Does DNO have to maintain/provide earth?

[The Ghost]

Now in TT cases obviously not. Example, attended 50's type house. TNS looped through to next door. Nothing unusual there. Next doors earth is on this house's MET in 4 mm² and not the sheath of the incoming cable. Told DNO they said "We have no responsibility to supply an earth" In any event this strikes me as wrong. As far as I understand ESQCR require the DNO to maintain the earth supply in good condition.
If a fault on earth from next door goes onto this house's earth..... As this is older type wiring and various add ons over the years, there is cross bonding on water pipes etc. and supplementary bonding etc. So this house could become live on the metal work from next door earth fault. What would you say to DNO? or customer.

 

[Wilko]

Hi V, I understand it the same as you - the DNO is required to maintain an earth if one is provided. It is not ok to provide a substandard earthing arrangement. It can't be right to have the 2nd house on the 1st house met and the 2nd house should request their own earth from DNO or if DNO decide they won't provide one then convert to TT.

 

[The Ghost]

Hi W I was thinking nobody was going to reply, think there is a bit of "Omerta" going on. But thanks for your input.

 

[Pat H]

Now in TT cases obviously not. Example, attended 50's type house. TNS looped through to next door. Nothing unusual there. Next doors earth is on this house's MET in 4 mm² and not the sheath of the incoming cable. Told DNO they said "We have no responsibility to supply an earth" In any event this strikes me as wrong. As far as I understand ESQCR require the DNO to maintain the earth supply in good condition.
If a fault on earth from next door goes onto this house's earth..... As this is older type wiring and various add ons over the years, there is cross bonding on water pipes etc. and supplementary bonding etc. So this house could become live on the metal work from next door earth fault. What would you say to DNO? or customer.

I'd write or email the DNO and get them to confirm thier position in writing. I suspect at that stage they will decide to rectify rather than be held to account.