main electric cable going into the property and is all corrected

35har1old

hepatel said:

Robin9 said:

At 100+ years old this will be a lead covered cable with an outer hessian layer.   Does this cable terminate in a metal box filled with pitch ?

Water will not enter the cable in this way

Under the stairs was a common arrangement -  not considered ideal but will not be changed 

Robin9 said:

At 100+ years old this will be a lead covered cable with an outer hessian layer.   Does this cable terminate in a metal box filled with pitch ?

Water will not enter the cable in this way

Under the stairs was a common arrangement -  not considered ideal but will not be changed 

i cant seem to see any lead covered around the cable. i just see rust all over the cable. i tried to scrape the rust and there seem to be more rust.

The cable has a outer cover of hessian with a metal rap beneath then a lead covering inside this are waxed papers surrounding both live and neutral once removed the live and neutral are individually rapped with more waxed papers before you get to the bare copper wires the lead covering is the earth.
100 years ago the end box could be anywhere in the house but any new installation would be not more than a few meters from a outside wall and would not be under the stairs.
If you want to alter your supply to a new position you would have to provide a 100mm duct from the new meter position to where the cable enters the house or a outside box location but as you are saying the cable is 100 years old the exterior may not be a option.
You would have to run a cable from the new position to your existing fuse box. This would be at you expense.
Depending if the supply company deems a change of end box is required it may reduce the cost of repostining the meter
There are cable that do only have hessian and lead only.Cable voltage 240v

markin

Can that cable take a 100A fuse in the cutout? 

35har1old

markin said:

Can that cable take a 100A fuse in the cutout? 

Usually 80A if new cutout fitted

Gutsy_Fungus

Hi folks,

I am reading this with interest and would like to know how this story concluded...I have just moved in and have also found a rusty and "messy" electrical supply. (See Photo).

It is locate under the stairs in the cubby hole and franly looks terrifying to go near!

Your thoughts?

Thanking in advance.

D

FreeBear

If it was that dangerous, who ever fitted the smart meter would have refused to do so.

Ectophile

Gutsy_Fungus said:

Hi folks,

I am reading this with interest and would like to know how this story concluded...I have just moved in and have also found a rusty and "messy" electrical supply. (See Photo).

It is locate under the stairs in the cubby hole and franly looks terrifying to go near!

Your thoughts?

Thanking in advance.

D

At least the fuseholders look fairly modern.  So nobody should ever need to touch that old rusty metal thing.  It looks like a three phase supply, with only one phase being used.

Gutsy_Fungus

FreeBear said:

If it was that dangerous, who ever fitted the smart meter would have refused to do so.

There is that...having said that... check out the tails circled....

"...so nobody should ever need to touch that old rusty metal thing.  It looks like a three phase supply, with only one phase being used."

You just have to crawl next to it to read the gas meter is all... Scares me more nopw I know what it is to be honest. Three Phase makes sense which is why. I guess, there are three 100W fuses. That does explain it.

The set up is in an OAPS new home and I am wondering if I can get the electricity supply updated or moved free of charge by the Supplier.

FreeBear

Gutsy_Fungus said: You just have to crawl next to it to read the gas meter is all... Scares me more now I know what it is to be honest. Three Phase makes sense which is why. I guess, there are three 100A fuses. That does explain it.

One advantage of having a smart meter is that you can usually access the meter readings from the IHD. Saves having to go grovelling on the floor (or go outside in the rain like I'd have to).

And yes, that neutral cable from the henley block is less than satisfactory. If it was a recent meter install, I'd be getting on to the supplier insisting that someone comes back to do it properly. Fitting a 100A isolator switch would be a good idea instead of those blocks - Best practice if you ever want to install an EV charger or need to swap the consumer unit.

Gutsy_Fungus

I guess I have an approach...

1. Call the DNO and request them to attend item #5 broken Henly block and it's exposed elements.

2. Whilst the engineer is in attendance ask him about the serviceability of the "Service Head" #3 with a view to making/moving it safe, ideally in the wall on the otherside which is outside. Follow up on this point.

3. Talk to the MO and discuss the installation and safety concerns surrounding Henly Block 7 (and it's bodged blue tape) which appears to be far from best practice. In the process of applying best practice request the MO replace #7 with a suitable 100A isolation switch to enable the customer to change the consumer boxes if they so wish.

This sounds like a plan of approach.

Any comments?>

Phones4Chris

A 100A Isolation switch would replace both Henley blocks #6 & #7.
I'd get the DNO in with the view to replacing #3 which would include #1, #2, #4 & #5 as well as the earth block with a modern 3 phase cut-out. Moving it to the other wall would be unnecessary and would involve considerable cost which they'd then expect to you pay for.