billybigspud wrote:no disrespect but this is the attitude I get quite a lot. It is probably not a nice earth rod and is probably not functioning as good as it could due to corrosion, especially on the clamp which is probably exposed. The usual line is ' well it has been fine for years ' to which I usually reply ' how do you know, is it because your dangerous old asbestos lined rewirable fuses never blow '. Please dont take this the wrong way as I just want to try and keep people safe. I expect 90% of the houses in the uk need work and that is just to get them safe, let alone upto regulation standard. I would imagine that your bonding is undersized as will be your main earth, As already said, you will have rewirable fuses, Lagging in your loft over the cables and to make a crazy stab in the dark, You live in a bungalow.
Probably wrong on all counts so I will jog on now.
Sorry to jump in and hijack this, but you've got me worried now.. My house has an earth rod fitted, a fuse board with re-wirable fuses, and the power comes in - 3 phase too - via overhead cables via a pole from the roadway [it's an old industrial building converted to a house, late 1970's] There is also a large trip-switch that will sometimes trip if there's a storm etc, cutting the whole house. I was planning to have the fusebox updated to a new 17th edition one, but should I also have the earth rod thing replaced too, so as to be 100% safe?
Radial. The hook up is a maximum of 16 amps anyway so there's no point installing a ring. The circuit breaker will limit the current so it doesn't matter how many sockets you install, 16 amps will be the limit. Just make sure you use cable rated at 16 amps or over.
Thanks again buddy! I will draw up some plans now The sockets not so much for amount, just in better locations for different things.
The hook-up did ok last week, don't know the total amps but it was ok with kettle, hair straightener thingies, hairdryer,hot-plate, etc, just not all at the same time
New Kentish Campers wrote:Thank you, Worried of Maidstone
Dear Worried of Maidstone,
It's quite normal to worry about your rod.
If you have your consumer unit (fusebox) replaced the electrician is obliged to test (and certificate as ok) the existing electrical installation prior to re-energising it. Part of that testing process will be the earthing arrangement and if the rod's knackered it'll show up. 100 ohms and over is considered 'unstable' and unsatisfactory. In my experience anything over around about 30 is unusual in normal ground (top soil over clay) conditions and merits a closer look at the rod unless there's a 1976 style drought going on or your house is built on a gravelly porous surface.
As said before, the lower resistance the better it is. If you do have it changed then get your local electricity board to come round and do a PME check first to see if you can go on the new system. It will be free. If there are any new houses near you or the poles have wires coming down them then chances are you will be able too. You wont just be relying on your rcd then.
New Kentish Campers wrote:Thank you, Worried of Maidstone
Dear Worried of Maidstone,
It's quite normal to worry about your rod.
If you have your consumer unit (fusebox) replaced the electrician is obliged to test (and certificate as ok) the existing electrical installation prior to re-energising it. Part of that testing process will be the earthing arrangement and if the rod's knackered it'll show up. 100 ohms and over is considered 'unstable' and unsatisfactory. In my experience anything over around about 30 is unusual in normal ground (top soil over clay) conditions and merits a closer look at the rod unless there's a 1976 style drought going on or your house is built on a gravelly porous surface.
Hope that helps,
Auntie Deidre
Thank you, Auntie Deidre. I know now what to do!
[I knew there was something funny about you ]
The sockets not so much for amount, just in better locations for different things.
