Earth Rod in 1930s property

[DavidCrow]

Hello,
We have a low earth reading on our old house, and need to have the earth rod replaced (we think), before British Gas sign off before installing a boiler. Do you know who is responsible for replacing this as I have conflicting information from UK Power Network and an Electrician. Does anyone know who this lies with?
Thanks.

 

[Sintra]

An earth rod is generally the consumers responsibility to maintain not the supply authority. I would get it checked especially if it was BG that recommended replacing it. They are notorious for giving out false information on earthing.

 

[DavidCrow]

Thanks for the advice Sintra. When you say consumers, do you mean I should contact my Electricity supplier, or my responsibility (i.e; I need an Electrician to sort this out)?

 

[Marvo]

You would need to get an experienced electrician to test the earthing.

 

[Darkwood]

Yes good advice given, any works extra to their install will cost an arm and a leg as they will sting your wallet, my sister had them out to taps not working in bath under a contract with BG they identified the problem as a faulty siezed tap and said that's where the free callout ended and any parts needed and labour to fix was additional, I asked for a quote as was told £280 to change the tap(He phone BG for the quote), I popped to B&Q and did it myself in less than 1 hour at a cost of £14.99 for parts and if you factor a Labour charge of max £40 thats £55.

I cross examined the plumber they sent.... turns out he subs to BG and they always do this and nothing he can do about over pricing -- rip off merchants big style.

 

[DavidCrow]

Thanks Guys. Do you think we should just get a qualified Electrician to do an earth test (I think this is what both of you are saying)?

 

[Darkwood]

Thanks Guys. Do you think we should just get a qualified Electrician to do an earth test (I think this is what both of you are saying)?

Yes that is what we saying ... you then know if BG are trying to inflate the job or whether a real issue exists and then you can use the same your electrician to carry out the work thus cutting the middle man out..

BG contract local Plumbers and Electricians who are then on call on their books so these contractors charge BG for their time and BG topload this and charge you if the work is not covered by a service agreement.

 

[telectrix]

Thanks Guys. Do you think we should just get a qualified Electrician to do an earth test (I think this is what both of you are saying)?

if you post your rough location, 1 of us may be close. it's not an expensive job to check the earthing for you.

 

[PEG]

Hello,
We have a low earth reading on our old house, and need to have the earth rod replaced (we think), before British Gas sign off before installing a boiler. Do you know who is responsible for replacing this as I have conflicting information from UK Power Network and an Electrician. Does anyone know who this lies with?
Thanks.

Experience has taught me,that the above two high-lighted items are MORE than related...:smile5:

 

[DavidCrow]

Hi Guys,
I live in Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23
Thanks,
David