Manweb want to bill us over �600 for damage to their cable.

[smptrds]

Manweb want to bill us for damage to their cable which was damaged when a fence metal support was driven into the ground in our garden.
Although their cable was sunk approximately 18 inches in depth, it was not covered with tiles.
Doesn't the ruling state that power cables must be covered for safety or protection and therefore Manweb cannot bill us for this accident?

[kempie]

I think you will find that the regulations under BS 7671 indicate that the cable needs to be buried at least 18" or to be protected but not both.

Regulation 542-03-01.
All buried cables must be marked by cable covers or a suitable marker tape, and buried conduits or ducts must also be suitably identified. A warning tape above the duct or conduit run would be suitable.

Cables, conduits and ducts must be buried deep enough to avoid being damaged by any disturbance of the ground reasonably likely to occur. This could include gardening/horticultural works, excavating for any local buried service pipes etc. Generally, it is better to locate cables etc. clear of such possible works.

A depth of burial of less than 500 mm is usually inadvisable as shallow laid cables may be inadvertently damaged by general gardening etc. Cables that cannot be buried at a reasonable depth should be specifically protected, e.g. by ducts encased in concrete, or installed along an alternative route.

[buildersmate]

Does it supply only your dwelling? If it supplies others as well you could ask them why they don't have an easement (a legal right of passage for the cable through your land) and then perhaps try to trade their proposed charge against the granting of an easement.

[Siamsal]

I think - in essence - the answer is 'it's your fault'. You are supposed to be aware of buried services before you start. I think you are on a loser here.

Our power supply comes in across the front garden, and like yours is only about 18 inches deep. It is covered by a polythene warning tape, no physical protection. I know all this because I had to find it out before remaking our driveway.

[smptrds]

Thank you 'kempie' and others, very helpfull.