keypad.

 

[JohnD]

You're in Surrey, is that old Seeboard territory? Not the best PES I ever worked for.

In my experience, if you want anything technical, you are much better off sending a letter than making a phone call. It will be tracked, and passed along until it reaches someone competent to deal with it.

Keep the letter very short and to the point.

 

[echoes]

Yes it's old Seeboard. I will have a good, close look at it tomorrow and see if it's cracked or oozing tar. With any luck, it will be dangerous and need immediate replacement.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I use a separate DTMF keypad.

Ahh, that takes me back.... you can now get an iPhone app that does that - but it's probably cheaper to replace that 746 telephone