Broken PEN conductors and Diverted Neutral Currents - How to check for and mitigate them

Lets take a look at a 3 phase service head and the combined neutral and earth conductor. In this casing checking for and understanding both circulating network currents and diverted neutral currents.

This is not a new phenomenon and has existed since the 1930s in places. The wiring regulations and DNO providers take account of it during design and maintenance.

I take a look through process to test for it, BS 7671, GN8 earthing and bonding along with GN3 Inspection and Testing.

Its really important we acknowledge the low probability of PEN faults combined with the multitude of other network derived issues. But equally accept and understand the dangers when it does.

Please check the John Ward referenced video here    • Diverted Neutral Current Demonstratio...   which sets the issue out brilliantly.

When industry is faced with huge issues like basic trips, slips and falls, travel to and from work, stress, metal health, training, skills, jobs etc. Its easy to overlook the micro and niche issues. Equally it pays to be aware of them, I acknowledge this is a well discussed and understood concept among electricians so this is primarily shared for new entrants, trainees and apprentices.

I have shared loads around this probably for a decade and more so sorry for repeating a message many of you might have seen before.

Please get involved in the comments!