Evening chaps and SC...
I was carrying out an EICR today. I could not find the earth rod anywhere. I could see a 10mm leaving the CU and going down the wall of the porch then it goes at an angle through the wall (towards the outside) and then I cannot see anything else. Following the angle through the wall to the outside (20cm) leads to a conctrete step at the front entrance of the house. I think it's been concreted in.
I have 2 questions..
1. What do I put for 'presence and condition of earth electrode connection'? I guess it should be FI, but a degree of common sense has to be used as the chap is not going to let me dig up his front step. The resistance to earth of this cable was 63Ω.
2. What do I put as the Ze? Do I assume this is the Main Earth cable?
I can clearly see the pathway of the gas bonding. The water is bonded so this could be the Main Bond for the water but it's unlikely as there is a better pathway for the other 10mm leaving the CU to the water.
My thoughts are that I put NV for question 1 above and 63Ω for the Ze (with a note in the summary saying this is assuming that is the Main Earth cable)?
You have 2 questions, I have 1:
Why do you automatically presume Rod?
What’s to say you haven’t got an earth plate electrode?
Anyway, let’s presume Rod. You have no idea whether:
A) the rod is of suitable material & size despite the decent reading.
B) whether it’s correctly installed via a clamp and not just wrapped round said Rod.
C) there’s a safety notice alongside the rod which is a requirement.
D) whether there’s an inspection pit installed above.
All the above are requirements and because you can’t verify this, the rod is unidentified, inaccessible & unsuitable for testing and maintenance purposes. Therefore it’s a FI on the certificate alongside an unsatisfactory. I can’t understand some of these comments on this thread if I’m being honest, it’s black or white with me and can’t see how a LIM is acceptable on something so important.
I’d personally explain to the client that they’ll be getting an unsatisfactory report unless they pay X amount (not that much if we’re being fair) and to have another rod installed. I’m sure once this is explained they’ll cough up.
New Rod the way to go IMO.