Has anyone seen a service head like this before?

[chris day]

Hello guys
Just finished an installation for a client and got to the testing and cert phase and thought id check the primary device.
i found an old rewire able fuse holder with what looks to be a copper cable installed as opposed to fuse wire.
Can i get some fuse wire to protect 25mm cable sufficiently as i only have the usual 3036 30a-6a wire?

 

[Octopus]

The "fuse" is NOT something you should be altering or changing.....

What rating is the service head fuse wire?

Why do you need 25mm tails?

 

[telectrix]

get DNO to come and fit a new head.

 

[Ian1981]

Old as the hills that Chris

 

[chris day]

The "fuse" is NOT something you should be altering or changing.....

What rating is the service head fuse wire?

Why do you need 25mm tails?

The head currently has a copper 2.5 cable and no fuse wire.
I have only installed a new circuit on a DB which has 25mm tails.
I have a habit of checking the service head if the tags have been cut when doing an install cert.
I was hoping to get some 60a fuse wire but your correct I should just tell client to speak to DNO.
On that subject is as simple as client contacting her service provider?

 

[chris day]

Old as the hills that Chris

1875 the head is and look at this logo which I think is cool

 

[telectrix]

not the service provider, the DNO. not always the same organisation.

 

[chris day]

not the service provider, the DNO. not always the same organisation.

Ok thanks, normally this is not charged to the homeowner from my word of mouth I have been told?

 

[Taylortwocities]

At least there is not (does not appear to be) a fuse in the neutral!

I agree. You need to get the DNO (probably UKPN if u in london) to come and look at that. Tell them its as old as the hills and falling apart.

 

[davesparks]

Generally the DNOs won't remove those old fuse carriers live due to the number of accidents which have occurred, and you're doing it with no special training or protection, are you mad or suicidal?

 

[chris day]

Generally the DNOs won't remove those old fuse carriers live due to the number of accidents which have occurred, and you're doing it with no special training or protection, are you mad or suicidal?

Hello dave
You may have the wrong idea, i was simply talking about the possibility of changing the copper wire you can see to a 60a equivalent fuse wire.
However the advice of overyone has been greatly received and I will get client to get the DNO to change the service head as opposed to me changing the fuse wire. (Which I should not Ben touching anyway)
And yes if I were to even think about changing the service head I would be daft which I would never even dream of even if I were to be paid a million squid

 

[chris day]

I agree. You need to get the DNO (probably UKPN if u in london) to come and look at that. Tell them its as old as the hills and falling apart.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Taylor

Would mentioning the fuse wire being copper to the DNO be a bad idea as the DNO may come after me for pulling the fuse and just say like you said the service head is ancient?

 

[Taylortwocities]

You shpould not be touching it. Admit that and they may charge you for making it good.

Just say its really old and looks dangerous. Can they come and check it please.

 

[chris day]

Just say its really old and looks dangerous. Can they come and check it please.[/QUOTE]

Good shout I am emailing clinet not to make this priority, side point is that we have a 2.5mm copper cable supplying the entire house which must have been like this for some time bloody hell!!!

 

[snowhead]

I thought someone said they could hear that head/fuse buzzing???

 

[telectrix]

Just say its really old and looks dangerous. Can they come and check it please.

Good shout I am emailing clinet not to make this priority, side point is that we have a 2.5mm copper cable supplying the entire house which must have been like this for some time bloody hell!!![/QUOTE]
2.5mm bare copper wire is roughly round about, in the same ballpark, approximately, equivalent to a 100A fuse wire, so what's the problem?

 

[davesparks]

Hello dave
You may have the wrong idea, i was simply talking about the possibility of changing the copper wire you can see to a 60a equivalent fuse wire.
However the advice of overyone has been greatly received and I will get client to get the DNO to change the service head as opposed to me changing the fuse wire. (Which I should not Ben touching anyway)
And yes if I were to even think about changing the service head I would be daft which I would never even dream of even if I were to be paid a million squid

I don't think I do have the wrong idea, most DNOs won't allow their guys to pull the fuse out live due to them being too fragile and too great a risk of arcflash. Pulling the fuse out is exactly what you have done.

 

[chris day]

Haha cock sorry the not is a typo

I really meant to say make it a priority, long sorry short uk power networks are coming out asap

 

[chris day]

I don't think I do have the wrong idea, most DNOs won't allow their guys to pull the fuse out live due to them being too fragile and too great a risk of arcflash.

You have a really good point and yes thinking about it the head was quite old and if anything happened the only fuse protecting the head would have been at the sub satation

 

[chris day]

Good shout I am emailing clinet not to make this priority, side point is that we have a 2.5mm copper cable supplying the entire house which must have been like this for some time bloody hell!!!

2.5mm bare copper wire is roughly round about, in the same ballpark, approximately, equivalent to a 100A fuse wire, so what's the problem? [/QUOTE]

Sorry (not) was a rather bad typo, we contacted the supply authority asap and they are coming out tomorrow, long story short I have learnt I should not the check the service head but at the same time I am glad I did because this client is a friend and that was really dangerous.