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juco · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Location: scotland

You can see in the picture below that there is an earth wire coming from the mains box and it is not connected to anything. This house was last wired by the council around 15 years ago, it does not however look correct. The earth coming down from the main (above the meter) appears unconnected (end of) just to the right of the meter
Any thoughts on this.

thanks

vince knight · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject:

Where do the other 2 go?
Could you take a pic of the main fuse which I presume is under the shelf please. As this is where the main earth should come from.

Vince

juco · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Location: scotland

The other 2 appear to go from the main and then under the floor.

vince knight · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:39 pm Post subject:

From what I can see it looks like you have an overhead supply(TT).
If this is the case then there should be an earth stake or rod outside near the meter position.
If you can not find it, get the sysem checked ASAP.
Ask a local approved contractor if they could do a Ze test for you to clarify that you have got a functional earth system.

Vince

juco · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Location: scotland

Thanks Vince.
I have spoken to an approved electrician tonight and also sent him the pictures without the comments, he has quoted :-

"Some older properties it can be ok to earth to metal pipes but because of plastic pipes now being used it will require further checking"
"It maybe possible to earth to conjut under the flooring depending on how the house(s) have been wired but I cannot confirm this until I check under the floor."
"If not then a metal spike will have to be inserted outside in order to safely earth the house"
"I have come across this on a few ocassions (no earth) where councils have rewired and then we have to approve the work"

Based on your comments he sounds like he is talking sense, would you agree? Meaning he is not a cowboy!

vince knight · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:33 am Post subject:

He sounds ok to me.
I would always drive in an earth rod as a matter of course.
Plumbers tend to get the hump when you use a pipe, then the cut it and get a good shock if there is a fault current.
Be safe, not sorry. Very Happy

Vince

juco · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Location: scotland

Whats a likely max / min cost for a spike.
From mains inside house to outside approx 6 feet. The paving in front of house is tarmacadam.

Juco

vince knight · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

Approx £100.00.

Vince

juco · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Location: scotland

Thanks Vince, I am waiting on a quote from the electrician so that gives me an idea.

Thanks again for all you help.

Juco

vince knight · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject:

Your welcome Smile

Vince

juco · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Location: scotland

Had a quote for the work required, some at my request. Does this seem reasonable?
I think but not sure that this includes a safety certificate (might be additional)

The following work
1: Rewire cooker circuit includes flush backbox.
2: Reposition (lower) socket (left hand of sink).
3: Remove socket from below window.
4: Earth rod installation.
5: Socket for extractor.
6: Socket for washing machine.
7: Equipotential bonding to bathroom.
8: Periodic inspection.

Materials and labour total £580.

vince knight · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:14 pm Post subject:

Does not sound to far out to me.
He will have to provide you with a cert for the work he is doing anyway.
Make sure he does.

Vince

juco · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Location: scotland

Thanks Vince.