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Incoming cable · 0:00

Welcome to the home of EPHG. Let’s follow electricity into this house, one part at a time.

The electricity service cable connects this home to the local distribution network. This house has an underground supply; other homes have overhead wires.

As the cable reaches the wall, it ends at a service head, also called a cut-out.

Service head and main fuse · 0:36

This enclosure houses the main fuse, before the electricity meter.

The fuse normally sits inside its sealed holder.

Inside the fuse is a metal element.

If excessive current flows long enough, this element melts. This breaks the circuit to limit damage. Unlike a trip switch, this main fuse cannot be reset.

The incoming service cable, service head and main fuse are normally maintained by your local network operator. Your energy supplier is the company that bills you.

Sealed equipment needs authorised work. Do not break the seals or remove the fuse yourself; your electrician can coordinate the correct arrangements.

Switching off your home’s main switch does not make this incoming equipment safe. Leave it closed.

If you notice damage, scorching or a burning smell at the incoming cable or service head, keep away. Do not touch the equipment or attempt a repair. Contact your network operator using the numbers shown.

On screen: network emergencies — 105 in Great Britain; NIE Networks: 03457 643 643 in Northern Ireland.

Planning a heat pump or electric vehicle charger? Ask your installer to assess the supply and coordinate any required network approval or upgrade.

Electricity meter · 2:15

After the main fuse, the electricity meter records energy taken from the network in kilowatt-hours.

One kilowatt-hour is one kilowatt used for one hour.

The reading is a running total. The increase between two readings tells you how much energy was taken from the network during that period.

On-screen example: an earlier reading of 1,234 kWh and a later reading of 1,237 kWh show 3 kWh imported from the network.

Your supplier uses those readings and your tariff to calculate the energy charge.

On-screen note: any standing charge is separate from the energy charge.

A smart meter can send readings automatically. Its indoor display is a separate device.

In Great Britain, contact your energy supplier for meter faults, reading concerns, or to arrange metering work.

In Northern Ireland, NIE Networks owns and manages the main electricity meters. Billing and tariff questions go to your supplier.

Meter tails and isolator · 3:22

The meter cabinet and its door protect this equipment. They are normally the property owner’s responsibility, even though the sealed equipment inside has different owners.

The cables leaving the meter are called meter tails. They carry the supply towards the consumer unit, where it is divided into the home’s circuits.

On-screen note: meter tails are insulated and sheathed cables.

Some homes have a separate isolator between the meter and consumer unit. This double-pole switch disconnects both line and neutral from the installation beyond it.

On-screen note: the isolator is a switch, not automatic fault protection.

The incoming side can still be live. Solar panels or batteries can introduce other sources of electricity.

The cables leaving this isolator towards the consumer unit form part of the property owner’s installation. Without a separate isolator, the owner’s supply cables normally run directly from the meter.

Responsibility for the isolator itself and the short meter connections can vary. Your electrician and energy supplier should confirm the arrangement before work begins.

For faults, repairs or alterations to the consumer unit, its supply cables or the wiring inside your home, hire a qualified electrician. They can assess the work and coordinate any necessary supply isolation.

On-screen note: renters should contact their landlord or managing agent about the property’s installation.

Our next film will follow the supply from the consumer unit into the home’s circuits. Find the series through Explore your electricity.

Water main & connection · 0:00

Welcome to the home of EPHG. Let’s follow the water supply into this house, one part at a time.

The public water main distributes drinking water through the local network. It is maintained by the water company and often runs beneath the road.

A smaller connection, called the communication pipe, links the main to the property’s supply. The water company normally maintains this section.

External stop tap · 0:39

Near the boundary there may be an external stop tap beneath a small cover. It allows the supply to be isolated for work. Ask your water company about problems with its valve; a shared valve may also affect neighbours.

Water meter · 0:57

Where a water meter is fitted, it records the volume passing through it, not the water pressure. One cubic metre is one thousand litres. Meter locations and household charging arrangements vary. Contact your water company about meter faults or readings.

Private supply pipe · 1:17

The private supply pipe continues towards the house. The property owner normally maintains this pipe, usually from the property boundary. The position of the meter does not prove where responsibility changes. Shared supplies can mean shared responsibility.

Inside stop valve · 1:37

Inside the home, the internal stop valve controls the incoming mains water. It is often under the kitchen sink, but its position varies. This valve and the home’s plumbing are normally the property owner’s responsibility.

Know where your internal stop valve is before a leak happens. If it is stuck or leaking, contact a plumber rather than forcing it. Stored water can remain in tanks and pipework after the incoming supply is closed.

If several neighbours lose water or pressure together, check your water company’s service updates and contact them. They can help establish whether a problem is on the network or the private supply.

For a leaking private supply pipe, a faulty internal valve, or repairs to your home’s plumbing, use a qualified plumber experienced in that work. If you rent, contact your landlord or managing agent.

The next film will follow the water beyond the stop valve to the fixtures and systems inside the home. Find the series through Explore your water.

Main & service · 0:00

Welcome to the home of EPHG. This house uses mains natural gas. Let’s follow its journey from the street to the pipework serving the home.

The gas main distributes gas through the local network. The network operator maintains these pipes. This is a different role from the energy supplier that sells you gas and sends your bills.

A smaller service pipe connects the main to the property. In this example, a yellow plastic pipe runs below ground and meets a protected metal riser. Pipe materials, routes and depths vary between properties.

Meter box & valve · 0:46

The external meter box protects the equipment and provides access to it. The box itself is normally the property owner’s responsibility, even though the gas equipment inside is looked after separately.

The emergency control valve allows the incoming gas supply to be shut off. Know where yours is before an emergency. In the usual Great Britain arrangement, the network operator maintains the service pipe up to and including this valve.

Regulator · 1:20

The regulator controls the pressure of gas passing through the meter. It helps keep that pressure within the range the installation needs. Its settings are sealed; adjustment and repair belong with authorised specialists.

Gas meter · 1:38

The gas meter records the volume passing through it. This metric example reads in cubic metres; older meters may use cubic feet. Your bill converts the reading into kilowatt hours, which measure energy.

In Great Britain, your supplier normally arranges care of the meter and its associated equipment. In Northern Ireland, the network may look after the meter too. For reading or billing questions, start with your supplier.

Your pipework · 2:14

From the meter outlet, the pipework feeding the home’s appliances is normally the property owner’s responsibility. Here it is shown in copper, but materials vary. Owning that pipework does not make it suitable for do-it-yourself gas work.

For repairs or alterations to the home’s gas pipework and appliances, use a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for that work. Check their registration and the categories on their identification card. If you rent, contact your landlord or managing agent.

Gas emergency · 2:55

If you smell gas, avoid flames and electrical switches. Leave the building and call from outside. In Great Britain, call 0800 111 999. In Northern Ireland, call 0800 002 001. Follow the emergency service’s advice.

The next film will follow the pipework beyond the meter towards the appliances it serves. Find the series through Explore your gas system.