Inaccessible cutout fuse

Mortal

Hi - we've had the engineer round to fit a smart meter, but the previous owners have made the cutout switch inaccessible during building works.

The engineer reckoned there should have been a box ticked at the passing of said building works that should have prevented this since its something rather important that the fire brigade need relatively easy access to in the event of a fire! :eek:

My OH is livid that this was 'allowed' to happen and thinks the previous owners should foot the bill - any rational advice would be greatly appreciated.

CashStrapped

Welcome

You have to contact your DNO (Distribution Network Operator). These are the only people authorised to pull the main fuse or move it etc.

Just to clarify. You own and are responsible for the fuse box/consumer unit. Your chosen energy company is responsible for and owns the meter. Anything before the meter is the DNOs property and responsibility.

So contact the correct DNO for your area.

http://www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Our-company/Electricity/Distribution-Network-Operator-Companies/

Explain that you have been advised that the main fuse is not accessible and therefore a danger in an emergency and see what they say.

If it is a case of not being accessible due to being boxed in from decorating etc, I would think that they would ask you to correct that. If it was down to decoration/modifcation by the previous owners that had boxed it in/rendered it unaccessible then the requisite electrical surverys should have flagged it up when purchasing the property.

If it is an issue and/or a fault with their installation location, they should look at moving it.

So, just speak to the DNO, see what they say.


Hope that Helps!

Robin9

Agreed that the DNO is responsible for the incoming mains cable and cutout which will have their seal on it.

I was a Electricity Board engineer and in practise the Fire Brigade will call the DNO if they want the cutout fuse fuse removed - the Fire Brigade will switch off at the consumer unit. If the DNO cannot access the consumer unit safely they will dig and cut the cable.

Best of luck trying to get the previous occupiers to pay - can you prove it was them ?

molerat

What did the survey and electrical checks you had before you purchased the property show ?

JC_Derby

The supplier/meter operator can send information to the DNo as well.
Be aware that if the cut out is inaccessible and you ask for it to be moved, the DNo will charge you for undertaking that work

wr1ght

photo please