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Outdated electrics??

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  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,168 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    Risteard said:
    FreeBear said:
    silvercar said: It shouldn't take much persuasion for the supplier to swap the meter out for a  smart meter, at which point they may notify the DNO that  the Siemens unit needs looking at (I haven't got a clue, but the brown gunky stuff doesn't look too good).
    an isolator ... is needed if you ever get an electric vehicle charging point.

    No it isn't.
    SSE, Eon, and others would disagree. Whilst an isolator may not be a requirement in N.I. it is "best practice" in the rest of the UK and helps to keep the electrician safe whilst installing an EV charging point.

    You do realise virtually all distribution boards have a main switch which acts as a isolator which would comply with that requirement. Even pulling the main fuse can deemed to be an isolator so again that complies, so no requirement for further isolators to be fitted anywhere for a EV charger.
    Well aware of what is inside a consumer unit. If there is an unused MCB, an isolator may nor be required. But if a secondary CU is needed, one can not just pull the fuse. Your average electrician is not authorised to do so, and wouldn't be equipped to fit new seals. In addition, it still leaves the neutral "hot", so the electrical installation is not fully isolated.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • dil1976
    dil1976 Posts: 484 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    FreeBear said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    Risteard said:
    FreeBear said:
    silvercar said: It shouldn't take much persuasion for the supplier to swap the meter out for a  smart meter, at which point they may notify the DNO that  the Siemens unit needs looking at (I haven't got a clue, but the brown gunky stuff doesn't look too good).
    an isolator ... is needed if you ever get an electric vehicle charging point.

    No it isn't.
    SSE, Eon, and others would disagree. Whilst an isolator may not be a requirement in N.I. it is "best practice" in the rest of the UK and helps to keep the electrician safe whilst installing an EV charging point.

    You do realise virtually all distribution boards have a main switch which acts as a isolator which would comply with that requirement. Even pulling the main fuse can deemed to be an isolator so again that complies, so no requirement for further isolators to be fitted anywhere for a EV charger.
    Well aware of what is inside a consumer unit. If there is an unused MCB, an isolator may nor be required. But if a secondary CU is needed, one can not just pull the fuse. Your average electrician is not authorised to do so, and wouldn't be equipped to fit new seals. In addition, it still leaves the neutral "hot", so the electrical installation is not fully isolated.
    Of course an electrician can cut the seals and pull the fuse, the supply companies would not get successful prosecution for such instances if you can prove you did it to work safely. Have you ever seen a successful prosecution for just pulling the fuse?


  • Mr.Generous
    Mr.Generous Posts: 3,966 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Electricians have a crimping kit themselves in my exprience. The meter company guys either say nothing or just grumble if they notice seals have been changed. Note : The meter itself has not been tampered with or unsealed!
    If they ask the householder then some people might say it was like that when I bought the place, they might say an electrician did it but I can't remember his details or just say they have no idea.

    I have renovated a few properties and the seals have often been removed by an unknown person and it's never led to any agro whatsoever. I would never drop the electrician in it, they are working for me!!
    Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.
  • Risteard
    Risteard Posts: 2,000 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    Risteard said:
    FreeBear said:
    silvercar said: It shouldn't take much persuasion for the supplier to swap the meter out for a  smart meter, at which point they may notify the DNO that  the Siemens unit needs looking at (I haven't got a clue, but the brown gunky stuff doesn't look too good).
    an isolator ... is needed if you ever get an electric vehicle charging point.

    No it isn't.
    SSE, Eon, and others would disagree. Whilst an isolator may not be a requirement in N.I. it is "best practice" in the rest of the UK and helps to keep the electrician safe whilst installing an EV charging point.

    You do realise virtually all distribution boards have a main switch which acts as a isolator which would comply with that requirement. Even pulling the main fuse can deemed to be an isolator so again that complies, so no requirement for further isolators to be fitted anywhere for a EV charger.
    Well aware of what is inside a consumer unit. If there is an unused MCB, an isolator may nor be required. But if a secondary CU is needed, one can not just pull the fuse. Your average electrician is not authorised to do so, and wouldn't be equipped to fit new seals. In addition, it still leaves the neutral "hot", so the electrical installation is not fully isolated.
    Of course an electrician can cut the seals and pull the fuse, the supply companies would not get successful prosecution for such instances if you can prove you did it to work safely. Have you ever seen a successful prosecution for just pulling the fuse?


    Rubbish. It's illegal. The correct way is to arrange for temporary disconnection or for an isolator to be fitted.

    The ESB (the DSO in the south of Ireland) have never tolerated this practice and will fine you at least €1,000 if you do it.
  • dil1976
    dil1976 Posts: 484 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Risteard said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    Risteard said:
    FreeBear said:
    silvercar said: It shouldn't take much persuasion for the supplier to swap the meter out for a  smart meter, at which point they may notify the DNO that  the Siemens unit needs looking at (I haven't got a clue, but the brown gunky stuff doesn't look too good).
    an isolator ... is needed if you ever get an electric vehicle charging point.

    No it isn't.
    SSE, Eon, and others would disagree. Whilst an isolator may not be a requirement in N.I. it is "best practice" in the rest of the UK and helps to keep the electrician safe whilst installing an EV charging point.

    You do realise virtually all distribution boards have a main switch which acts as a isolator which would comply with that requirement. Even pulling the main fuse can deemed to be an isolator so again that complies, so no requirement for further isolators to be fitted anywhere for a EV charger.
    Well aware of what is inside a consumer unit. If there is an unused MCB, an isolator may nor be required. But if a secondary CU is needed, one can not just pull the fuse. Your average electrician is not authorised to do so, and wouldn't be equipped to fit new seals. In addition, it still leaves the neutral "hot", so the electrical installation is not fully isolated.
    Of course an electrician can cut the seals and pull the fuse, the supply companies would not get successful prosecution for such instances if you can prove you did it to work safely. Have you ever seen a successful prosecution for just pulling the fuse?


    Rubbish. It's illegal. The correct way is to arrange for temporary disconnection or for an isolator to be fitted.

    The ESB (the DSO in the south of Ireland) have never tolerated this practice and will fine you at least €1,000 if you do it.
    This board is discussing UK issues not international ones
  • Risteard
    Risteard Posts: 2,000 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    dil1976 said:
    Risteard said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    Risteard said:
    FreeBear said:
    silvercar said: It shouldn't take much persuasion for the supplier to swap the meter out for a  smart meter, at which point they may notify the DNO that  the Siemens unit needs looking at (I haven't got a clue, but the brown gunky stuff doesn't look too good).
    an isolator ... is needed if you ever get an electric vehicle charging point.

    No it isn't.
    SSE, Eon, and others would disagree. Whilst an isolator may not be a requirement in N.I. it is "best practice" in the rest of the UK and helps to keep the electrician safe whilst installing an EV charging point.

    You do realise virtually all distribution boards have a main switch which acts as a isolator which would comply with that requirement. Even pulling the main fuse can deemed to be an isolator so again that complies, so no requirement for further isolators to be fitted anywhere for a EV charger.
    Well aware of what is inside a consumer unit. If there is an unused MCB, an isolator may nor be required. But if a secondary CU is needed, one can not just pull the fuse. Your average electrician is not authorised to do so, and wouldn't be equipped to fit new seals. In addition, it still leaves the neutral "hot", so the electrical installation is not fully isolated.
    Of course an electrician can cut the seals and pull the fuse, the supply companies would not get successful prosecution for such instances if you can prove you did it to work safely. Have you ever seen a successful prosecution for just pulling the fuse?


    Rubbish. It's illegal. The correct way is to arrange for temporary disconnection or for an isolator to be fitted.

    The ESB (the DSO in the south of Ireland) have never tolerated this practice and will fine you at least €1,000 if you do it.
    This board is discussing UK issues not international ones
    It's illegal in the UK too.
  • Ectophile
    Ectophile Posts: 7,967 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Risteard said:
    dil1976 said:
    Risteard said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    Risteard said:
    FreeBear said:
    silvercar said: It shouldn't take much persuasion for the supplier to swap the meter out for a  smart meter, at which point they may notify the DNO that  the Siemens unit needs looking at (I haven't got a clue, but the brown gunky stuff doesn't look too good).
    an isolator ... is needed if you ever get an electric vehicle charging point.

    No it isn't.
    SSE, Eon, and others would disagree. Whilst an isolator may not be a requirement in N.I. it is "best practice" in the rest of the UK and helps to keep the electrician safe whilst installing an EV charging point.

    You do realise virtually all distribution boards have a main switch which acts as a isolator which would comply with that requirement. Even pulling the main fuse can deemed to be an isolator so again that complies, so no requirement for further isolators to be fitted anywhere for a EV charger.
    Well aware of what is inside a consumer unit. If there is an unused MCB, an isolator may nor be required. But if a secondary CU is needed, one can not just pull the fuse. Your average electrician is not authorised to do so, and wouldn't be equipped to fit new seals. In addition, it still leaves the neutral "hot", so the electrical installation is not fully isolated.
    Of course an electrician can cut the seals and pull the fuse, the supply companies would not get successful prosecution for such instances if you can prove you did it to work safely. Have you ever seen a successful prosecution for just pulling the fuse?


    Rubbish. It's illegal. The correct way is to arrange for temporary disconnection or for an isolator to be fitted.

    The ESB (the DSO in the south of Ireland) have never tolerated this practice and will fine you at least €1,000 if you do it.
    This board is discussing UK issues not international ones
    It's illegal in the UK too.

    It is, but that doesn't mean that anyone ever gets prosecuted for it.
    If it sticks, force it.
    If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
  • CSI_Yorkshire
    CSI_Yorkshire Posts: 1,792 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Ectophile said:
    Risteard said:
    dil1976 said:
    Risteard said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    dil1976 said:
    FreeBear said:
    Risteard said:
    FreeBear said:
    silvercar said: It shouldn't take much persuasion for the supplier to swap the meter out for a  smart meter, at which point they may notify the DNO that  the Siemens unit needs looking at (I haven't got a clue, but the brown gunky stuff doesn't look too good).
    an isolator ... is needed if you ever get an electric vehicle charging point.

    No it isn't.
    SSE, Eon, and others would disagree. Whilst an isolator may not be a requirement in N.I. it is "best practice" in the rest of the UK and helps to keep the electrician safe whilst installing an EV charging point.

    You do realise virtually all distribution boards have a main switch which acts as a isolator which would comply with that requirement. Even pulling the main fuse can deemed to be an isolator so again that complies, so no requirement for further isolators to be fitted anywhere for a EV charger.
    Well aware of what is inside a consumer unit. If there is an unused MCB, an isolator may nor be required. But if a secondary CU is needed, one can not just pull the fuse. Your average electrician is not authorised to do so, and wouldn't be equipped to fit new seals. In addition, it still leaves the neutral "hot", so the electrical installation is not fully isolated.
    Of course an electrician can cut the seals and pull the fuse, the supply companies would not get successful prosecution for such instances if you can prove you did it to work safely. Have you ever seen a successful prosecution for just pulling the fuse?


    Rubbish. It's illegal. The correct way is to arrange for temporary disconnection or for an isolator to be fitted.

    The ESB (the DSO in the south of Ireland) have never tolerated this practice and will fine you at least €1,000 if you do it.
    This board is discussing UK issues not international ones
    It's illegal in the UK too.

    It is, but that doesn't mean that anyone ever gets prosecuted for it.
    Blowing the main fuse isn't illegal though.
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