Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning changing a consumer unit, de-energisation and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), is answered by SELECT:
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| A safer way of changing a consumer unit? |
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Question: When changing a
consumer unit, one has to contact the DNO to get an
isolation switch fitted - this can take weeks, and is a charge to the customer.
So, may I suggest that a system is implemented where the electrical contractor informs the DNO that he/she will be changing the consumer unit and it requires an isolation switch, but in this case the DNO sends the contractor a plastic coded seal and a isolation switch. Now the meter seals would not be interfered with, the main fuse being pulled for safety. When the isolation switch is fitted, the main fuse can be put back in; then the plastic seal can be fitted on to it.
Would this not be a lot safer, as the DNO already monitors the property's consumption through the billing system, so would spot any irregularities? I know that the contractor has to fit the switch for the DNO but, at the same time, the DNO is getting an installation up to the current standards.
Answer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) already operates a scheme where temporary disconnections can be made at the fused cut-out by SELECT or NICEIC contractors. However, this does not include the fitting of a switch disconnector and is not available in other distributors' areas.
The introduction of a UK-wide scheme for de-energisation of fuse cut outs by authorised persons is an objective of SELECT. In addition, all of the other industry bodies agree that this would be a benefit to the industry, so I can agree with your point of view.
SELECT and others are aware of this issue and have been, for a number of years, working with distributor companies through the ENA to see if such a scheme can be implemented.
There are, however, legal duties relating to de-energisation that the distributors have to satisfy, so this is not straight forward to achieve. We are, however, more than willing to work with distributor companies to introduce such a scheme and the discussion process on this is on-going.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:
www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions
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