Tariq Posted August 23, 2020 Posted August 23, 2020 CoCT took out my old prepaid meter ( with an isolater switch for the three phases AND neutral ), the split meaning the key pad is a separate unit that can be plugged into any outlet that is NOT on the essentials circuit. My question is that now, there are the three circuit breakers for each phase, but nothing on the neutral wire, meaning the neutral bar is directly connected to the grid. is this standard operating procedure, is it safe ?? Quote
Richard Mackay Posted August 23, 2020 Posted August 23, 2020 I presume if CoCT did this they are happy with the setup. Did you have an earth leakage (RCD) installed? If so Is it still there?? Quote
Tariq Posted August 23, 2020 Author Posted August 23, 2020 Yes, the RCD’s are installed after the main breakers on each phase. The old prepaid meter had the three phase and neutral built into the meter Quote
Richard Mackay Posted August 23, 2020 Posted August 23, 2020 These will isolate both live and neutral when they trip. These devices are the regular way to switch off your supply. You don't need to switch the main isolator. Quote
Jaco De Jongh Posted August 23, 2020 Posted August 23, 2020 21 minutes ago, Richard Mackay said: These devices are the regular way to switch off your supply. You don't need to switch the main isolator. Only in some homes, I a lot of cases, there is loads like lights, stove and geyser not connected after the earth leakage, in that case you would need to use the Main Switch / Isolator to kill the power. 2 hours ago, Tariq said: is this standard operating procedure, is it safe ?? It is done in a three phase installation with only a three phase breaker. I personally would prefer a 4 pole breaker and breaking the neutral as well, but its only a personal choice. As long as the Neutral is bonded to earth at the transformer/mini-sub it will be safe. There will be no potential difference between live and neutral and you would not be able to get shocked by touching the neutral. Edit: Unless you disconnect a neutral from the neutral bar, and then hold that neutral wire in one hand and the neutral bar with the other while the load is switched on.. Quote
Tariq Posted August 23, 2020 Author Posted August 23, 2020 Apologies Jaco, I am confused, should it be no potential between neutral and ground, as I checked there is 230 volts between neutral and live Quote
Richard Mackay Posted August 23, 2020 Posted August 23, 2020 30 minutes ago, Tariq said: Apologies Jaco, I am confused, should it be no potential between neutral and ground, as I checked there is 230 volts between neutral and live May I answer?? The neutral is connected to earth at the substation that supplies this power. If there is a large current being supplied then there will be a small voltage between the local earth at your premises (via the earth spike at your house) and the neutral due to the resistance in the supply cable between the substation and your premises. Quote
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