Re 3M Rule

[craig k]

Hi guys 

I was looking for a answer to my problem and found this site ,

I was a pro builder and have a good basic knowledge of domestic electrical installation ,but im sure i maybe out of date .

So if you could advise me ?

A genuine electrical contractor has been instructed to upgrade the overhead power lines in our road by ,,UK Power Networks 

This contractor is now telling me that it is now necessary for me to have a outside isolator fuse box fitted ,due to this 3 m rule .  

 Power comes into the house via a pole in the street .

From the fascia board there is a connection ,,from this point the cable run in the loft is about 10 m ,this runs into hall way, into  the main fuse,,meter box  ,and into  the consumer unit which  is directly next to the the meter on 1m tails .

So Im thinking why do i need a large unsightly outside isolator box on the wall as i do not  see where my mains in does not comply ??

Any ideas ?

thanks 

Craig

 

[Apache]

Welcome to the forum.

To clarify - how close is the meter to the consumer unit? If just a meter away then no need for an isolator - the rule is from the point of supply (ie the meter) if I understand correctly. If you have 10m between the meter and the fuseboard then you should have an isolator.

 

[NozSpark]

Right, so, you're having the supply cables to your house replaced...

It sounds like they want to move your electric meter to an external location during these works which will then make your tails (to your consumer unit) excessively long to be protected by the suppliers fuse and they therefore want to add some (consumers) fused protection to these cables.... BTW the suppliers electrics don't fall within the same regs as the consumers side

So if I was you I'd be telling them that if they want this work to be done in that manner that they will have to have it done without charge to you!

As for your rights regarding the fact that you don't really want an external meter box then I think that the only reason where they won't be able to install one was if you're in a conservation area or your property was listed

 

[Andy™]

because 7671 requires all cable be adequately protected. so you need to fuse the meter tails. however, DNO will allow you to use their fuse for this protection, but only to 3mtr tail length (sometimes 2m, depending on DNO)

 

[Sidewinder]

However, if this is BEFORE the DNO head then the cables through the loft are THEIR problem NOT yours.

Now if UKPN want to move their head from it's existing location, to a new position, then the cost is THEIRS to bear NOT yours.

Regardless of whether it is them or their contractor that wants this, it is @ THEIR cost as the existing supply is there, & as I see it they want to make changes to THEIR bit, so THEIR cost.

 

[batty]

Could the cable not be clipped externally and then into hall so its less than 10 mtr.

 

[kerching]

If it is being done for ' their convenience' then it is their problem, their,decision, their cost.

it would be a different matter if it was 'you' that wanted it upgrading/ moving

 

[craig k]

Thanks guys 

The reason given was this 3 m rule 

But 

The box outside  will be 3m off the ground ,so wont be replacing my meter in there as it will be to hight to read a meter in there  ,they just want to put a fuse in there for external access  ,just a fuse .

The meter i have now and my fuse board are next to each other ,,no more that 5 inch,s apart,, so no 3m rule there .

There will be no cost to me ,but i just dont want the large box on my wall ( as the guy next door has had the work done and will tell you ,,it dont look good ).

As i see it ,,the 3m rule only applies if the consumer unit is 3m or more away from the main fuse or meter .

which it is not .

So why the box ?

Would they maybe have to replace the full cable run from the pole to my meter and  if i dont let them fit the box ,so they want to save time and money ?

And what if i just so NO ,i dont wont the work done ??

 

[steptoe]

they will do whatever they want,

you wont have any say in it,

you either agree to their terms and conditions or they will refuse to provide you with a supply,

its that simple unfortunately,

the DNOs are a law unto themselves,  headbang

 

[kerching]

DNOs  ( used to?) have a thing called cyclic loading.....basically their cables can boil their nuts off for 18 hours a day as long as they have 6 hours to cool down.

local NORWEB showroom NEVER had ice on the path when it was inches thick elsewhere, service cable ran full length of the path and there were lights on, heaters on, cookers being demo'd....cable must have been hotter than Kylie in the Shower

 

[apprentice87]

The big deal is the length of cable you have without "protection"  and 3 meters is the limit. [cannot be bothered to dig out reg] Anyway, it is three meters from the point where the conductor size, type, whatever, changes. [it is all in the book]

Follows from this, it is 3 meters from their cutout, 3 meters from the point their service cable ends and your tails begin..

You say it is overhead.... Hope it is not TT, or you will be having fun........

john....

 

[Steve3948]

So contractor gets job to replace overheads to property, however existing overhead runs from pole to to your end gable or whatever, through roof space and down to your meter location.

Contractor sounds like he only wants to renew to your gable end, and will terminate to an isolator, leaving the older cable running through your roof.

Sounds like a kop out to me, try complaining with a quality of service issue, if the overhead is deemed to need replacing, so does the indoor section IMO.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

I have seen them splice into an existing cable on a catinery wire, they do what they want

 

[apprentice87]

Agree totally, they own the cable up to the cutout, they cannot just replace it up to eaves and then leave the rest?? They expect you to "adopt" the old bit then???? Nah, on the blower and get the boss out.

If the bit in the roof now belongs to you then, i take it they will be paying you rent and you will be at liberty to tee off it too!!!!.

john..

 

[kerching]

Mention...

ESQR 

RODENTAL INFESTATION IN NEIGHBOURS PROPERTY

damage tp fabric of building

reinstatement costs for damage incurred etcetcetc

got to be worth a punt.....

 

[craig k]

Thanks guys 

Any more thought,s on this would be welcomed