Breaking and sealing main supply fuse

[crb]

I advised Southern Electric that I intended to break the seal for my main fuse to enable me to safely fit an isolator between the meter and the C.U. I explained that I was familiar with the IEE Regulations and the upcoming Part P legislation.

Their response was unhelpful, saying that this must only be done by a "16th Edition Electrician". I can understand why they responded in this way, as they wished to cover their back.

However, I wonder how such work could retrospectively be proved to have been carried out by an "approved" person. Would the fuse be re-sealed in some manner to enable subsequent approbation? If so, do such electricians have a standardised "lead seal" sealer (my existing seal is imprinted "SEB").

Obviously, one way would be the production of a headed invoice covering the work, but as far as I am aware this is not included as a requirement in the Electricity Suppliers T&C.

CRB

[Andrew Gabriel]

Last time I asked Southern Electric, they were happy for me to do it, and they added a note to the account that it needed resealing by the meter reader. That's never happened, because subcontracted meter readers don't do that anymore.

As it happenes, I am a "16th Edition Electrician" if it means what I suspect it does, but they never asked me this at all.

[Christian McArdle]

Well, if you know the regulations, then doesn't that make you a "16th Edition Electrician"?

The work you are doing conforms with the law, provided you submit a building notice.

Besides, better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

Christian.

[Lurch]

On 30 Dec 2004 06:28:15 -0800, "crb" strung together this:

The only people approved for resealing a meter are the mebers of the electrical suppliers meter fitting team, or whoever they contract it out to.

You can't, as I say, only the REC or their contractors are allowed to seal and unseal the meter, technically.

Best bet is to just ignore them, cut the seal and leave it for someone to reseal off their own back, whilst denying all knowledge of how it came to be unsealed in the first place. Always works for me.

[Dave Stanton]

Some people brush dust all over the fuse unit after they have finished doing what work needs doing. Then no one knows when it was unsealed... So I am led to believe.....

Dave

[Ian White]

The reason for unsealing is presumably obvious - the fuse had to be pulled in order to replace the CU.

However, I deny all knowledge of how ours now sports a genuine Southern Electric seal, closed with genuine Southern Electric pliers... but somehow the identifying number is illegible.

[Mark]

You've never been in the army, never volunteer or ask permission for anything. it was always someone else that must have broken/lost that !

[Stefek Zaba]

No, but many of us know the three survival rules for a squaddie.

If it moves, salute it. If it doesn't move, pick it up. If it's too big to pick up, paint it.

[Lurch]

On Fri, 31 Dec 2004 00:42:12 +0000, Stefek Zaba strung together this:

I know the rules for a painter.

If it moves, smoke it. If it doesn't, paint it.

[deckertim]

Our watchword when I was in the Army was:- If something has been left lying about pick it up in case it gets stolen!

[Owain]

"Stefek Zaba" wrote | No, but many of us know the three survival rules for a squaddie. | If it moves, salute it. | If it doesn't move, pick it up. | If it's too big to pick up, paint it.

If it's coal, pick it up *and* paint it.

Owain

[Stephen Dawson]

Southern Electric do not use sub contract meter readers.

[Andrew Gabriel]

Oh, in that case I've no idea why they've never resealed it. Checked with the occupants, amd it is regularly read. Eastern Electricity seem to use Siemens to read their meters.