Upgrading electricity supply

Ich_2

Assuming that the fuse has not been tampered with - surely the cabling should at all times be capable of providing the load, or it is a fault?

Assuming that the additional load had been approved by the DNO it should.
The characteristics of fuses allow them to carry more load than their label states which can overload a cable or other equipment.
(e.g. a 100 amp cut-out fuse can carry about 140 amps continuously, a modern cut-out is rated at 120 amp, most service cables at around 130 amp.
You have to understand that DNOs do not protect against overload, only faults)

We see far too many situations where customers report over heating of equipment or in the worst case blow their cut-out fuse, where load has been connected without approval and is in excess of the ratings of installed equipment.

In this case it might just be old age in the cut-out causing the heat which is being transferred to the cable by conduction.

There is a contract that exists that requires customers to notify DNOs of any change of use of the supply, if the customer has not they are in breech. Why should the DNO then pay to rectify the situation.

davenottingham

Thanks Ich.
I've never dealt with DNO's before. I suppose it's a situation where only that one company can do the work (you can't get three comparative quotes/opinions for example) and you have to trust and abide by their recommendations.

Ich_2

I suppose it's a situation where only that one company can do the work

Yes that is correct, as I say in this case initially just report the leaking bitumen as a cut-out change (which will be free) may solve the problem

Ich_2

Oh and if you report it now and mention the leaking bitumen & warmth, they'll probably come and change it this evening!!

davenottingham

I might just pick up the phone now then....
I haven't dared wrap my hands around the supply to feel how hot it gets.
Is changing the cut-out the same as changing the fuse or are they quite different things?

macman

I reported a leaking cut out last year. It had been dripping bitumen for while, but wasn't an emergency. I contacted the DNO and they insisted on inspecting it that day. It was then changed within 7 days, at their expense.

chanz4

If the conversion has the same amount of mpans as flats your fine, but if the conversion has been done and no upgrade you would be liable for the 3 phase upgrade.

Cost will be £1000+

Ich_2

Is changing the cut-out the same as changing the fuse or are they quite different things?

The cut-out is where the incoming service cable terminates, it does contain the main fuse.

rogerblack

Ich wrote: »

There is a contract that exists that requires customers to notify DNOs of any change of use of the supply, if the customer has not they are in breech. Why should the DNO then pay to rectify the situation.

Is it your position that this is the case - even if the load never exceeds the 'sticker' value on the fuse?
I totally agree that if someone is drawing 140A on a 100A fuse for hours a day, even if it doesn't blow - that's a rather different argument.

Ich_2

Is it your position that this is the case - even if the load never exceeds the 'sticker' value on the fuse?

Which is why I said: -

Sight unseen it is hard really to say what the solution is to this issue.

and have suggested that the DNO be involved and suggested the cut-out issue be reported.

If the load is within the capability of the equipment the DNO will ensure it is safe, if load is in excess they will investigate further.
Chances are it might be OK as the fuse has not blown in the past (well we don't know if it has). Generally if the load even cycles too high the fuse carrier contacts anneal and often produce heat the operates the fuse!

This will allow the DNO to investigate and find the correct solution.