EDF meter change fault

[chris day]

Hello guys

EDF came out to a flat and attempted to replace the meter.

I have been called out to investigate there comments which are “unsafe to remove meter, possible borrowed neutral, voltage at meter even with fuse removed (dropped neutral test)”

First off i am currently on site, I removed the fuse and tested potential between N in and N out no voltage.

I then tested all live conductors to earth and no voltage.

Question is what is this dropped neutral test and and I missing something with my testing as I can’t see a problem?

 

[Deleted account]

If it’s a dropped neutral. It’s the DNO problem and quite dangerous.

Have you actually spoken to the meter guys?

Is the fuse still pulled or has it been put back in?

 

[DPG]

I think they have used the wrong phrase when they say borrowed neutral. As above it sounds like a DNO issue rather than a borrowed neutral on the consumer side.

 

[chris day]

i done an impedance test between the L-N at the meter and got 0.08 ohms so I don’t even think it’s a broken PME or neutral if that what they meant.
The meter man said to the client with the fuse pulled out he was getting voltage on the neutral.
Unless he has an different means of testing there is no voltage between N in and N out at the meter or between and earth or live.
Not sure what else I am missing

 

[chris day]

report attached from EDF meter man

 

[chris day]

fuse is still in place, there is no broken neutral as there is 0 current down the earth and the L-N impedance is 0.08

 

[DPG]

Does he mean he gets a voltage on the neutral on the supply side of the fuse carrier or the consumer side?

 

[static zap]

a) So the implication is the neutral (and TNC ) Earth will rise up to Line potential as a load is placed L to N ? ( Depending on additional earthing / Bonding ) Not nice !
Or is it TN-S.
b) Not DNO side
( Or are they witnessing lots of Line leakage into wall , confusing "their volt sticks -perspective on things .. Hope not)
c) Power sneaking into install from leakage - Neigbours outside lights
(More added since Liked..!)

 

[snowhead]

It may be a Neutral from another flat (or shop?) within the building.
Are you testing with the C.U OFF, try with all MCB /RCBO ON and C.U mainswitch ON.
Meter person should have had the CU off before pulling the fuse, maybe they didn't.

What about Reverse Polarity at the cutout?

 

[chris day]

It can’t be a borrowed neutral as when I turn off the flats consumer unit there is 0 current on the neutral.