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So we had a smart meter fitted. Man that came to fit it left us with a safety notice.
We live in a house that is two flats. The power supply comes into our meter board and then splits before the meter to upstairs. The VIR wires that run from this split are apparently in poor condition, hence the notice.
Smart meter man phoned the SSE who said it was the landlords responsibility. Now the internet tells me that there is a Distribution Network and a Building Network Operator and the legislation has changed recently and the freeholder is now the BNO (surprise!). We are the freeholder.
Has anyone dealt with this before? Its wiring before the meter so I can see us getting into a "well we can't do that" from both sides. Or will an electrician be ok doing this work?
Where are the cables that are decaying?
The DNO is responsible for the cables, up to the cut-out, thats the plastic lump with the fuse in it.
From there the cables will go to the meter.
The Owner is usually responsible for that.
An electrician can do it, though they are not supposed to pull the fuse themselves, if there is an isolator to turn off the power, then no problem. You should not remove the fuse yourself, you need to call the DNO who will send someone out to do it.
Most sparkies dont bother,they just pull it, though, with smart meters now, the Suppliers/DNO know when the power has been cut, and have been sending people round to inspect the seals. One of my co-workers got a warning from them for pulling the fuse, and we're on a warning that we'll be fined if it happens again.
As above, DNO responsible up to the cut-out, so if you're the property owner you'll be responsible for your cables after the cut-out. I think if it was me I'd try phoning the DNO and asking their advice as the seal on the cut-out will have to be broken. they may have a list of companies authorised to do that. it may also be worth speaking to the property owner of the flat above as getting both properties upgraded may be cheaper individually.