Using INSULATION PIERCING CONNECTORS with METER TAILS - EV Charger installation - ENSTO SLIW50

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Connecting to existing meter tails within an electrical installation is an area crying out for innovation, especially as the adoption of electric vehicle chargers increases. A number of EV installers have asked us to explore what is known as insulation piercing connectors (IPC). IPC's are used extensively within the power distribution networks to connect from aerial bundled cables (ABC's)
Can you be used to connect a new set of consumer unit meter tails as an alternative to henley block installation?
IPCs are also known as line taps
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1 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 346

@HenryOCarmichaelSmith 2 года назад

Perfect for tapping in before the meter! FREE ELECTRICITY FOR ALL!

@darrenjeffes7030 2 года назад

Looks like a good way to bypass your meter at home without disconnecting anything 🤣

@markrainford1219 2 года назад

Yeah, I can see a BIG market for these beauties.

@markgilder9990 2 года назад

Suppliers of exotic fauna and flora will soon be on to this.😂

@Geethreeohm 2 года назад

Exactly my first thought

@UKIP 2 года назад

@@markgilder9990 And indoor tomato growers.

@Geethreeohm 2 года назад

@@markrainford1219 yeah for dope grows and bitcoin mining 🤣

@tcpnetworks 2 года назад

In Australia - these are prohibited from being used within reach of the consumer, unless secondary protection is used. They are typically seen if splicing in a home supply tail from ABC or UBC feeder loop. Again - they are 5M in the air and are typically single insulated. They are not intended to be moved/removed once installed. Once torqued-up they are intended to be left in position for the life of the installation - untouched and not subject to ungloved contact. Replacement requires that you replace the feeder cable - so we leave these in-place and go again beside the broken connector. We use these in the supply network extensively - and this is where they should stay. Given their existing design, using then in contact with consumers is extremely dangerous and IMHO should be expressly banned for such work. IPCs are fantastic products - but in their existing form - not for this purpose.

@efixx 2 года назад

Great input and sensible advice - thanks

@jessejackson4690 2 года назад

I agree. Putting them into a jbox tidies them up and keeps them out if reach from contact

@michealplater9007 2 года назад

Agree, I have used IPCs in australia, on overhead works, they are a great product. It will be interesting if a supplier will design a suitable product

@onlynonsense8723 Год назад

Great information. I've just started learning about this topic in class but the information they provided was the aerial cabling for the supply mains had to be 3m minimum above the ground, around where the IPC would be located. Is this different than the 5m requirement you mentioned?

@haldo691 2 года назад

Seen a few used to bypass meters in cannabis factories

@chrisardern4594 2 года назад

Thinking exactly the same smackheads will love em.

@jessejackson4690 2 года назад

Exactly what i was thinking when i first started watching. Easy for an unskilled pot head to install while live

@kevrus01 2 года назад

As an apprentice, late 70s/ early 80s, I came across a form of busbar trunking which was nothing more than 300 x 100 steel trunking with large 6491x cables clipped to the back of the trunking and tap off points were put anywhere by using line taps. These 'large scotchlocs' have just reminded me of that

@deang5622 Год назад

Yes we had that in an electrical engineering lab at university in the 80's.

@humphshumphs 2 года назад

Reminds me of the 'scotchlock' type connectors used in cars - always had issues with those, so don't actually hold out much hope for these.

@lakesideaudio 2 года назад

Yes that’s right, you find tow bar faults where people have used scotch locks and then over time they have become faulty

@petermorris9592 2 года назад

That was the first thing I thought when I saw this. The problem with scotchlocks in cars is two-fold: 1) corrosion, due to no sealing (unlike these); 2) no vibration suppression (not an issue when not in a vehicle). I think I'd still rather use blocks though.

@lakesideaudio 2 года назад

@@petermorris9592 Bt use a nice version of the scotch lock, only any good to join 2 bits of wire though if I remember, but when you use one of those they are filled with a white grease

@deezelfairy 2 года назад

Scotchloks are the fuel of nightmares for mechanics. Any electrical problem I get on a machine and I start finding scotchloks their the first thing to go and often that's the problem solved, mainly due to corrosion or used with the wrong size conductor. They work(ish) but theirs far superior ways to tap into conductors.

@blow0me 2 года назад

Scotchlocks were more destructive as an IDC connector though. This doesn't harm the cable in quite the same manner. But also not convinced of the pierce's integrity for a high current application like an EV

@NicholasKett Год назад

These things are everywhere in Spain on the LV Distribution network. A welder plugged in via a20A breaker at at my villa to weld new gates. Next thing we had a fire start on the overhead distribution. Having said that compared with using Henly blocks you will only have two nuts to tighten instead of 6 screws, and covers. Recent models have shear-off torque nuts so they can only be correctly torqued and cannot be loosened or removed.

@TheJacksterINFO 2 года назад

They are great on bundled overhead cable. As for ground level, would like to see them encased in a box filled with epoxy just so idiots can't get to them. Think they are great for EV installs and extra CUs when needed. Obviously need to be designed for this application and type of cable we use though before they are actually used.

@brickers911 2 года назад

There's good reason Henlys have been around for a hundred years?

@TheChipmunk2008 2 года назад

Proper Henleys were a LOT better made than some of the dross out there these days. The RDL ones shown in this video are pretty good tho. The Niglon ones are excellent too, with easily removeable AND REPLACEABLE barriers on entries, just make sure you have a VDE 3mm allen key :)

@GSHElectrical 2 года назад

Great work Gordon…

@pwaelectricalltd29 2 года назад

Interesting video! It’s good to provoke some alternative thinking. Further work to be done for sure.

@seankearney6915 2 года назад

Thanks for highlighting this. If I want any work doing I will know to ask what they are going to use. I like my nice neat meter box. I certainly wouldn't want anyone fitting them in my house.

@Peter-lu2eo 2 года назад

Be interesting to create moisture around it and conduct an insulation resistance test.

@ilsonbob 2 года назад

1000v insulated the ones we use on the overheads. Never any problems unless an idiot has installed it.

@travoltasbiplane1551 2 года назад

I know you're trying to spark debate and that but if you've only got a single layer of insulation there's no argument is there. Basic insulation visible outside of an enclosure. Beyond that I don't like it... Not 100% sure why... Just looks a bit bodgy.... Would struggle to be happy the joint was adequate I think... It's not really possible to verify the efficacy of the connection is it.... Maybe I'm just afraid of new things... Who knows.

@sergiofernandez3725 2 года назад

Another thought provoking show guys. Loved the bit by Solicitor Joe. The written disclaimer is brilliant. Quote "your torque screwdriver may be at risk if you do not keep up with repayments" On a serious note I can see people using this to bypass the meter to steal electricity or for the setup of some canabis grow farm. This technology was not designed for this use. Most meter cupboards are normally at an easily accessible height Tapoff block would need to be in an enclosure that's needs a tool for opening and that is mechanically fixed to wall or board What is the IP and IK rating? Clips or cleats would be needed to help with strain relief 16 or 25mm2 CSA tails are double insulated The concept of quick tapoff is a good one but this is not the solution for domestic EV or PV without a lot more development by the manufacturer

@vylbird8014 Год назад

Could use them for that. But any criminal probably isn't too concerned with safety, so they wouldn't need such a specialised tool. Just some thick rubber gloves, a kitchen knife to strip the insulation, and a mini-blowtorch to solder on the new wire. Not exactly code-compliant, but so long as you warn your crop-tenders not to touch the metal bits, it probably won't kill anyone.

@kennethausten 2 года назад

Looks lethal to me as an ex sparks. But I did use line taps on 3 phase distribution in Factories feeding machines below the overhead 200a power ring.. those Henley blocks are in use in the 1960s. I use to collect them from the local electricity board works plus a meter board with porcelain insulators.

@AintBigAintClever Год назад

I think they'd need some sort of Wiska-style box but with open slots to accommodate the tails, which would then be covered by the lid, probably with plastic fingers which line up with and partly fill the slots when closed. It'd also be interesting to see (perhaps with a thermal camera) how they hold up under load. As for Henley blocks, they probably haven't changed in decades because they haven't really needed to.

@argusdenia 2 года назад

I've using those here in Spain during the last 25 or 26 years (Niled and Cahors brands) for both overhead lines and to connect RVK and RZ1-K (EU cable denominations), and never had a problem. Even you can reuse them. Anyway, you need to protect properly the cables ends.

@Rogcljon Год назад

I saw my first EV install that had used these today in a low level cupboard in a children's playroom 😬 have told the householder I will be changing them to Henley blocks and recommend he gets a lock fitted to the cupboard with it being a child's playroom 🤦

@NickW1111 2 года назад

The big advantage is being able to work live, and so not having to pay the DNO to isolate the supply if there is no isolator fitted. The DNOs use similar IDC to tap into LV feeders but they remove the outer insulation then pot the joint inside a plastic shell. If I were to use something like this, until they are approved for penetrating the outer sheath I'd strip the cables to basic insulation and so fit an enclosure to take the connectors.

@TheChipmunk2008 2 года назад

SSE in our area don't mind if you pull the fuse yourself, indeed will even tell you to... not sure what their insurers and higher up corporates would think of that however. But yes, for the more finicky areas (WPD anyone?), and for places where the service head is in iffy condition, i can see that would be an advantage

@mfx1 2 года назад

@@TheChipmunk2008 Doesn't matter how finiky they are, it's not illegal it's purely contractual and the DNO's contract is with the customer not you.

@brendon-paul 2 года назад

You would still need an isolator. An installation should have a single point of isolation.

@mfx1 2 года назад

@@brendon-paul Most houses don't have isolators other than the fuse and there is no requirement to retrofit them on old installations. The fuse could be considered a single point of isolation other than it doesn't isolate the Neutral .

@TheChipmunk2008 2 года назад

@@mfx1 true and the EAW act overrules them anyway

@Electronics-Rocks 2 года назад

I have used on street furniture and was told they had to be out of reach by hight or locked away where a key /tool was required to gain access. On singles double insulation just clamp on. if it was main supply then needed to strip off outer sheath and neutral outer strands, the use to connect to inner phase carrier.

@col8981 2 года назад

Could wrap a load of tape round them (Brown on the live & Blue on the neutral, obviously)😁

@efixx 2 года назад

😂😂😂

@steveng5503 2 года назад

Illegal gardeners will absolutely love these.

@efixx 2 года назад

🪴

@stevehenke678 2 года назад

Cannabis growers up and down Britain are undoubtedly loving these bad lads eh! 🤣

@doublehaven 2 года назад

The biggest issue with these connectors is that the end shrouds are single insulated. A tear in that exposes live parts. A potential solution would be to enclose them in an enclosure which can only be opened with the use of a tool. I don’t think a meter box alone qualifies as that.

@randacnam7321 Год назад

We use similar lugs for line side taps on this side of the pond, but they are always inside an electrical box or raceway of some sort. The only time you see them 'exposed' is for secondary distribution (so named cuz it's connected to the 120V/208V/240V/277V/347V/480V/600V secondary of a distribution transformer) where it's 20ft or more up the pole or next to the service riser weatherhead.

@doublehaven Год назад

@@randacnam7321 Exactly, in the situations as described there is virtually no chance of accidental contact. There is either a secondary level of protection or separation by distance.

@big.al.a961 2 года назад

Wouldn’t touch these with a barge pole! Wouldn’t feel comfortable installing these with an outgoing 10mm max csa without a fuse. Very small contact area and surely installing some sort of enclosure negates the point of space saving in the first place.

@ats-tj9rc 2 года назад

Might as well delete Ib

@deezelfairy 2 года назад

@@ats-tj9rc Yup, we've got nowhere near the generation capacity either and every bit of cabling under every street, every substation ect.. is going to need uprating. People don't realise that even though we have a 100A breaker in the distribution board that what's outside our house all the way back to the substation isn't designed for everyone to draw that much power all at once. Once everyone has extended range ev's and some form of electric heating it's not unfeasible for the average household to be drawing 40 to 50A nigh on continuously overnight. Most technically minded people who bring these issues up just get dismissed.

@peterking2794 2 года назад

I am, by no means, any sort of electrician, but have had a lifelong fascination with anything electrical. Those connectors are everywhere in Europe, and I've often wondered how the spikes make enough contact through the insulation to carry sufficient current? I found a discarded one and took it to bits and, tbh, I thought the spikes rather small for what they need to do. But that's just me.

@Draylath 2 года назад

Yeah, I'm of the "nice to know , but I'll stick with henleys for the time being" school. Chances are if you haven't room to fit henleys you won't have room to fit a garage unit either 🤔

@GARRYEASTON 2 года назад

It needs an enclosure/casing.

@jagarcogheart 2 года назад

what different materials and thicknes are the conductor insulation made of and how will that affect the piersing ability of the connector?

@timahad5165 2 года назад

Just tried these out today and I have to say they're a game changer for EV installs where there is limited room to install Henleys. However, I would like to know if they have a BS number and whether or not they are rated to a specific amperage? Also the fact that the bolt shears off at a specific torque yet you can use two different sizes of conductors is strange, how can for example a 25mm and a 16mm both clamp down to the exact same torque? They should issue an exact spec sheet and we can then make an informed decision.

@efixx 2 года назад

No BS numbers and No current ratings - it needs one of the manufacturers to explore the application.

@67MJH 8 месяцев назад

Would need to see approval from a EN/BS for installation and current rating of connection with cable installation taken into account. The risk of exposure to live connections protected by a thin tube is not great. Can’t see why this can’t be a solid end ?? A enclosure box is a must and warning ⚠️ label added as these insulation are not secure.

@stranglx 9 месяцев назад

I wonder how people feel about the size of the tails in relation to cut out with regards to a fault of negligible impedance? Personally I was taught that where there’s a 100A DNO cut out then the tails to even a single circuit consumer unit should be 25mm, not because your 32A EVCP will overload your 16mm extension tails there but because a fault of negligible impedance say to the metal case of the unit would potentially cause fire before the 100A cut out blows. However something like that which allows a 25mm to 25mm splice would be very useful. Or perhaps one with built in over current protection on the line side. It’s a nice idea just not quite there for the suggested use.

@NaydenSpirdonov 2 года назад

I do like the idea.

@scott1506 2 года назад

brilliant now i can rig my meter even easier

@davidpatterson1574 2 года назад

Interesting video-👍

@mdpaver1 2 года назад

I think the problem is - and I don't think you can remedy it - is that it 'looks' like a bodge. All the corrections to cover the regs is still going to make this look like a bodge. We've all seen the images from Lebanon of private generator distribution, and this looks like it belongs there. Not in a new installation complying with 7671. A Henley block is a quick, easy addition, not a huge cost, it's adaptable, and a neat solution. I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel to let lashers sling in more EV points in one day. Let's take some pride in our work. If it ain't broke...

@gimp079 2 года назад

Great idea...not ready yet

@ass90 2 года назад

Been using these for nearly 2 years, really great stuff for EV chargers.

@Pepps_Electrical Год назад

Do you strip a layer of insulation or do you connect throu both layers thou??

@vandammebrian 2 года назад

Looks like a firehazard waiting to happen, guessing it's gonna get pretty hot on those needle prics when it draws a descent amount of power over a prolongued time

@haldo691 2 года назад

If you add up the surface area of 4 sets of teeth it's probably not far off the size of a standard 100a switch clamp

@AdamSpooner191 2 года назад

Evening, Another great video! When you tap off of main tails, don’t all cables need to be the same size? Otherwise the 10mm cable has the same overcurrent protection as the 16/25mm tail at say, 100amps, which is too much for the 10mm cable

@havoctrousers 2 года назад

No. As long as the 10mm cable is sized for the load and there's overcurrent protection on the outgoing circuit, it's fine. BS7671 says you can put overcurrent protection anywhere on a conductor's length as long as it's before the load.

@AdamSpooner191 2 года назад

@@havoctrousers Great, thanks Robin

@davidb3537 2 года назад

It begs the question why have 25mm tails at all if the connection between them is just a couple of bits of tin?

@cal5566 2 года назад

They look rough but the pros definitely outweigh the cons, I think if you have the room a Henley is better but if you're stuck these would be a life saver.

@imark7777777 2 года назад

Interesting they do look nice. My only concern is when they are removed they now leave the sheath damaged, and you might be asking why would you remove them well I don't know why you would either but somebody would. I would be also concerned of moisture ingress but they look reasonably well designed. Which leads me to saying my souvenir experience of 240V 60 Hz in the Philippines because I went down a fan cord in my hands to slide it up to the extension to unplug it... I did not know there was nicks in the cord... yeah Youch.

@returner323617 9 месяцев назад

Also an option for connecting in ASHP tails, which typically don't want/need to appear in the CU...

@neilmartin3556 2 года назад

Installing EV points is going to be a semi-skilled job carried out by the same people who install smart meters. You could have 10 installers per 1 electrician sweeping up and signing off!

@haldo691 2 года назад

Any incentive scheme the government comes up with encourages cowboys and corner cutting get in make money fast and disappear when the subsidies end

@markgilder9990 2 года назад

It’s already happening. Deskilling a job, that the larger energy suppliers seem to think anyone off the street can do. I look forward to retirement.

@Marks-Garage 2 года назад

The guy who installed my smart meter said the company he works for is talking about this exact subject at the moment. It seems mad to be that someone can do a quick course and become competent in a matter of weeks.

@callumsimpson7483 2 года назад

First time I come across one of these i was changing a meter and the bolt was showing live on the phase finder but nothing was showing when I tested it to earth or neutral. My pals who fit solar say they are great but hard and expensive to get hold of

@Edgar-friendly. 2 года назад

If my old aftermarket car alarm is anything to go by, then its a no. If it was double insulated in a durable case that it could be fix back to a wall to stop to joint being disturbed it could be handy, you are left with a non-removable connection though.

@barrieshepherd7694 Год назад

Street cred name for these will probably be the 420 connector 😂😂😂😂

@UKIP 2 года назад

Interesting. Several decades ago we used 'vampire taps' to tap in to the original 10Base5 Ethernet cable which I guess was around the size of a 25mm² meter tail.

@vylbird8014 Год назад

But built very differently - 10base5 is coaxial.

@sockitz.splatez 2 года назад

Like the old scotch lock design used in cars but higher rating 😯 what is the current rating and are they BS certified

@danf6491 2 года назад

As an alternative isn't there a consumer unit with a built in Henley block to neaten things up. Like incorporating a 2 way double pole isolater. Could be a market for these if sold with an enclosure that has a security seal or tool to open

@sonconmas 2 года назад

A lot of people here commenting on it being a possible fire hazard.. Did you skip the part of the video where he said the DNO has been using these on overhead lines for years? If they're capable of happily taking 100A+ for supply take-offs they're more than good enough for houses, just need more refinement to make them more suitable for domestic use

@abscomm 2 года назад

What sort of current will they take without over heating would be my concern.

@olly7673 Год назад

Which wholesalers, if any, stock these as I need one to tap into a cars 12V positive battery cable and is fine for the application it will be used for.... just a bigger version of the old Scotchblock after all?

@v0nreagan 2 года назад

But you are tapping into 25mm2 tails with 10mm2 tails and there is nothing else than a 100A main cut out fuse protecting that cable. Yes, in case of EV there may be some sort of RCBO at the end of that 10mm2 tail, but should that chinese RCBO weld itself open upon fault conditions or a fault occur before the point of fuse down, there will be a piece of cable in your installation that doesn't comply to the Ib ≤ In ≤ Iz rule in BS7671 and the only thing protecting that piece of cable is a delayed BS88 or BS1361 fuse capable of withstanding double its rating for many hours...

@travoltasbiplane1551 2 года назад

In fairness 10mm may be adequate for fault current sizing. Overload protection could be achieved by the downstream device and if like you say that welds then the final circuit is probably just as in trouble!

@markrainford1219 2 года назад

10mm is still over three times the size of a 100A fuse element.

@ats-tj9rc 2 года назад

1 less regulation for the rule book.. PLUS, The DNO Sub Stations will probably go POP first, when we all charge our electric cars at the same time over night, switch ON our Heat pumps, Storage Heaters, etc. And Gas boilers are a thing of the past.

@coastersteve 2 года назад

Certainly wouldn’t trust them for 32A, they might work but there’s not much surface area to connect to compared to the solid Henley blocks. Henley blocks haven’t had to change because they’re robust and solid.

@sonconmas 2 года назад

Might seem like that but have to remember the DNO uses them for their connections on outgoing supplies of up to 100A or possibly more.. So they must work

@davefarmery8180 2 года назад

A wago connector is rated at 32a what surface area of contact has a wago got

@Kaizer10155 2 года назад

I’ve seen loads of ev chargers on 10mm tails on a 100a main fuse, is this non compliant?

@bramcoteelectrical1088 2 года назад

yes

@christastic100 2 года назад

Looks interesting and I have seen Big Clive demonstrate a similar product. I would think an enclosure to clip over it would need designing also I imagine customers may not be convinced that long bolt is safe as well as looking nasty. Personally I would not use this type until they are specifically designed for in reach areas. These are clearly not designed for this purpose and I wouldn’t want to be liable or run the risk of negative consequences . I would think my NIC EIC inspector would have a something to say if I fitted them in this way .I would definitely suggest sunscreen 😆

@johnlloyd3377 2 года назад

I'm not keen on the blue ones but have used the red ones extensively to good effect.

@BobHannent 2 года назад

My EV charger was installed recently using a pair of these, I was impressed that they did the install without disconnecting the power. I'll be okay with the capacity of this connector until someone uses a FLIR camera on one carrying 32A. Consider that a challenge to anyone who has a thermal camera! But listening to concerns about the mechanical vulnerability has me thinking, this was installed under my stairs where I go in and out, and store things. Now I am thinking it might be wise to put some kind of perspex shield over my meter, cutout and tails.

@andysims4906 2 года назад

The cowboys will love these

@rhysjones1189 2 года назад

Great video. Personally, I would not use them as they are not designed to be used like that.

@TheChipmunk2008 2 года назад

I would agree, they're meant to be placed out of reach, or behind a barrier of some kind (not got blue book with me so can't cite the reg). The ones big clive demo'ed didn't even have the rubber sleeve, just a jelly fill, meant to be used by utility co's on ABC as mentioned here. In short, they have their place, which IMO is not in the cupboard under the stairs where stuff WILL get stacked up against them, etc, despite people being told not to.

@001Neal100 2 года назад

I'll be sure to tap off before my meter for my electric car charger then 🤫🔌⚡⚡

@ChristmasCrustacean1 Год назад

I see a potential market for a wagobox style enclosure that has IP protection around the main tails and the exiting secondary tails, with a zip tie or a wire tie requiring a tool for opening.

@seantaylor9758 Год назад

Whilst an unprotected cable comes into a property there will always be those that will avoid a meter. So until the metering is in the street in a secure cabinet this will continue. Water is the same where people tap onto other supplies and it reminds me of nearly 40 years ago when people used to used their neighbours phone line meter in the days of party lines where all it needed was an earth on either the a leg or b leg of the shared service!! Large profits from utilities also encourage the desperate to do dangerous things!

@LC-km9kp 2 года назад

Reminds me of a Scotch block connector I don’t think in its current form is suffice and would need additional enclosure

@KnugenMooMoo 2 года назад

How do you get it undone once the bolt come off ? Or you gotta break the plastic screw then cut the security bolt ?

@Blackf1ngers 2 года назад

There's another half of the nut which can be used to undo it. Bear in mind the tails cannot be left like that though as they now have 6 little holes where the IPC bit through. I went to a job where the meter had been changed and the supplier fitted an isolator and gave the homeowner a demand to get them replaced with henley blocks. thankfully there was enough play to fit the henleys at the point where the IPCs had been fitted and fix them back.

@madintheheid 2 года назад

Essentially the same as that used for underground cables, which are then epoxy potted in a polycarbonate shell, so there's no reason why you couldn't do the same above ground rather than leaving them to attract dafties.

@mikeselectricstuff 2 года назад

They could make these with a blind hole for the branch to address the insulation issue

@JasperJanssen 2 года назад

I don’t understand why the standard thing is those loose connector blocks. Doesn’t anyone sell an enclosure about the size of that extra consumer unit or less that is specifically designed to house three large Y-connections?

@ilsonbob 2 года назад

It's Aerial Bundled Conductor, not Cable. Only time I've seen a IPC or (Munchman if you live in Lincolnshire) 🤣🤣 fail is when someone has installed it on load and damaged the teeth. We even use them on insulated HV conductors. Decent bit of kit.

@squakkers 2 года назад

Are we saying that if someone made a proprietary 2 part enclosure so you screw the base to something stable and a lid that was only removable with a tool then it’s a green light for it? Why can’t they design the bolt to shear rather than the nut I feel uneasy about that amount of metal showing. Another concern is the only fault protection for the 10mm tails is the main fuse

@ladams5356 2 года назад

Obviously connecting the end of the cables and insulation test is even more critical as it’s connecting live

@barrieshepherd7694 Год назад

Can you send one over to John Ward for a welder current test?

@haldo691 2 года назад

Pretty much every house that's been connect to the electricity network in the last 20years is probably connected with a IPC most are in a resin joint underground

@englandcal 2 года назад

Exactly we've been using them for years on the underground and overhead network the originals had teething issues but the type we use now are bullet proof 👍

@travoltasbiplane1551 2 года назад

Underground ain't in your understairs cupboard!

@englandcal 2 года назад

@@travoltasbiplane1551 I agree and these will now start to feature in a lot of illegal extraction we go to disconnect as they make it safe for the to complete 🤷‍♂️

@haldo691 2 года назад

@@travoltasbiplane1551 most likely less likely to be an issue than a Henley block

@TheChipmunk2008 2 года назад

@@englandcal Hadn't thought of that but yeah, that's a potential nightmare!

@thewillfug 2 года назад

As an end user I have had an Indra EV Charger installed by a well known national EV Installer. Should I be concerned that they’ve used these connectors to connect to existing tails?

@stuartmann589 4 месяца назад

Yes

@Marks-Garage 2 года назад

They seem like a good idea but at the sametime if it was me i would want the job done properly. I understand its agro for electricians to have to pull the main fuse (Many do) but ultimately on every new smart meter install they should be putting a 100amp isolator after the meter. I recently had my meter upgrades and i fitted a 100amp isolator to my incomer board and the nice fella from siemens wired directly into that. I would love to see some stress testing of the joints using 100amp and then overloading it to 200amps, a flir camera will highlight any issues caused by overheating.

@MyNameWasTecho Год назад

If the meter tails are 25mm then it’s likely to be at least an 80a main fuse. If the connecting cable is 10mm then the current carrying of the capacity is lower than the protecting fuse, so it’s surely not permitted.

@AndrewStrydomBRP Год назад

Fusing of the spur off can be done at either end, it still protects the entire wire length from overcurrent.

@AutodidactEngineer 10 месяцев назад

Is the bolt that is left out live? Is it safe to touch?

@posei3960 Год назад

Not approved for double covered tails ( these are NOT double, insulated as a lot of folk like to refer to them) onlnapproved for ABC. Article in the latest NIC magazine about their pitfalls and non compliance suggests anyone who has these gets in touch with their installer!!

@DTech101 2 года назад

I’ll keep the Henley blocks and what is the rating of the clamps it’s just 6 spikes in a cable

@odinnln5694 2 года назад

1. You did not do a current flow test to see if the joints got hot. 2. Do the pointed clamps damage the underlying copper?

@efixx 2 года назад

More to follow.

@haldo691 2 года назад

The ones used for mainline connections on overhead lines will hold a few hundred amps I've seen 3 or 4 houses fed off of these on overhead lines

@simonparkinson1053 2 года назад

You need a JW style electric welder overcurrent test for that!

@boblewis5558 2 года назад

Hmmm ... Quick? Yes! Safe? ... Yes, BUT only if out of normal access and certainly NOT in my garage where random extraneous damage can EASILY occur. Henley block EVERY time. Preferably AFTER a 100A isolator between meter and block for simpler and safer later upgrades. The 100A isolator INSIDE the CU is a waste of MCB/AFD/Surge protector space. Stick one outside! Then when someone wants an extra CU feed to shed/workshop/outbuilding garage there's no need to pull main supplier fuse to add a Henley block and do the work.

@haldo691 2 года назад

Having a main isolator in the board is a waste of space also a safety hazard because there is always 2 terminals you can't make dead

@boblewis5558 2 года назад

@@haldo691 yes, agreed, but that's EXACTLY where it's fitted and what is worse, the still live main connections are DIRECT from the meter!! Only protection is the main supplier fuse!! Just DUMB!

@bramcoteelectrical1088 2 года назад

all fine...but your technically changing the type testing of the enclosure...it was Designed with a 100amp main switch by the manufacturer so technically leave it as is and fit 2nd board 😉

@thomasdoherty6876 2 года назад

How many amps are these rated for?

@scotthill5854 2 года назад

Safer way to bypass the meter in these tough times....... next you'll be showing the safe way to set up a grow.

@user-bw1un1np8q Год назад

what cable size did you use for the extra cable?

@efixx Год назад

6mm sq

@abcelectric 2 года назад

Surely it's contrary to the most fundamental part of the regs and is a C2? Basic insulation only. What's the debate? Put it in an enclosure and it becomes an even bigger Henley block. There's a reason it's used aerially

@mikeselectricstuff 2 года назад

Surely a better solution than Henley blocks would be to fit an isolator switch that has two sets of output terminals - does anyone make one like that?

@persona250 2 года назад

Yes its called a changeover switch

@haldo691 2 года назад

You get 4 pole isolators if you have economy 7 so it's not beyond possibilities

@Blackf1ngers 2 года назад

Use a 4 pole isolator and bridge them in pairs with a piece of busbar. The real reason these are used is because they can be done live (providing everything else is connected up first) as EV firms don't want their engineers cutting seals (in fact many of their clients specifically prohibit the practice) and getting isolators properly installed hold up the job so this is the solution.

@cjmillsnun 2 года назад

@@Blackf1ngers My installer didn't get the message then. He cut the meter seal and disconnected the line tail to isolate so he could fit the Henley Blocks. I then had to explain to the meter provider what happened when I got the meter changed.

@Blackf1ngers 2 года назад

@@cjmillsnun Well your installer has the right to work safely so that's why he did what he did. While it may not be liked by the metering companies he perhaps knew you were getting a new meter anyway so thought it was OK. I'm not saying I've never cut a seal, but companies don't want it done as a standard practice. If he had fit these IPCs your meter installer would likely have walked away until they were changed for henley blocks (at your cost) so we are caught between a rock and a hard place sometimes.

@pjeaton58 2 года назад

And yet they - who ever they be - made the IPC festoon lamp-holder illegal, because they Always know best !!!!!!!!!

@drhottubthehottubfactory8484 2 года назад

I THINK IF THE TUBING WHERE THE 10MM CABLE GOES, COULD BE REPLACED WITH A BLANKED OFF/INSULATED END, AND A SCREW ON INSULATED CAP BE PROVIDED TO GO ONTO THE END OF THE EXPOSED BOLT, THESE (IF REGULATED) COULD BE A GREAT ALERNATIVE WHERE SPACE IS A PROBLEM.

@johnmilla358 2 года назад

Great stuff. But I couldn’t see myself using those for meter tails. I’d prefer any connection to be encased & preferably in a metallic enclosure grounded off. Henley blocks have been around for years and they work well.

@craighughes517 2 года назад

We’re all just looking at these thinking “easy way to bypass your meter and you don’t even need to cut the suppliers seal”.

@BS25999 2 года назад

I'd like to see it opened up so we can see the contact area.

@filipe.skunk8 2 года назад

These are good but like you have shown I’ve only ever seen and use them on aerial feeds.. It’s not that it doesn’t work but I’d leave them to do the job on the poles only, there’s better products to be used in that situation like that Henley block. You’ll be connecting things live on the pole so it’s convenient the torque nut to not be linked to the actual connector. There’s not much to innovate in terms of connecting 2 thicker cables, what’s needed is people thinking in advance and install a bigger fuse board with 2 rows of 12 modules for example.. plenty of room for future upgrade so you can install a din rail distribution bar and breaker without the need of adding an extra fuse board or tapping into tails.. all in one board.. less mess

@TheKnightstar13 2 года назад

I'll stick to henley, thanks!

@MartinE63 2 года назад

With soaring energy prices the payback on these devices could be measured in a few hours. Just how fast can they be removed if a meter inspection person arrives at the door?

@simonparkinson1053 2 года назад

You beat me to saying that! Especially as the piercings are at the back.

@TheChipmunk2008 2 года назад

Whats a meter inspection person, our meter and main fuse have had no seals for 20 yrs, called the DNO and power company each about 5 times... apparently if you're the kind of person who lets them know, you're not the kind of person they worry about lol

@muzikman2008 2 года назад

"Alexa... remove my IDC connectors" lol...😂

@BLOCKsignallingUK 2 года назад

We had the meter reader visit. I said the garage was in a mess and we couldnt easily reach the meter. He said he would tick the "meter inacessable" box on his form and would revist sometime later. So no worries then......

@geraldelwood9660 2 года назад

Like everyone else my instinct is to say NO. Too many memories of the problems with 12v systems and scotch locks. But more specifically : why would we tap a 6mm or 10mm single insulated cable off a 100A supply. And the cut end of the load cable seems to have Very little protection if inserted a little too far into this device. Looked like a rubber glove being poked at 4.50 in the video.

@J0nny61 2 года назад

Take a look at Sicame, they do one that I think is better quality. Do I have reservations, yes. So my options are, remove the cut-out fuse, this has dangers attached, arc flash etc, or use a single insulated connector in a switch room, meter cupboard or maybe under the stairs in someone's house. Would I risk my IET membership status by getting one of my electricians to install one?? I think my answer is yes if, the IPC's are enclosed.

@deang5622 Год назад

Never heard of these. Seen them for thin data cables. If the contact resistance isn't good, then a fire on an outside overhead powerline isn't generally going to burn the house down.