TNS earth cable

[SparkJ]

Hi all

I

 

[Apache]

I know nothing - but did you take any pictures? They may really help

 

[SparkJ]

No sadly the Estate Agent who was giving me acccess to the property did not want me to take any pictures of the property. I'm not sure why a consumer unit should have worried him but it did

 

[patspark]

No sadly the Estate Agent who was giving me acccess to the property did not want me to take any pictures of the property. I'm not sure why a consumer unit should have worried him but it did

depending on the make of the cu you can get kits where you change out the guts of the board done a few of these on council properties think i got mine from bemco or wf

 

[Andy™]

Assuming that I get the job can I just change the earth cable for 16mm pukka stuff and connect it to the power company cable myself or does the power company have to get involved?

you should get the DNO to change the earth onto their clamp. If you DIY, make sure its the correct clamp to start with and the cable is in reasonable condition.

but best way is to cut the existing earth long enough to go to a MET and take your shiny new 16 to that (yes, and leave a rather undersized cable from there to sheath!) and stay legal

 

[binky]

The earth type looks like TN-S. There is something that looks as if it is a main earth going from the area where the fuses are to the clamp on the power company cable. It is a rather pathetic three strands of metal loosely entwined together and not covered by any sleeving.

If that's three strands of what looks like steel wire, then you are looking at the normal suppliers earth for TN-s. I would suggest re-terminating close to clamp with an MET and connect your 16mm to that. If you are totally un-happy with the size of wire contact DNO to come and inspect. (even better photo and post on this site when agent isn't looking)

Surprised you've never seen one before - have you only been doing site work???

 

[binky]

Sure Andy's post wasn't there 2 minutes ago:coat

 

[Andy™]

Sure Andy's post wasn't there 2 minutes ago:coat

had too many Guiness DrinkGuiness DrinkGuiness Drink already?!

 

[binky]

had too many Guiness DrinkGuiness DrinkGuiness Drink already?!

Nah, haven't been to the shop yet

 

[SparkJ]

I have been doing domestic work. But I have never seen anything quite so pathetic before.

Live and learn.

 

[Andy™]

But I have never seen anything quite so pathetic before.

better get used to it then!

 

[green-hornet]

I have come across quite a few in my time, they are a bugger to change due to the fact that some of them used steel or plastic conduit.

The supply is a TN-S from your description, I would phone the utilities company and ask for a cut out change, this is free of charge and a rolling works ticket in my area.

My best advise would be to board out the old consumer unit and fit new one flush, if cables need extending crimp or use pushfit connectors behind the cu.

If you try to pull all the steel box out of the wall (as I did on my first one) the wall will probably come with it leaving a big hole!

 

[Andy™]

I would phone the utilities company and ask for a cut out change, this is free of charge and a rolling works ticket in my area.

Unless its needs replaced for safety reasons, chances are you will be charged for it. at least it is round here (NEDL)

 

[jckent]

For the new consumer unit use this link.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Consumer_Units_Index/Skeleton_Consumer_Units/index.html

These boards are designed for the purpose

 

[Evans Electric]

If the metal cupboard is in fact , the consumer unit , would a Crabtree backplate chassis unit do the job. Regarding the main earth cable, although 3 strands , does it equal 16 mm . In the Midlands the network frowns upon clamps on their cable sheaths although they have fitted 90% of them.

Deke