ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Approved Written Procedure

Work on Service Terminations
Section-1 – Changing Cut-Outs on PILC Cable

1 General Requirements
1.1 Scope of Approved Written Procedure:

Work on Service Terminations

Changing Cut-Outs on PILC Cable
This Approved Written Procedure details the procedures to be followed when Live changes of Low
Voltage cut-outs are to be carried out and also the installation of a Temporary Service Loop. The removal
of a Temporary Service Loop does not constitute Live working and therefore does not require an
Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures authorisation, however for completeness, the steps
for removal of a Temporary Service Loop are included within this document.
The procedures apply the principles established by the Safety Rules, in particular Safety Instruction-18,
‘Low Voltage Cables’, and Safety Instruction-19, ‘Low Voltage Service Terminations and Meters’, to
achieve Safety from the System.

1.2 Justification for Approved Written Procedure:

In accordance with Safety Rule A5.6.

1.3 This Approved Written Procedure details actions that shall be taken by appropriately trained and
authorised Persons to achieve a Safe System of Work.
The following categories of authorisation shall apply:

Authorised Person in charge of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures
AWP-02.
Members of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures AWP-02 or
Accompanying Person ACCOMP.
Persons under training: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures training under Personal
Supervision (TUPS one-to-one ratio, additional in number to minimum Working Party).

1.4 This Approved Written Procedure has been developed and Approved in accordance with the
requirements of Safety Instruction-9, ‘Approved Written Procedures’.

2 Specific Requirements – Actions to Maintain Safety from the System

2.1 The following actions shall be taken to maintain Safety from the System:

Live changes of Low Voltage cut-outs will only be permitted where there is suitable justification [in
accordance with the requirements of Safety Instruction-8, ‘Live Work’. Live changes of Low Voltage
cut-outs will only be permitted in accordance with procedures detailed in this Approved Written
Procedure.
Single and three-phase LV metal-clad or insulated cut-outs, including phenolic (black) cut-outs can be
changed under one of the procedures below provided that suitable justification to work Live has been
assessed.
Metal-clad cut-outs – General Requirements:
The existing cut-out may only be changed Live if the existing cut-out consists of fuse units, neutral block
and compound filled sealing chamber which must be separate items. Refer to Figure 1.

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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)

All other metal-clad cut-out types shall be changed under

Approved Written Procedure AWP/02/002, ‘Changing
Single-Phase ISCO Style Metal-Clad Cut-Out’, or changed
Dead.
Some cut-outs contain asbestos and shall be handled and
disposed of in accordance with an Approved Asbestos
Management procedure.
Single and three-phase metal-clad or insulated cut-outs
which are compound filled and / or are made off on PILC
service cables shall be replaced with Approved reversible
insulated cut-outs.
Approved reversible cut-outs allow the neutral and phase
connector blocks to be swapped to suit the polarity of the
PILC service cable. This ensures that the crutch of the PILC
service cable is not disturbed or the cores crossed. These
come in two types:
 Reversible single unit type with phase and neutral
combined in a single reversible block that can be
applied over both cores at same time. Refer to Figure
2 below
 Reversible type unit with separate phase / neutral
Figure 1 Separate Fuse Units, Neutral
blocks that are interchangeable and can be applied
Block and Compound Filled Sealing
one core at a time. Refer to Figure 3 below
Chamber
Where the PILC service cable requires the cores to be manipulated the Approved single unit reversible
insulated cut-out shall not be used. Any manipulation or adjustment of cores will require an Approved
insulated cut-out with separate phase and neutral units or the change shall be carried out Dead.

a) Cut-outs containing PILC cables where no manipulation of cores is required:

Where a single-phase cut-out must be changed the following conditions have to be met to allow the cut-
out to be changed to a reversible single unit type cut-out:
 The crutch is sealed and held firm with tape or compound and tape from a previous installation
 The existing cut-out has the same spacing between the centres of the phase and neutral cores as the
replacement reversible cut-out
 The length of the phase and neutral cores are equal and there is no requirement to strip any insulation
or manipulate any of the cores
If there is no compound around the crutch and / or the cores and crutch are not taped up to form a seal,
then the cut-out shall not be changed Live.

Figure 2 Reversible Cut-Out with Phase and Neutral Combined in a Single Reversible Block

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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)

b) Cut-outs containing PILC cables where the cores

require to be manipulated:
In the situation where a cut-out has to be changed and the
existing cores require manipulation or alteration the
standard reversible single unit type cut-out shall not be
used.
A cut-out with separate / interchangeable phase and
neutral units shall be used where:
 The conductor separation cannot be controlled, or
 Any of the cores have to be manipulated or altered
including stripping insulation or cutting, then each
core shall be terminated into the new cut-out one
core at a time

If a cut-out with separate units is not available or if there

is no compound around the crutch and / or the cores and
crutch are not taped up to form a seal, then the cut-out
shall not be changed Live.

Note: It is important to continually assess the risks as

Work progresses. If an unacceptable risk arises, for
Figure 3 Reversible Cut-Out with Separate example if damage is caused to the crutch of the cable as
Phase and Neutral Blocks the cores are disconnected, then the cable shall be
Isolated and proven Dead before removal.

Title Changing Cut-Outs on PILC Cable

Ref Action
Step 1 Examine the Work position and surroundings. Examine the cut-out and associated service
equipment for any signs of distress. Carry out a risk assessment to determine if this procedure
can still be carried out with the service Live. If in doubt, make the service cable Dead before
proceeding with the cut-out change.
Consider whether a non-Approved earth bonding clamp (compression type), has been used
to make an earth connection to the sheath of the PILC cable and whether it is reasonably
practicable to proceed with a Live cut-out change.
On phenolic (black) cut-outs, test for surface voltage in accordance with the requirements of
Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’. If there is indication of surface voltage,
the service cable shall be made Dead before proceeding with the cut-out change.
Step 2 If the Work can proceed, confirm correct polarity at a convenient socket and switch off the
customer’s load and any generation, for example solar panels.
Note: Before opening the cut-out, ensure that the appropriate PPE is used. In particular, fire
retardant coveralls, insulating gloves and a face visor shall be worn.
Step 3 Remove the fuse carriers and / or links from the phase and neutral units respectively. On
phenolic (black) cut-outs, test newly exposed parts of the cut-out for surface voltage.
Step 4 Test for voltage, correct polarity, and, where appropriate, phase rotation at the incoming
supply terminals as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’.
Note: If casing is still earthed, the phase connections need to be temporarily screened until
any internal earth connections have been disconnected.
Step 5 Before disconnecting the customer’s earth, carry out NCD (Neutral Current Diversion) checks
as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’.
Step 6 Remove any earth connections or earth wires in the vicinity of the fuse units and screen them
to prevent flashover. For metal-clad cut-outs use a test lamp to test between phase and metal
casing (no light) and metal casing and earth (no light), to ensure all earths have been removed
and no voltage is present on the metal casing. Carry out earth loop impedance and neutral
loop impedance tests.

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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Step 7 Identify and mark the phases and neutral meter tails then remove from the cut-out and
temporarily insulate the meter tails using Approved insulated end caps.
Note: If the meter tails are to be up-rated, replace and re-mark them one at a time.
Step 8 Remove the cable crutch cover. Inspect the cable, crutch and cores. Ensure that either a
sealing chamber is fitted and filled with compound or that the cores at the crutch of the cable
are sealed and held firm by tape or compound and tape from a previous installation.
Look for damage, unsatisfactory condition or defects such as deteriorated insulation leaving
excessive length of exposed cores, or hazards arising from previously manipulated cores.
Continue the risk assessment to determine if this procedure can still be carried out with the
service cable Live or if it will be necessary for the service cable to be Isolated. On phenolic
(black) cut-outs, test newly exposed parts of the cut-out for surface voltage.
Identify and mark the phases, neutral and earth cores of the incoming supply cable.

Title Changing Cut-Outs on PILC Cable

For Metal-clad cut-outs:

Removing the cable crutch cover may be achieved by undoing all bolts or screws holding the
front and back halves of the sealing chamber together and prising open using an Approved
insulated Hepnyf or core separator.
Remove excess compound from around the cores using an Approved Hepnyf or core
separator, ensuring sufficient compound is left to form the crutch seal. The phases, neutral
and earth cores of the incoming supply cable can now be identified and marked.
Ref Action
Step 9 Work on only one core at a time. Screen cores not being worked on or leave the appropriate
connection cover and empty fuse carrier in position to screen the conductors.
Step 10 Loosen the securing nut or screw on the first incoming cable core terminal.
Step 11 Unscrew the fuse unit or neutral block from the backboard.
Step 12 Carefully remove the units in turn from the cable cores and temporarily insulate using
Approved insulated end caps.
Step 13 Tape up and set the cable crutch to receive the new cut-out.
Step 14 Assemble the new cut-out to suit the polarity of the service cable to minimise disturbance to
the crutch and to ensure the cores will not be crossed.
Step 15 On single-phase cut-outs that do not require manipulation or alteration of cores both phase
and neutral cores can be exposed to allow reversible single unit type to be applied onto phase
and neutral cores at the same time.
Place the prepared reversible cut-out over both phase and neutral cores, and secure cut-out
terminal screws so that the cable is securely connected to the new cut out and progress from
step 18.
Any change requiring manipulation or alteration of cores or three-phase cut-out will require a
reversible type cut-out with separate phase / neutral units and progress from step 16 or carried
out Dead.
Step 16 Working on one core at a time remove the Approved insulated end cap from the first phase
and fit it into the phase block in the cut-out. Tighten up the screws and fit the cover and empty
fuse holder. Repeat step for other cores.
Step 17 Remove the Approved insulated end cap from the neutral core and fit the neutral block. Fit
the neutral block to the cut-out. Ensure the screws are tightened and fit the neutral cover and
sealing chamber.
Step 18 Where there is a requirement to provide an earth, make off an earth connection as detailed in
Approved Written Procedure AWP/02/003, ‘Fitting Mechanical Earth Bonds on PILC
Service Cables’.
Step 19 Test for correct voltage, supply polarity, earth loop impedance, neutral loop impedance, and
where appropriate, correct phase rotation as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low
Voltage Plant’.

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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Step 20 Ensure all earth connections removed in Step 6 are reconnected correctly.
Step 21 Reconnect the customer meter tails, ensuring they are marked appropriately and that the cut-
out has identification labels affixed.
Restore the customer’s supply on completion of the Work and where applicable, switch back
on generation, for example solar panels.
Confirm correct polarity at the same socket as in Step 2 above.

Title Changing Cut-Outs on PILC Cable where no manipulation is required

Ref Action
Step 9a Loosen the securing screws on the incoming cable core terminals, ensure that the cable is
secure prior to this.
Step 10a Remove fixing screws from the backboard.
Step 11a Ensuring that the core separation is controlled, lift the cut-out from the phase and neutral
cores in one movement.
Step 12a Place the prepared reversible cut out over both phase and neutral cores, and secure cut-
out terminal screws so that the cable is securely connected to the new cut-out.
Step 13a Screw the new cut-out to the backboard and fit the empty fuse holder and chamber
(including grommets) as required.
Step 14a Where there is a requirement to provide an earth, make off an earth connection as detailed
in Approved Written Procedure AWP/02/003, ‘Fitting Mechanical Earth Bonds on PILC
Service Cables’.
Step 15a Test for correct voltage, supply polarity, earth loop impedance, neutral loop impedance and,
where appropriate, correct phase rotation as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low
Voltage Plant’.
Step 16a Ensure all earth connections removed in step 6 are reconnected correctly.
Step 17a Reconnect the customer meter tails, ensuring they are marked appropriately and that the
cut-out has identification labels affixed.
Restore the customer’s supply on completion of the Work and where applicable, switch
back on generation, for example solar panels.
Confirm correct polarity at the same socket as in step 2 above.

Title Changing Cut-Outs on PILC Cable where manipulation of cores is required

Ref Action
Step 9b Loosen the securing screws on the incoming cable core terminals, ensure that the cable is
secure prior to this.
Step 10b Remove fixing screws from the backboard.
Step 11b Ensuring that the core separation is controlled, remove the cut-out from the phase and
neutral cores in one movement, and temporarily insulate using Approved insulated end
caps.
Step 12b Tape up and set the cable crutch to receive the new cut-out
Step 13b Assemble the new cut-out to suit the polarity of the service cable to minimise disturbance to
the crutch and to ensure the cores will not be crossed.
Step 14b Working on one core at a time remove the Approved insulated end cap from the first phase
and fit it into the phase block in the cut-out. Tighten up the screws and fit the cover and
empty fuse holder. Repeat step for other phases.
Step 15b Remove the Approved insulated end cap from the neutral core and fit the neutral block. Fit
the neutral block to the cut-out. Ensure the screws are tightened and fit the neutral cover
and sealing chamber.

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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/001 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Step 16b Where there is a requirement to provide an earth, make off an earth connection as detailed
in Approved Written Procedure AWP/02/003, ‘Fitting Mechanical Earth Bonds on PILC
Service Cables’.
Step 17b Test for correct voltage, supply polarity, earth loop impedance, neutral loop impedance and,
where appropriate, correct phase rotation as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low
Voltage Plant’.
Step 18b Ensure all earth connections removed in Step 6 are reconnected correctly.
Step 19b Reconnect the customer meter tails, ensuring they are marked appropriately and that the
cut-out has identification labels affixed.
Restore the customer’s supply on completion of the Work and where applicable, switch
back on generation, for example. solar panels.
Confirm correct polarity at the same socket as in Step 2 above.

3 Specific Requirements – Actions on Interruption of Work

3.1 The following actions shall be taken on interruption of Work:

Not applicable.

4 Specific Requirements – Actions on Completion of Work

4.1 The following actions shall be taken on completion of Work:

All members of the Working Party shall be withdrawn from the Work area and instructed not to Work on
the Plant.

ISSUE DATE VERSION No. AMENDMENT DETAILS

2024 1 New Approved Written Procedure

PROCEDURE PROCEDURE PROCEDURE

AUTHOR APPROVAL ISSUE AUTHORITY
Name: PRG Name: PRG Name: CSRC
Title: - Title: - Title: -
Date: 01-03-24 Date: 01-03-24 Date: 01-03-24

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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Approved Written Procedure

Work on Service Terminations
Section-2 – Changing Single-Phase ISCO Style Metal-Clad Cut-Out

1 General Requirements
1.1 Scope of Approved Written Procedure:

Work on Service Terminations

Changing Single-Phase ISCO Style Metal-Clad Cut-Out
This Approved Written Procedure details the procedures to be followed when Live changes of Low
Voltage cut-outs are to be carried out and also the installation of a Temporary Service Loop. The removal
of a Temporary Service Loop does not constitute Live working and therefore does not require an
Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures authorisation, however for completeness, the steps
for removal of a Temporary Service Loop are included within this document.
The procedures apply the principles established by the Safety Rules, in particular Safety Instruction-18,
‘Low Voltage Cables’, and Safety Instruction-19, ‘Low Voltage Service Terminations and Meters’, to
achieve Safety from the System.

1.2 Justification for Approved Written Procedure:

In accordance with Safety Rule A5.6.

1.3 This Approved Written Procedure details actions that shall be taken by appropriately trained and
authorised Persons to achieve a Safe System of Work.
The following categories of authorisation shall apply:

Authorised Person in charge of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures
AWP-02.
Members of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures AWP-02 or
Accompanying Person ACCOMP.
Persons under training: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures training under Personal
Supervision (TUPS one-to-one ratio, additional in number to minimum Working Party).

1.4 This Approved Written Procedure has been developed and Approved in accordance with the
requirements of Safety Instruction-9, ‘Approved Written Procedures’.

2 Specific Requirements – Actions to Maintain Safety from the System

2.1 The following actions shall be taken to maintain Safety from the System:

Live changes of Low Voltage cut-outs will only be permitted where there is suitable justification [in
accordance with the requirements of Safety Instruction-8, ‘Live Work’. Live changes of Low Voltage
cut-outs will only be permitted in accordance with procedures detailed in this Approved Written
Procedure.
This Approved Written Procedure enables suitably trained and Authorised Persons to change ISCO
style single-phase cut-outs and replace them with Approved reversible insulated cut-outs.

Page 1 of 4
ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Approved reversible cut-outs can be dismantled and the neutral and phase connector blocks can be
swapped to suit the polarity of the PILC service cable. This ensures that the crutch of the PILC service
cable is not disturbed by crossing cores. Only cut-outs with separate phase and neutral units shall be used
to replace ISCO type cut-outs. If this type is not available, the cut-out shall be changed Dead.
The ISCO style single-phase metal-clad cut-out may contain asbestos which shall be handled and disposed
of in accordance with an Approved asbestos management procedure.
Note: It is important to continually assess the risks as Work progresses. If an unacceptable risk arises, for
example if damage is caused to the crutch of the cable as the cores are disconnected, then the cable shall
be Isolated and proven Dead before removal.

Title Changing Single-Phase ISCO Style Metal-Clad Cut-Out

Ref Action
Step 1 Examine the Work position and surroundings. Examine the cut-out and associated service
equipment for any signs of distress. Carry out a risk assessment to determine if this procedure
can still be carried out with the service Live. If in doubt, make the service cable Dead before
proceeding with the cut-out change.
Consider whether a non-Approved earth bonding clamp (compression type), has been used
to make an earth connection to the sheath of the PILC cable and whether it is reasonably
practicable to proceed with a Live cut-out change.
Step 2 If the Work can proceed, confirm correct polarity at a convenient socket and switch off the
customer’s load and any generation, for example solar panels.
Note: Before opening the cut-out, ensure that the appropriate PPE is used, in particular, flame
retardant coveralls, insulating gloves and a face visor shall be worn.
Step 3 Remove front cover, fuses and phase barriers / separators from the Live and neutral units
respectively.
Step 4 Test for voltage and correct supply polarity as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low
Voltage Plant’.
Note: If an earth is present on the casing then the phase connections needs to be temporarily
screened until any internal earth connections have been disconnected.
Step 5 Before disconnecting the customer’s earth, carry out NCD (Neutral Current Diversion) checks
as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’.
Step 6 Remove or screen any earth connections or earth wires in the vicinity of the fuse units to
prevent flashover. Using a test lamp, test between phase and metal casing (no light) and metal
casing and earth (no light), to ensure all earths have been removed and no voltage is present
on the metal casing. Carry out earth loop impedance and neutral loop impedance tests
Step 7 Identify and mark the phase and neutral meter tails then remove from the cut-out and
temporarily insulate the meter tails using Approved insulated end caps.
Note: If the meter tails are to be up-rated, replace and re-mark them one at a time.

Page 2 of 4
ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Step 8 Unscrew all bolts or screws holding the front pouring plate and separate the plate from the
compound using an Approved insulated Hepnyf or core separator.
Note: At this point disconnect any internal earth connections if present and retest to ensure
no voltage between phase and metal casing and metal casing and earth before continuing
Step 9 Unscrew the two porcelain fuse carriers from the back plate using an Approved insulated
screwdriver.
Inspect the cable, crutch and cores. Look for damage, unsatisfactory condition or defects such
as deteriorated insulation leaving excessive length of exposed cores. Continue the risk
assessment to determine if this procedure can still be carried out with the service cable Live
or if it will be necessary for the service cable to be Isolated.
Step 10 Hold the back plate with one hand to stop it from falling. Gently tap the iron back plate to
release it from the compound. Remove the back plate.
Step 11 Work on only one core at a time. Remove the porcelain carrier and shroud the core with
Approved insulated end cap.
Step 12 Remove excess compound from around the cores using an Approved Hepnyf or core
separator. Ensure enough compound is left to form the crutch seal.
Step 13 For each core in turn, tape up from the crutch to where the Approved insulated end cap starts
and mark using phase identification tape.
Step 14 Assemble the new cut-out to suit the polarity of the service cable to minimise disturbance to
the crutch and to ensure the cores will not be crossed.
Step 15 Remove the Approved insulated end caps from the phase core and fit into the phase block
of cut-out. Tighten up the screws and fit the covers and empty fuse holder.
Step 16 Remove the Approved insulated end cap from the neutral core and fit it into the neutral block
of the cut-out. Ensure the screws are tightened and fit the neutral cover.
Step 17 Fit the sealing chamber
Step 18 Where there is a requirement to provide an earth, make off an earth connection as detailed in
in Approved Written Procedure AWP/02/003, ‘Fitting Mechanical Earth Bonds on PILC
Service Cables’.
Step 19 Test for correct voltage, supply polarity, earth loop impedance, neutral loop impedance and,
where appropriate, correct phase rotation as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low
Voltage Plant’.
Step 20 Ensure all earth connections removed in Step 6 are reconnected correctly.
Step 21 Reconnect the customer meter tails, ensuring they are marked appropriately and that the cut-
out has identification labels affixed.
Restore supply to the customer and switch back on generation, for example solar panels.
Confirm correct polarity at the same socket as in Step 2 above.

3 Specific Requirements – Actions on Interruption of Work

3.1 The following actions shall be taken on interruption of Work:

Not applicable.

4 Specific Requirements – Actions on Completion of Work

4.1 The following actions shall be taken on completion of Work:

All members of the Working Party shall be withdrawn from the Work area and instructed not to Work on
the Plant.

Page 3 of 4
ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/002 1st Edition (Issue 1)

ISSUE DATE VERSION No. AMENDMENT DETAILS

2024 1 New Approved Written Procedure

PROCEDURE PROCEDURE PROCEDURE

AUTHOR APPROVAL ISSUE AUTHORITY
Name: PRG Name: PRG Name: CSRC
Title: - Title: - Title: -
Date: 01-03-24 Date: 01-03-24 Date: 01-03-24

Page 4 of 4
ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/003 1st Edition (Issue 1)

Approved Written Procedure

Work on Service Terminations
Section-3 – Fitting Mechanical Earth Bonds on PILC Service Cables

1 General Requirements
1.1 Scope of Approved Written Procedure:

Work on Service Terminations

Fitting Mechanical Earth Bonds on PILC Service Cables
This Approved Written Procedure details the procedures to be followed when Live changes of Low
Voltage cut-outs are to be carried out and also the installation of a Temporary Service Loop. The removal
of a Temporary Service Loop does not constitute Live working and therefore does not require an
Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures authorisation, however for completeness, the steps
for removal of a Temporary Service Loop are included within this document.
The procedures apply the principles established by the Safety Rules, in particular Safety Instruction-18,
‘Low Voltage Cables’, and Safety Instruction-19, ‘Low Voltage Service Terminations and Meters’, to
achieve Safety from the System.

1.2 Justification for Approved Written Procedure:

In accordance with Safety Rule A5.6.

1.3 This Approved Written Procedure details actions that shall be taken by appropriately trained and
authorised Persons to achieve a Safe System of Work.
The following categories of authorisation shall apply:

Authorised Person in charge of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures
AWP-02.
Members of the Working Party: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures AWP-02 or
Accompanying Person ACCOMP.
Persons under training: Authorised Person Approved Written Procedures training under Personal
Supervision (TUPS one-to-one ratio, additional in number to minimum Working Party).

1.4 This Approved Written Procedure has been developed and Approved in accordance with the
requirements of Safety Instruction-9, ‘Approved Written Procedures’.

2 Specific Requirements – Actions to Maintain Safety from the System

2.1 The following actions shall be taken to maintain Safety from the System:

Live changes of Low Voltage cut-outs will only be permitted where there is suitable justification [in
accordance with the requirements of Safety Instruction-8, ‘Live Work’. Live changes of Low Voltage
cut-outs will only be permitted in accordance with procedures detailed in this Approved Written
Procedure.
Single and three-phase LV metal-clad or insulated cut-outs, including phenolic (black) cut outs can be
changed under one of the procedures below provided that suitable justification to work Live has been
assessed.
Metal-clad cut-outs – General Requirements:
The existing cut out may only be changed Live if the existing cut-out consists of fuse units, neutral block
and compound filled sealing chamber which must be separate items

Page 1 of 3
ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/003 1st Edition (Issue 1)

All other metal-clad cut-out types shall be changed under

Approved Written Procedure AWP/02/002, ‘Changing
Single-Phase ISCO Style Metal-Clad Cut-Out’, or changed
Dead.
Some cut-outs contain asbestos and shall be handled and
disposed of in accordance with an Approved asbestos
management procedure.
Single and three-phase metal-clad or insulated cut-outs
which are compound filled and / or are made off on PILC
service cables shall be replaced with Approved reversible
insulated cut-outs.
Approved reversible cut-outs allow the neutral and phase
connector blocks to be swapped to suit the polarity of the
PILC service cable. This ensures that the crutch of the PILC
service cable is not disturbed or the cores crossed. These
come in two types:
 Reversible single unit type with phase and neutral
combined in a single reversible block that can be
applied over both cores at same time
 Reversible type unit with separate phase / neutral
blocks that are interchangeable and can be applied
one core at a time
Where the PILC service cable requires the cores to be manipulated the Approved single unit reversible
insulated cut-out shall not be used. Any manipulation or adjustment of cores will require an Approved
insulated cut-out with separate phase and neutral units or the change shall be carried out Dead.

a) Cut-outs containing PILC cables where no manipulation of cores is required:

Where a single-phase cut-out has to be changed the following conditions have to be met to allow the cut-
out to be changed to a reversible single unit type cut-out:
 The crutch is sealed and held firm with tape or compound and tape from a previous installation
 The existing cut-out has the same spacing between the centres of the phase and neutral cores as the
replacement reversible cut-out
 The length of the phase and neutral cores are equal and there is no requirement to strip any insulation
or manipulate any of the cores
If there is no compound around the crutch and / or the cores and crutch are not taped up to form a seal,
then the cut-out shall not be changed Live.

b) Cut-outs containing PILC cables where the cores require to be manipulated:

In the situation where a cut-out has to be changed and the existing cores require manipulation or alteration
the standard reversible single unit type cut-out shall not be used.
A cut-out with separate / interchangeable phase and neutral units shall be used where:
 The conductor separation cannot be controlled, or
 Any of the cores have to be manipulated or altered including stripping insulation or cutting, then each
core shall be terminated into the new cut-out one core at a time.
If a cut-out with separate units is not available or if there is no compound around the crutch and/or the cores
and crutch are not taped up to form a seal, then the cut-out shall not be changed Live.

Title Fitting Mechanical Earth Bonds on PILC Service Cables

Ref Action
Step 1 Examine the cut-out and associated service equipment for any signs of distress. Where there
is evidence of distress, carry out a risk assessment to determine if this procedure can still be
carried out. If in doubt, ensure identified issues are rectified before proceeding.

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ScottishPower Approved Written Procedure AWP/002/003 1st Edition (Issue 1)

On phenolic (black) cut-outs, test for surface voltage in accordance with the requirements of
Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’.
If there is indication of surface voltage, the service cable shall be made Dead before
proceeding with the cut-out change.
Step 2 If the Work can proceed, switch off the customer’s load and any generation, for example solar
panels.
Step 3 Remove the fuse and link from Live and neutral units respectively. On phenolic (black) cut-
outs, test newly exposed parts of the cut-out for surface voltage.
Step 4 If required, strip back the cable armours to expose the lead sheath then clean and degrease
the cable armours and lead sheath. Complete an earth loop impedance test and neutral loop
impedance test as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low Voltage Plant’. If values
obtained are outside acceptable limits do not provide customer with an earth connection and
report to your supervisor. (For further guidance see EART-01-002 – Low Voltage Earthing
Policy).
Step 5 Fit the Approved mechanical earth bond kit as detailed in the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
Step 6 Ensure the warning label is clearly visible.
Step 7 Neatly set the copper earth wire to the earth termination block.
Step 8 Strip back the earth wire insulation and connect into the earth terminal block.
Step 9 Complete an earth loop impedance test as detailed in Safety Instruction-15, ‘Testing Low
Voltage Plant’, to confirm installed value.
Step 10 Connect the customer’s earth (where this is ready for connection) and fit the protective cover
to the earth termination block.
Step 11 Restore customer’s supply on completion of the Work and switch back on generation, for
example solar panels.

3 Specific Requirements – Actions on Interruption of Work

3.1 The following actions shall be taken on interruption of Work:

Not applicable.

4 Specific Requirements – Actions on Completion of Work

4.1 The following actions shall be taken on completion of Work:

All members of the Working Party shall be withdrawn from the Work area and instructed not to Work on
the Plant.

ISSUE DATE VERSION No. AMENDMENT DETAILS

2024 1 New Approved Written Procedure

PROCEDURE PROCEDURE PROCEDURE

AUTHOR APPROVAL ISSUE AUTHORITY
Name: PRG Name: PRG Name: CSRC
Title: - Title: - Title: -
Date: 01-03-24 Date: 01-03-24 Date: 01-03-24

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