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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.