Quote from: jonclox on June 18, 2013, 08:48:57 AM
I quoted 225 volts but maybe the reasding is/was lower than that. I will investigate and see what happens. All this info is makingmy head spin but I am trying to take it all in.
We will explore other firms besides BGas and see what comes up.
Thanks so far everybody

Hi Jon,

A good way to check is to test the voltage at the socket nearest to your consumer unit (fuse box), then test the voltage at the socket furthest away from the fuse box. (this could be an upstairs bedroom perhaps)

Compare the two results, your voltage at the closest point should always be higher. Remember to only do this if you feel safe in doing so!, if not call an electrician.

Thanks to everybody.
British Gas sent out an electition this afternoon to investigate the problem.
The earth wire is connected to a earthspike by a wrap round and clamp the nut down on the top of it. The earthspike is 'tatty' and although the wire vanishes into our roof it never arives at the RCD unit.
Its been like that for 13 years when we had the house rewired during extention work.
We never did trust the electrical workmanship of the builders guy.
Builder now lives in Spain etc. 

Just to confuse you a little more, you may not need that "earthspike" anyway. It depends on the type of earthing used in the installation and in particular how the electricity board supplies your power. I won't go into detail but the most common types of earthing systems are TN-S, TN-CS and TT. The latter is the only one which usually requires an earth rod. The other 2 will depend on the type of installation and in particular if you have separately fed outhouses etc.

Quite simply you're better off letting the electrician work out the type of earthing required which he can do by examining the supply coming into the house.