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[tigers_gonads]

As of 17th edition, what is the rule ref main earths from consumer unit ?
Board is twin rcd 17th edition certified.

No incoming mains earth cut off point so looking at useing a earth spike and 16mm cable.

What is the minimum depth that the spike needs to be banged into the ground ?
Is the max length of the mains tails (25mm) and the mains earth (16mm) still 3 meters  before I have to pish about with split concentric 

TIA

[Martian]

What is the minimum depth that the spike needs to be banged into the ground ?

That all depends on the surrounding soil and a couple of other variables, but 3 meters is what you need to aim for.

Is the max length of the mains tails (25mm) and the mains earth (16mm) still 3 meters  before I have to pish about with split concentric

That is the generally accepted length, but the DNO may allow you to run them further.

[albitz]

Thats just what I was going to say.







 

[tigers_gonads]

What is the minimum depth that the spike needs to be banged into the ground ?

That all depends on the surrounding soil and a couple of other variables, but 3 meters is what you need to aim for.

Is the max length of the mains tails (25mm) and the mains earth (16mm) still 3 meters  before I have to pish about with split concentric

That is the generally accepted length, but the DNO may allow you to run them further.

Thanks for that 

Earth spike is a 4ft b&q special so unless somebody pulls it out to measure it 

Just need a plasterer that can do actual plastering and turn up when he says then hopefully (oneday) the gas man will turn up (waiting 8 weeks now) and run us a new gas pipe so i'll have a meter to connect upto 

[Kevin Wood]

Earth spike is a 4ft b&q special so unless somebody pulls it out to measure it 

Or measures the fault loop impedance..

[tigers_gonads]

Earth spike is a 4ft b&q special so unless somebody pulls it out to measure it 

Or measures the fault loop impedance..

Yeh, thats what is bugging me 

The ground is very wet at the moment so (fingers crossed) it should pass 

If not, the landlord with have to get his hand in his pocket and pay the local supplier too put a cutout in 

I know one thing, its not coming out of my money

[freecall666]

when they removed our old earth spike, it was 9 foot long, as we on mains earth now, and all under ground.

[tigers_gonads]

when they removed our old earth spike, it was 9 foot long, as we on mains earth now, and all under ground.

You used to be able to crimp the end of the cable and clamp it to the incoming mains metal caseing but iirc, thats now a no no 

[Martian]

Earth spike is a 4ft b&q special so unless somebody pulls it out to measure it 

That is just less than half the length required by law.

You used to be able to crimp the end of the cable and clamp it to the incoming mains metal caseing but iirc, thats now a no no 

You can still do that if that is how the original earth is supplied, is the meter labelled up as a PME system?

As Kevin has also pointed out (and I'm sure I don't need to tell you), you can end up creating a whole host of other issues if it isn't a PME setup to start with.

[tigers_gonads]

Earth spike is a 4ft b&q special so unless somebody pulls it out to measure it 

That is just less than half the length required by law.

You used to be able to crimp the end of the cable and clamp it to the incoming mains metal caseing but iirc, thats now a no no 

You can still do that if that is how the original earth is supplied, is the meter labelled up as a PME system?

As Kevin has also pointed out (and I'm sure I don't need to tell you), you can end up creating a whole host of other issues if it isn't a PME setup to start with.

Yeh, it looks like its a standard PME setup to me 

I've had the 16mm earth conected to the incoming caseing for the past 6 weeks with no problems.

The press to test button on both RCD's trip instantly so I can't see any problems with it tbh.

Thanks for the advise lads, I didn't realise how rusty I was becoming until i've had to start using my brain cells again 

Powered up all 7 circuits and the new alarm system yesterday with no problems so I must have done something right 

Its knackering but its good to get my hands dirty again.

Just sick and tired of waiting for other trades now 
 

[Martian]

Thanks for the advise lads, I didn't realise how rusty I was becoming until i've had to start using my brain cells again 

You ain't the only one who is a bit rusty, I had to get the book out yesterday to double check what I was posting was factually correct 

Just sick and tired of waiting for other trades now 

The other trades always hold us up, which is why I think it is wholly right & correct that they find a live cable every now & again 

[Kevin Wood]

The press to test button on both RCD's trip instantly so I can't see any problems with it tbh.

It goes without saying, of course, that that only tests the RCD internally and that you should still ensure a decent earth is provided.