Research project looking at UK cases of neutral current diversion
ECA are working with industry partners - the IET, NICEIC, Electrical Safety First, NAPIT and SELECT - and are reaching out to the industry for their help in the research of ‘neutral current diversion’.
There’s not a lot of data available in the public domain, but that’s where you come in!
What is neutral current diversion?
In the event of a lost protective earthed neutral (PEN) conductor on a TN-C-S (PME) electrical supply, the installation loses its intended connection to neutral and Earth. Current is then ‘diverted’ and will find its way back to the supply transformer any way it can. One common route is through shared metallic pipework, such as gas and water pipes.
How do I report neutral current diversion?
Should neutral current diversion be detected, we ask that you submit your findings.
|
Please use the below QR code or visit this page, where you will presented with a number of simple questions, three of which will be: 1. What was the voltage/current that you measured?
|
|
What happens next?
The research period will run for six months, and the submissions will be reviewed. What happens next depends on what is uncovered. If there are lots of incidences in one area, then the DNO in that area will be made aware of the size of the problem. If there are lots of incidences countrywide, then every DNO will be alerted of the size of the problem. It may be that the group decides to inform the Government should the findings indicate a problem wider than expected.
This article appears on the ECA news and blog sites as 'ECA Members: Help us research neutral current diversion' dated JUla 16, 2024.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles about electricity.
- BSRIA articles.
- BSRIA definitions.
- Building management system.
- Building services.
- ECA articles.
- Electric.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrician.
- Electricity.
- Electricity bill.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- Low-voltage switchgear and protective devices.
- Mains electricity.
- Safe isolation for low voltage.
- Transducers and transformers.
Featured articles and news
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.