isolator for consumer unit

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mikeF00

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Hi, id like to have a new consumer unit fitted , but i think i need an isolator upstream of the consumer unit(outside next to meter i think??) so the consumer unit can made safe. Is this right?. There is currently a 80amp fuse , but im thinking this cant be the actual isolator?. If i need one, do i approach the organisation that takes care of the wiring inside the meter box. i.e. in my case 'western power' ??

any comments greatly welcomed.

Mike
 
The fuse is the isolator. Intended for use only by the DNO (Western Power) or other authorised persons such as meter installers.

If you want a separate 2 pole isolator switch, it's most likely your energy supplier who would do it, as it's installed after the meter.
They may charge for it, or some may fit one for free if changing the meter.

They are mostly unnecessary.
 
i see.. would a qualified electrician be considered an 'authorised person' to carry out the work do you think?
 
You'd have to call in Western Power to remove the fuse while it was being done.
 
mikeF00 said:
i see.. would a qualified electrician be considered an 'authorised person' to carry out the work do you think?
Click to expand...

All the qualified electricians I have used had no problem fitting a new CU and isolating the supply.

Blup
 
@mikeF00 theoretically you are correct. In reality 99% of electricians will pull the fuse themselves and get on with the job. Just make sure either you or the electrician call the DNO or supplier after the job and get the cut out re sealed.
 
I was once stopped for doing 120 on the A9, but I explained to the officer I had only been driving for nine minutes, and was not aware I was on the road, or even in a car, and didn't know there was a speed limit, so didn't consider myself guilty.
 
Taylortwocities said:
All of the people I know exceed the speed limit on a motorway, it doesn’t make it right though.
Click to expand...

Does it make it unsafe though for a time served electrician to do it? What skills experience or equipment does a sparky not have, that the electric company does?

Blup
 
blup said:
Does it make it unsafe though for a time served electrician to do it? What skills experience or equipment does a sparky not have, that the electric company does?

Blup
Click to expand...
The required PPE for starters
[GALLERY=media, 7396]Untitled by Taylortwocities posted 7 Jan 2009 at 10:42 PM[/GALLERY][GALLERY=media, 34830]Untitled by Taylortwocities posted 11 Jun 2011 at 5:40 PM[/GALLERY]
 
Taylortwocities said:
The required PPE for starters
Click to expand...
I presume that it is true that 'electricity company personnel do have access to such equipment, but I have to say that I have personally never seen anyone using any of it when pulling a fuse from a plastic cutout.

Kind Regards, John
 
We issue flash visor, gauntlets, leather apron to all our meter fritters and require they use them. They never do. We get 1-2 injuries a year from arcs. Usually the cut out falling apart apparently.
 
bsr said:
We issue flash visor, gauntlets, leather apron to all our meter fritters and require they use them. They never do.
Click to expand...
As I said, I don't doubt that the PPE 'is available to them', and the rest of what you say is consistent with what I have personally always seen them doing (or not doing).

Kind Regards, John
 
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