MEN link

[thomasteve]

After adding a RCD (Safe-T-Cut or similar) device to make the electrics safer, the next step would be to install an earth rod and earth wires.

However, for this to be effective it may or may not require a link wire in the consumer unit from neutral to earth. How do you know if it is needed and if it is safe to do so as it seems there are 2 or more different supply systems in common use MEN and TT ? and if you don't add the link wire is it of any benefit at all installing an earth rod ?

Edited January 5, 2014 by thomasteve

[bankruatsteve]

No matter what 'system', the ground rod is for earth link to the CU and the respective grounded circuits via ground wires to the CU. For that to be effective does not require N-E link in CU. The N-E link is only required in MEN. In the states N-E bonding is required to make things work although it is not called MEN.

Forgot to say: Yes - you need ground (via rod or whatever) for the ground wiring.

Edited January 5, 2014 by bankruatsteve

[Forkinhades]

You do not require a MEN link, the Safe-T-Cut will work happily without it. You do need the earth rod though.

However its a PEA requirement.

You need to look at your local transformer to see if they have been earthed. Then every third pole should be earthed after that. You really need a good sparky for that.

If your happy that ALL the earths in place then you can do your MEN connection.

Here is a picture of a pole that is waiting to be earthed

Can you see the coil of wire waiting to be connected to the ground?

God only knows how long its been like that.

[thomasteve]

You do not require a MEN link, the Safe-T-Cut will work happily without it. You do need the earth rod though.

However its a PEA requirement.

You need to look at your local transformer to see if they have been earthed. Then every third pole should be earthed after that. You really need a good sparky for that.

If your happy that ALL the earths in place then you can do your MEN connection.

Here is a picture of a pole that is waiting to be earthed

20140104_094741.jpg

Can you see the coil of wire waiting to be connected to the ground?

God only knows how long its been like that.

OK, so I know the safe-t-cut doesn't need an earth to work but I should now go ahead and install an earth rod and earth wires to 3-pin outlets etc. and not concern myself with whether we have a TT or MEN supply and no need to link the neutral to the earth busbar as it won't affect the effectiveness of my earthing connections ?

Is there some danger or risk if I did put in a link wire from neutral to earth without first determining that the supply company had first earthed their transformers ?

Presumably yes ?as I could possibly be earthing all their transformers via a 10 mm wire !

A case of :'If in doubt - leave it out '?

Edited January 5, 2014 by thomasteve

[Forkinhades]

^Indeed Sir!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Crossy]

Good advice from Forky.

DO add a 2.4m rod, connect it to the earth bar in your CU and connect 3-pin outlets and water heater grounds to that bar.

DO NOT link N-E unless you are certain MEN is implemented in your area at which point the Safe-T-Cut instructions should show you the correct connection method.

There is a significant hazard if you are the only N-E link on the system.