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.
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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?
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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
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