advice plz

Jamie_Carter

Terrylw1 wrote: »

The cut out is the property of the distributor.

It isn't clear what the OP means. It would be very unlikely that the fire service would use the terminoligy that the OP described.

If the OP means the main fuse on the supplier side of the meter, then this is down to the supplier. But these are big heavy duty fuses (unless they have changed this recently). And they should never be tampered with. These fuses would normally only blow under a very heavy overload.

If they mean the RCD, or trip switch on the distribution board, then this is down to the consumer. However, if the OP has had any electrical work carried out on the house over recent years, then the electrician should have carried out an electrical safety check by law.

Terrylw1

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

It isn't clear what the OP means. It would be very unlikely that the fire service would use the terminoligy that the OP described.

If the OP means the main fuse on the supplier side of the meter, then this is down to the supplier. But these are big heavy duty fuses (unless they have changed this recently). And they should never be tampered with. These fuses would normally only blow under a very heavy overload.

If they mean the RCD, or trip switch on the distribution board, then this is down to the consumer. However, if the OP has had any electrical work carried out on the house over recent years, then the electrician should have carried out an electrical safety check by law.

No its not completely clear due to how the posts are written.

However, they did state they spoke to Northwest Electrical but given what they said about the supplier actions, I think the OP meant Electricity Northwest. This suggests they have had a conversation about the equipment in question.

If its the cut out or cut out fuse, its the distributors equipment. There are still old dangerous ones out there as they get reported by suppliers Meter Operators where they can't touch the meter until its resolved.

If its the meter fuse, that's up to the Meter Operator and nothing to do with the distributor. Since they are the suppliers agent, they are responsible under their contract to the customer for their agents actions. However, in a legal case it could be taken against them both.

If the OP spoke to a distributor and it was a meter fuse issue, they would be very happy to point it out.

More info needed really.

Jamie_Carter

Terrylw1 wrote: »

No its not completely clear due to how the posts are written.

However, they did state they spoke to Northwest Electrical but given what they said about the supplier actions, I think the OP meant Electricity Northwest. This suggests they have had a conversation about the equipment in question.

If its the cut out or cut out fuse, its the distributors equipment. There are still old dangerous ones out there as they get reported by suppliers Meter Operators where they can't touch the meter until its resolved.

If its the meter fuse, that's up to the Meter Operator and nothing to do with the distributor. Since they are the suppliers agent, they are responsible under their contract to the customer for their agents actions. However, in a legal case it could be taken against them both.

If the OP spoke to a distributor and it was a meter fuse issue, they would be very happy to point it out.

More info needed really.

I think the OP needs to speak to the fire investigator, and get a copy of their report. Things may be a bit clearer then.

angiebabycircles

Thankyou all for response and sorry for late reply, working, family life etc..... some of it has confused me.... you lot seem to know wot ur talking about.

The night of the fire we was informed in there opinion it was cut out box that caused fire, not fuse box or actual electric meter - (was even told to take pics as liklihood electric company would take meter and cut out box ie no proof - but this was actually taken by the forensic scientists on request of our insurance halifax) -all off surrounding streets had to have there electricity cut off for several hours so they could disconnect ours and make it safe - not sure if this information is relevant - just trying to answser questions in much detail as possible. not had any electrical work done in recent years - house is a 1900 build probably rewired approx 20 years ago

Man_Overboard_2

You really do not have to involve yourself in the questions surrounding the cause of the fire - your insurance company has clearly acknowledged the fact of the fire, and they will continue to deal with the ramifications. If at the end of the day you are dissatisfied with the level of compensation, then it will be between you and the insurance industry - the electrical side of things need not concern you.

Terrylw1

If you spoke to Electricity North West, they are incorrect.

Cut outs are nothing to do with the supplier of their agents. If they are notified, any of those parties would notify the distributor as its their equipment.

Its really important to discuss this with your insurance company and ask what your claim will cove.

If you believe that your claim will only cover funds to restore your property whilst putting you up somewhere, you can investigate whether it can be taken further but I don't think something so serious would be a matter for a complaints process. I think you would need some legal advice on compensation there.

Man_Overboard_2

Terrylw1 wrote: »

I would first suggest you contact your insurance company and see if their legal people are already doing the legwork for you

The legwork was done when the OP paid the insurance premium - the insurers are now concerned with their own legal liabilities, and will pursue all third parties as far as they see fit. The OP has no further need to contact the insurance company.

Man_Overboard_2

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

I think the OP needs to speak to the fire investigator, and get a copy of their report. Things may be a bit clearer then.

All relevant reports will be dealt with by the insurance company - the OP's worries or opinions are of no significance unless questions arise about whether or not the OP was negligent in some way, which seems unlikely in this case

Man_Overboard_2

Once you have handed over a claim to your insurers, it is quite important to keep out of things - if you keep interfering, then the insurance company might be able to accuse you of hampering their attempts to recover their losses.

Terrylw1

Man_Overboard wrote: »

The legwork was done when the OP paid the insurance premium - the insurers are now concerned with their own legal liabilities, and will pursue all third parties as far as they see fit. The OP has no further need to contact the insurance company.

Since the OP is considering a case for some form of negligence, I meant to access any incident reporting they may have received.