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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Ancient Cut-out, missing Distribution board and li https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1410805068 Message started by Joe.redm on Sep 15^th, 2014, 7:17pm

Title: Ancient Cut-out, missing Distribution board and li
Post by Joe.redm on Sep 15^th, 2014, 7:17pm

Hi, I have just acquired a small studio in a Georgian property in South London. The electrics when I moved in were in a terrible state and so I have hired an electrician to re-wire the place, which he has. Unfortunately I am not connected up to the new circuit because of a variety of knock-on issues I will try to outline below.

1. The Tails coming out of the pre-payment meter in my flat are exposed and dangerous and need replacing/and then connecting up to new fuseboard. (EDF responsibility)
2. There is no distribution board at the property for EDF to turn off the electricity going into my flat. (freeholders responsibility?)
3. The cut-out in the basement is very old (metal casement, ceramic fuses) and is overloaded with 2 circuits per each of the 3 fuses which are not labelled. (The building has 2 shops on the ground floor, one hallway communal supply and 3 flats). Needs replacing. (UK Power Network responsibility)

My problem is that EDF cannot work on the meter unless the power has been turned off, however they cannot use the cut-out as it too old and needs replacing (by UK Power Network) but UK Power Network will not replace the Old Cut-out unless there is a Distribution Board fitted. I am sure the Distribution Board is the responsibility of the freeholder (it is to be used by all of the flats/shops in the property). However the freeholder is not responding to my request/calls and so I can only assume is not happy about doing the work.

What I would like to know is...

A. Is the Distribution Board definitely the freeholders responsibility?
B. If it is then are they obligated to have one fitted in the property? The current set-up is still functioning for everyone else in the building it’s just I am the only one with the problem at the present time.
C. Has anyone got any experience in how I could go about getting the freeholder to do this work? My flat is in a dangerous condition (exposed wires) and though it is not directly their fault without their co-operation I cannot get it fixed. Does this make them liable?
D. One of EDF’s engineers mentioned the work in the flat might be able to be done live if it came down to it. EDF have since denied this is an option but has anyone has any experience with EDF doing work on live electrics?

Any information/advice would be much appreciated, I am struggling to know which way to turn next.

Thanks,

Joe

Title: Re: Ancient Cut-out, missing Distribution board and li
Post by CWatters on Sep 20^th, 2014, 10:13am

I'm not an electrician. I might be wrong but I see you haven't had a reply so..

Is there anything in the lease?

Is your meter is in the studio? Then I think the DNO is usually responsible for everything up to and including the meter. This is also typically where the earthing point is.

If the meter is in another part of the building then the bit from there to your studio might be the responsibility of the freeholder or the DNO. There should be a switch somewhere in that path which is probably where the responsibility changes from the DNO to you or the freeholder.

I think I would press UK Power network to confirm they are responsible for everything up to and including your meter.

Title: Re: Ancient Cut-out, missing Distribution board and li
Post by Lectrician on Sep 20^th, 2014, 5:57pm

Lets have a photo of the current meter - and other photos if you can.

I would assume there would be away to get you connected to the existing meter while you sort out who is responsible for what.

It is rare, but some buildings do own the distribution internally and are responsible for the bit between the incoming service head and the meters. This can become logistical when it comes to things like this.

Title: Re: Ancient Cut-out, missing Distribution board and li
Post by Joe.redm on Sep 23^rd, 2014, 1:29pm

Cwatters.. I havent had time to go through the lease in its entirety but will have a look tonight to double check. dont think there is anything spoecifically relating to this though. The meter is in the studio, and it is earthed there also. From the meter it goes into an ancient fuseboard which I'm trying to get switched from. Will call Uk Power Network now.

Lectrician - I'll post a photo later. How do I know who owns what in the property?>

Thanks!