NICEIC

Q & A of the Day - Is this earthing arrangement the DNO's responsibility?

Published: 28 June 2011 Category: Q&A

Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, concerning the electrical installation and earthing arrangements for a high-rise block of flats, is answered by the NICEIC:

Q & A of the Day - Is this earthing arrangement the DNO's responsibility?
Question: Upon carrying out installation work on the top floor of a high-rise block of flats, it was found that the earthing conductor supplied by the electricity distributor is 6mm, forming part of a TN-S system. The line conductor supplied is 16mm.

Is this acceptable? If not, would this be the responsibility of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?

Answer: For TN-S and TN-C-S systems, the means of earthing is normally provided by the electricity distributor, to which the consumer's earthing conductor is terminated. For TT systems it falls to the consumer to provide such means of earthing.

Whilst we would suggest that you contact the electricity distributor and ask them to confirm whether the existing earthing arrangements are adequate for the altered circumstances, it is important to acknowledge that this should always be done before making any additions or alterations to an installation (Regulation 131.8 refers).

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