What is looped supply?

• Most houses in the UK have their own incoming power supply, however a looped supply is when two or more properties share a single electricity cable from the main network, often in semi-detached or terraced houses. 

• The cable enters the first house from underground mains in the footpath or road, and a second cable (looped supply) connects the meter positions of both houses. 

How to tell if you have looped supply

• To confirm a looped supply, check the meter position. In a looped setup, two cables enter the cut-out below the fuse. 

• While both houses share a main cable, the second cable links to your neighbour. It's typically buried underground, potentially under your garden or path. 

• If there's no looped service, only one cable will be visible in the cut-out. 

• We will check this as part of your home survey.  

Removing a looped supply

• If you or your neighbour require more power (e.g., for electric vehicle charging or a heat pump) or want to move the meter, the looped supply may need removal. 

• As part of our home survey, we will assess whether this is required.  Your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) may need to involve your neighbour to replace it with a direct cable from the main network to their house. 

• The removal process involves disconnecting the second cable from the shared cut-out. A new cable will be installed from the main network, often in the footpath, to your neighbour’s meter position. This may include excavation, backfilling, and surface reinstatement on their property/driveway. All details will be discussed with both you and your neighbour beforehand. 

Cost of removal

• Your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) will normally cover the costs of removing the looped service., however, any adjustments needed for your own connection may be your responsibility. Your DNO will be able to advise if this is required. 

How long does it take to remove looped supply?

• This is entirely at the discretion of your DNO and the complexity of unlooping your supply. Typically it can take between two and four months to unloop. 
• However, it can be often possible to install an EV charger if you have looped supply - see below. 

Can Cord install an EV charger if I have a looped supply? 

• Yes - subject to your DNO approving our installation request. 

• In many cases, if we find you have a looped supply we will inform your DNO (Distribution Network Operator), and apply for permission to install the charger as a "load limited" device. What this means is that we'll temporarily limit the power that the EV charger can use, whilst the DNO fixes your looped supply. 

• This means that you can benefit from EV charging without having to wait for your DNO to complete the works. 

• Please note however this is subject to your DNO approving the application - sometimes it is not approved until the works have been completed, with each request reviewed on a case-by-case basis.