Earth spike - temporary solution?

[Desie]

During some refurbishment the mains earth connection has been disconnected from the sheath below the meter. there is also no clamp.

Teh local distributor has said it will be 6 weeks before they can come to do it and that it is chargeable work. They have suggested fittingb and earth spike and RCD.

Is this a temporary measure until they can get to do the work? If so it seems like an expensive temporary measure.

Is there an alternative?

 

[Adam_151]

If there is no supplier earth connection then TT (earth electrode + suitable RCD) is your only option

(or I suppose you could try and get a DNO or Ex-DNO person to sweat the earth on for a cash job...)

Don't harrass your DNO too much or they'll permantly re-desinate your supply as TT...

 

[Desie]

Thanks Adam
Is the earth electrode fitted outside the building and the earth clamped to it there?
Also how far down does it need to go?

 

[securespark]

Thanks Adam
Is the earth electrode fitted outside the building and the earth clamped to it there?
Also how far down does it need to go?

Yes. You need a good connection to earth, so try and hammer the rod (4' BTW) into good, soft moist (ooh, don'tcha love that word?) soil.

You need a loop reading NO MORE than 200 Ohms.

If you don't have a rod impedance tester, do a Ze on the rod.

Remember, on a TT system, you must have RCD protection to guarantee disconnection with such a high EFL.

You need a split-load board with a min. 100mA TD (S type) incomer and 30mA on the split side.

A TT system with no RCD at all is AT RISK!!