Glossary
ASC - Authorised Supply Capacity - This is for Maximum Demand customers and is the maximum load they are allowed to take and should not exceed. Customers pay for the ability to use that capacity.
Betterment - This is where Central Networks pay for improvements to the network when these works are carried out in conjunction with new connection work.
Bottle End (B/E) - This is the cover that is fitted and finishes the end of a cable and can be used on either HV or LV cables.
Breech Joint - Breech Joint - This is the joint used to "Tee" joint one cable to another and can be HV or LV.
Cablesafe - A service offered by Central Networks giving advice for anyone working near their cables or lines.
CAF - Cost Apportionment Factor - This is a proportion of the cost paid by Central Networks when applying betterment to the network.
CAT - Customer Application Team - deals with all new enquiries for metered connections.
Central Networks - Central Networks are a part of E.ON and own the Network Assets such as the underground cables, overhead wires and substations.
Column Erection - Providing a street lighting column at the same time as an electrical connection.
CiC/Competitive - Competition in Connections - The process designed by Ofgem to deliver choice to customers wanting a new connection. Any competitive queries are dealt with by Network Strategy and Regulation, Central networks.
Contestable/ Non Contestable - Contestable works are those connection activities which can be carried out by any person on our network. Non-contestable are those works which only CN can undertake - this is the final network connection, diverting existing network and reinforcing existing network.
CT Metering - A way of metering very large loads.
Cut out - This is Central Networks mains fuse equipment and can be of various sizes depending upon load requirements and subsequent cut-out size. This is where the service cable ends, inside the cut-out is a fuse which prevents overload and protects the meter.
Delivery - The process in New Business following work packaging to the ISP/ESP. This would include the physical construction of the network assets.
Delivery Centre - Area office/work base where our regional delivery teams are based and work from
Disconnection - The removal of an electricity supply to a building.
Disturbing Load - A disturbing Load is a load such as a motor or welder (usually on start up) which can cause a disturbance (e.g. light flicker) to other user's supplies on the same network.
Diversion - Relocation of Central Networks assets at the request of a customer. This is chargeable to the customer and is non-contestable.
DNO - Distribution Network Operator - These are the owners of the Network assets.
Ducts - A form of black polypipe/Rigiduct which electricity cables are fed through for protection.
DUoS - Distribution Use of System - This is the element of standing charge on supply bills which is paid to the network owner (Central Networks).
Energy Services - A wholly owned subsidiary of E.ON UK plc, who work on behalf of Central Networks to provide energy connections.
ESP - External Service Provider - These are our external contractors that construct our designs/quotations.
Fibre optic cable - A cable with a number of centred glass cores which can facilitate the transfer of light data. This may be installed underground or overhead between pylons.
Formal Offer - Written quotation for works to give requested supply/supplies
Fuse - A device for protecting electrical circuits.
'H' Pole - This is a double pole for heavier mechanical (physical) loads with the appearance of a capital H.
HV - High Voltage - This is any voltage on the network above 415 Volts (11000V, 33000V, 132000V).
ISP - Internal Service Provider - These are our internal delivery teams that construct our designs/quotations.
KVA/KW - Kilovoltamps/Kilowatts - Units of measurement of load (power).
LC4 Statement - Licence Condition 4. This is the publicly available document which explains how we provide connections services to Central Networks.
LV - Low Voltage - This is any voltage on the network below and including 415 Volts (415v, 240V).
Mains Cable - A mains cable is a cable that supplies many buildings.
MD - Maximum Demand - this is the highest expected electrical load drawn from the network by an individual/individuals. This can also be a type of billing tariff.
Meter Box - Housing within which the meter sits, usually located on an outside wall.
Meter Cubicle - Usually brick or block built waterproof enclosure for housing meter/cut out or meters/cut outs.
Meter Position - The point at where the meter will be located/positioned at a property.
Meter Tails - The wire that connects the cut-out to the meter.
MPAN - Metering Point Administration Number - This is the number allocated to a specific electricity supply.
MSDB - Multi Service Distribution Board - These are the metering boards/cut outs usually used in flats.
NRSWA - New Road and Street Works Act - this is the act which sets regulations for all utilities/authorities working on the public highway.
MU - Multi-Utility - A network connection involving more than one utility. The supply of a gas and/or water connection in addition to the electricity connection.
Ofgem - Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
OHL - Overhead Line - Conductors (cables) that run overhead, suspended from poles.
Private Network - An electricity supply network not owned or maintained by Central Networks.
PDM - Project Delivery Managers - These are our own delivery managers who oversee the delivery of our schemes.
PL - Public Lighting
PM - Project Managers - These are our ESP delivery managers who oversee the delivery of our schemes for the ESP.
PME - Protective Multiple Earth - A form of earthing that maybe provided by Central Networks/Energy Services.
PMT/PT - Pole Mounted Transformer/Pole Transformer - This is a transformer which is mounted on a pole/poles (up to 315 KVA size).
Pot End (P/E) - Another term for Bottle End.
Primary substation - Medium sized substation where voltage is transformed from 33KV to 11KV.
Reinforcement - This is the work carried out to upgrade the existing network where needed to provide a new connection or load increase.
Reinstatement - Reinstatement is the repairs to the ground surface following excavation.
Road Crossing - Excavation of a road for the installation of cables/pipes.
Scheme - The application, design & quotation and physical construction of a job.
Secondary substation - Small distribution substation wher voltage is transformed from 11KV to 415KV.
Service - This is the general term which covers the joint, service cable and cut-out.
Service Cable - The cable that supplies individual properties with electricity. This can be either overhead or underground.
Single Phase -
Shut Down - The isolation (turning off) of a piece of network to allow work on existing cables/plant etc. This usually affects other customers on that network.
Stop End (S/E) - Another term for Bottle End.
Straight Joint - Straight Joint - This is is the joint used to joint one cable to another essentially in line and can be either HV or LV.
Substation - The general term for ground mounted electrical plant comprising transformer and relevant distribution equipment. It can be open in a compound, or housed in either a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) or brick built housing.
Supplier - The company who you buy your electricity off and pay your bills to.
Tails - These are the cables between the cut-out and meter.
Temporary Supply - A supply that is only going to be live for a short period and will then be disconnected. Usually builder's site cabins etc when constructing a site.
Three Phase - Usually applies to customers with high usage, commercial properties, large domestic properties. The service cable carries the supply through 3 phases to a 3 phase cut out which has 3 fuses.
TMA - Traffic Management Act - Introduced in 2004 to tackle congestion and disruption on the road network due to works.
Transformer - Electrical equipment which "transforms" High Voltage to Low Voltage and forms part of a substation.
Wayleave - A legal agreement with a land owner to allow access/cable/plant on their particular piece of land.
