Connection to Pole Top Fuses.

Also includes Works
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DibbyD
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Connection to Pole Top Fuses.

Post by DibbyD »

INFO:

Lines (2 single core overhead - single phase) come from the street to a pole on private property (lot 1)
There are a set of fuses on top of the pole, feeding a service line to another property (lot 2)

We (electricians) have run our new 2C service line from our new temp builders supply on lot1, up the pole.
Vector have installed new fuses on the pole, ready to go.

Meter installer is saying they won't do the poletop connection for us - we need to get in a lines contractor.

Lines contractor quotes a heavy price, says that an electrician can't connect - must be linesman.

QUESTION: CAN AN ELECTRICIAN CONNECT?

If the fuses were on the street i'd leave it to a vector approved linesman as its network owned,

but in this case is all on private property, and the boundary is 50m away at the street (meaning everything is 'electrical installation', not 'works', although I believe that distinction doesn't matter).

EWRB limits of work don't give any reason why an electrician can't connect (unless not competent - but this is a fairly simple job)

Anyone know?

Auckland-based if that matters
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gregmcc
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Re: Connection to Pole Top Fuses.

Post by gregmcc »

As it's a private pole anyone with the suitable qualification and is competent can do this, and Electrical Inspector, Electrician, Distribution Line mechanic. - Technically an Electrical Engineer could but doubt they would be competent or even want to.

Ask the lines contractor why an Electrician cannot connect,, the answer should be interesting.
AlecK
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Re: Connection to Pole Top Fuses.

Post by AlecK »

Yes any of those types of PL are authorised to do that sort of PEW.

However those "pole fuses" are network property, and will almost certainly be the POS for the installation
(and therefore be the demarcation point between "works" & "installation");
so the network's authorisation is required for making this connection [ESR 35].
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gregmcc
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Re: Connection to Pole Top Fuses.

Post by gregmcc »

Re-reading your original post,

A couple of things, usually the demarcation point for works vs. installation is the boundary line, but it is common for this line to be inside the boundary on a private pole at the pole fuses if the power company has an easement.

on the application for the BTS, did it include network connection fees, I'm assuming the new building application will include the connection, if so then put the BTS on the end of that and when you are ready get a metering change from temporary to permanent.

The problem is you have no choice but to play the network company game as Vector is the only network company in Auckland.
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