Tampering with DNO equipment is an offence under ESQCR,
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20022665.htm[/QUOTE]
That SI doesn't mention tampering, or cutting, or breaking, and the only mention of a seal places a responsibility on the distributor, not the consumer, viz:
[code:1]
Equipment on a consumer's premises
24. - (1)...
.
.
.
(2) Every circuit breaker or cut-out fuse forming part of the fusible cut-out mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) shall be enclosed in a locked or sealed container as appropriate.[/code:1]
chris600uk said:
You mean this bit?
Offences
35. Any generator, distributor, supplier, or meter operator or any agent, contractor or sub-contractor of any of the foregoing who fails to comply with any provision of these Regulations which applies to him, any person who fails to comply with regulation 18(3), 21, 22 or 25(1) and any consumer who fails to comply with regulation 8(4) or 34(2) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
As far as I can see, none of that has anything to do with the main fuse seal.
Spark123 said:
Haven't got a clue about German DNOs, I know a bloke who came across some Norweb seals. After a job he used one, someone from the DNO spotted it and he was hauled over the coals for it.
I would interpret that reaction as being anger that someone had nearly got the DNO into trouble.
The bottom line seems to be that the 'crime' of breaking the seal is a myth. Useful as it may be in order to discourage people, but still a myth.