I have advanced co-operation with DNO Western Power to be precise

[The Ghost]

So attended a house (one of many) and the earthing arrangements fall far short of what is needed. No bonding such as gas bond the cable is there hanging around in the air by the gas meter. 8.75 ohm Zs at socket.

More importantly the cut-out has no earth to attach to. However there is an earth braid attached to the lead sheath to what looks to be originally a TN-S supply which goes into the cut out. However there is no terminal to connect the earth to.

Phone DNO and ask for an upgrade. They say 140 to 180 quid. Ok arrange appointment then think why should the customer be paying for this it is the DNO equipment.

Phone again and speak to the team dealing with it. Get a very perfunctory reply "We have no responsibility for the earth" I say yes you do under section 25 part 4 you must maintain and supply earth in new builds. "No we don't, we have no responsibility" I say No responsibility did you say and he repeats himself. Absolutely not interested in discussing it. OK.

This is beginning to really bug me now. So I use their complaint system and detail the problems not just me but we all have in getting some co-operation from the DNO. To be fair I did say most of the time they are great and do it for free and don't argue.

I also pointed they have nothing on their site regards this matter for contractors. And stated I am fed up of always pushing to get some co-operation from them for what is their legal duty.

Guy phones up and talks with me getting some more details. He unequivocally agrees there is a legal duty and even said things have moved on further from that and he accepted there is a need to supply and maintain earth. He will ensure a directive is sent out to teams urging them to comply with policies and legal duties and also put info on western power site regards upgrading and dealing with their equipment.

I asked him to email me and put that in writing. Will post when I get it. But...I think something may have moved! I suggest electricians who read this do not leave it at the DNO is not responsible, complain through proper channels and let us push back this is beyond a joke and I am fed up with this poor response. I can't continue with work in some cases and have said I will refer the mattter to HSE and they can battle it out with them. Enough is enough. Why the hell should the customer be shelling out for the DNO to maintain their equipment after all. Ok rant over.

 

[PJElectricalSW]

Maybe as I am connecting unusual loads, in the usually the worst places for the network, I get a rougher ride than most when speaking with WPD. Glad you all have positive things to say about them for the issues you all have to speak with them about.

Maybe I need to think and be positive when talking to them, have a little zen moment beforehand, think tranquility and peace whilst asking for a heat pump connection and cross fingers for a simple yes.

 

[The Ghost]

I am glad that a few of you have no problems whatsoever with WP. And you or the customer have never had to pay for an earth upgrade repair. You lead charmed lives. Occasionaly I have a hiccup with them however this was not really about who does and does not have problems with Western Power it is more about staff knowing the legal obligations Western Power are under and not getting the customer to pay for their infrastructure repairs..

 

[MFS Electrical]

No I'm not kidding...have you never upgraded a main earthing conductor yourself or do you always get the DNO involved?

I’d say upgrading is a little different to basically installing a new one though slightly crossing the line there by about a mile

 

[The Ghost]

@LankyWill I have to bite, what ever do you mean by the optimistic???

 

[mechelec]

As I understood it the DNO has no obligation to provide an earth but if they do provide one they are obliged to maintain it. If they were obliged to supply one then we would never need to use a TT system in domestic installations at least.