Electrical Advice

Karcher SC4 fault tripping mains Discussion ThreadKarcher SC4 fault tripping mains Electrical Advice

We have a Karcher SC4 steamer, it was working well until today. Now when you plug the appliance in it trips the fuse in the consumer unit. I have tried to plug it in elsewhere to make sure it was overloading, and it still does the same. I opened the device to take a look and run a continuity test on the power, the lead works fine but something strange in the appliance.

I run a...

 

Looking for work in or Near Liverpool, Merseyside, UK Discussion ThreadLooking for work in or Near Liverpool, Merseyside, UK Electrical Advice

I am starting out as an electrician in Merseyside and have recently obtained my first ECS card. I have trained with an online colllege for the last three years and have lots of experience on construction sites as a hodcarrier. I have some experience working with electricians and have completed small jobs on my own for family as well. I would...

 

Where should I start when looking for work? Discussion ThreadWhere should I start when looking for work? Electrical Advice

Hello all. I recently obtained my first ECS Electrical labourers card and am waiting for certificates to come back so i can attempt my AM2 in the not to distant future. I have much experience ON construction sites but only a very limited amount of experience in electrical installations, but I feel I have a sound understanding of the requirements thereof and how...

 

England v Spain 2024 - whos watching? Discussion ThreadEngland v Spain 2024 - whos watching? Electrical Advice

Who's watching the game and where are you?

I tried 2 places and they were rammed so me and my daughter came home.

Hope we get this one!! We're owed a couple IMO.

England v Spain 2024 - whos watching? for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Faulty fan replacement responsibility? Discussion ThreadFaulty fan replacement responsibility? Electrical Advice

Hi all. Has anybody else had an issue with installing a wall mounted 4" extractor fan, only to find after 9 months the customer has contacted me to say it is now leaking an oily substance down the wall and ruined the paintwork.
I am happy to replace the fan free of charge as it is within the guarantee, but he wants to make a claim for the damaged paintwork.
My question is...

 

Electric range and hob SWA, T&E x 2, or Q&E? Discussion ThreadElectric range and hob SWA, T&E x 2, or Q&E? Electrical Advice

Electric hob/oven range was installed years ago, runs on 2 x B32 MCBs to 'House' (sub)consumer panel, runs to oven on 2 x T&E.

Kitchen is being remodelled. Would like to run cable direct from range to 'Plant Room' (main)consumer panel.

Need advice on cable purchase please.

1 x SWA with 4 cores?
2 x T&E?
1 x Quad&E?

Note:
Main consumer panel is located in...

 

Cable sizing Discussion ThreadCable sizing Electrical Advice

Hi all,

I am trying to calculate a SWA 4 core that will be protected by a 250 amp switched fuse isolator. It is going to supply a 3 phase electric boiler that pulls 209 amps each phase at most. I'm filling in the parameters to an online cable calculator ,when asked for the voltage i've put 400 v, when asked for load in amps i've put 250 amps. Is this correct or should i be putting the total amps 627 because thats the total...

 

Gas Meter Pipework Bonding Discussion ThreadGas Meter Pipework Bonding Electrical Advice

I need some advice please. My daughter has had a porch extension built. There is a gas meter box just outside the new porch. For reasons that are irrelevant the builder has cut the green and yellow bonding cable that goes to the meter box. Do I need to get this re-instated? For further information the gas supply pipe to the property is plastic and the property was built about 20 years ago...

 

Hello a regular member Discussion ThreadHello a regular member Electrical Advice

Loving your Forum for ages, but lately with all the ads I’m not a regular visitor.
I’ve actually got an “ad block” on my devices, & need it on.
Obviously I know all the reasoning behind the ads needed to keep this great site working.
Love to get back to viewing like I use to, & hoping I can maybe soon😎

Hello a regular member for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Earthing Arrangements Explained + Photo's Discussion ThreadEarthing Arrangements Explained + Photo's Electrical Advice

This is for the people still in or has just left their electrical education or for those of us that need a refresher in domestic earthing arrangements. It's all very well looking at prity diagrams in college and in books but its different when your out in the field for the first time. Hope this thread helps you and I hope that other members will post up their...

 

Architectural straight lamp S12 RP Discussion ThreadArchitectural straight lamp S12 RP Electrical Advice

Hi all, got a customer with 3x 900mm straight double peg 110w bulbs/lamps.

It seems led equivalents of the S14S and S14D type are available, but nothing for S12RP (double peg) I've found a site that has old stock of 300mm incandescent ones, but i need 900mm. Anybody got some lurking on the shelf or know where does? I dont need LED, just new old stock of 110w if somebody does...

 

New electrician in Merseyside Discussion ThreadNew electrician in Merseyside Electrical Advice

Hello all I am an adult learner training to be an electrician based in Liverpool Merseyside, and I am taking my first steps into the industry.

I am part qualified to level 2 standard already and have been training with one of the online colleges. It has been confusing to me how to go about finding employment whilst part qualified... not much support from my college on that front but I have...

 

- New Trainees. Discussion Thread- New Trainees. Electrical Advice

Calling any trainees out there, If you don't already have access then i suggest that it is well worth joining the forums trainee section. A very helpful place to ask questions and get knowledgeable feedback from the mentors.

Plus there are competitions running regularly and a chance to win tools/resources.

PM one of the mods for access if any of you are interested.

- New Trainees. for the original...

 

Client - Can you change the LED strip please? Discussion ThreadClient - Can you change the LED strip please? Electrical Advice

How do they get away with this?

I'm only fitting this mirror cabinet, but check out the "LED strip removal" instructions!

Also, the power off before maintenance or removal from wall is on a sticker on the back of the unit!

I know we've all come across such things before, but it never fails to amuse.

Client - Can you change the LED strip please...

 

What are these called? Discussion ThreadWhat are these called? Electrical Advice

Hi
I need to recreate something like this (which was very nicely done)
I just have photo so far, not been there.
What are the grey covers called? I'm struggling to find a source of them.
I though it was all separate components - DIN terminal blocks, interconnecting link bar, and a cover.
Or is it one assembly?

Many thanks...

 

Advice needed please Discussion ThreadAdvice needed please Electrical Advice

Hello, what would I need for the following...
A 40 meter cable run through fire partition walls, into a large plasterboard void to supply a switched fuse spur that will be used as power for a LED advertisement screen, unfortunately there's no forthcoming info on wattage.
what cable size would you recommend? Why?
what breaker type would you recommend? Why?
Thank you for your input/advice

Advice needed...

 

aldi tools not working Discussion Threadaldi tools not working Electrical Advice

i have a number of tools that have stopped working, usually aldi ones lol, on a sander, i have fault traced the problem with a multi meter to the circuit where the continuity ends, from using a magnifying glass, the problem seems to be a burned out 'diode' maybe, i think lol, not an electrican here, is there anything that can be done with these cheap circuit boards or should i just throw it out?

aldi...

 

Using an EU PAT testing device Discussion ThreadUsing an EU PAT testing device Electrical Advice

Hi all, first post here.

I'm looking to buy my first PAT testing device and I've been looking at the Megger PAT400 range. I've found this used PAT410 but after looking at the images I see that the plug socket on the top is an EU one and the leads that come with it are also European. I am testing in England.

The voltage and frequency should be the same 230V 50Hz. I'm concerned that using...

 

EICR Certificate Discussion ThreadEICR Certificate Electrical Advice

Hi Guys,
Good Morning,
I am here to help you prepare the EICR certificates. I have 4 years of experience with the EICR cert at BS7671 guideline amendment 18th edition. Till now I have done multiple projects. You need to send me pictures and information, and I will prepare all EICR certs accordingly. It could be the (Fusebox picture, Ze and Zs value, Pfc, RCD disconnection time, or extra). For more information please...

 

Pirate Power Supplies Discussion ThreadPirate Power Supplies Electrical Advice

In an earlier thread that I started about floating neutral, we had quite
a discussion about, "Back Feeding my Flat", from a DIY, solar set up, I,
unfortunately, wouldn't do this because my system doesn't have an earth,
several people who replied to my various queries, all said not to feed any
system supplied, by the national grid, without doing it technically right,
using the proper switching and wiring...

 

Control of outdoor lighting Discussion ThreadControl of outdoor lighting Electrical Advice

Looking at a job wiring some outdoor lighting and not too well up on the newer control methods



Is there a quinetic receiver which fits into a back box for basic on/off control of lighting?



And also is there an alternative to the traditional photocell > timer control of lighting without getting into wifi ?

Control of outdoor lighting for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Working by yourself Discussion ThreadWorking by yourself Electrical Advice

How many of you work on your own as opposed to with a helper/apprentice or partner or whatever, do you enjoy being on your lonesome or do you find it a pain in the arse. Me personally I have zero motivation or interest if I'm on a job by myself, things inevitably go wrong and you always need someone one else there, even if its to tug on a cable whilst you feed it in, it can save hours and make a difficult job...

 

EICR Report - Advice regarding remedials & final Certificate Discussion ThreadEICR Report - Advice regarding remedials & final Certificate Electrical Advice

This is a Situation I haven't run into before, I do all the smaller to medium sized maintenance and electrical Jobs at a Local Educational Premises, this building was a new build in 2014 . There are 13 large three phase Distribution Boards, the last EICR in 2019 was completed by a Testing company (The Job was too big for me to...

 

Seeking Contact for Purchasing Second-Hand Baker EXP4000 in the United States Discussion ThreadSeeking Contact for Purchasing Second-Hand Baker EXP4000 in the United States Electrical Advice

Dear Forum Members,

I hope this message finds you well. I am currently in search of a second-hand Baker EXP4000. If anyone has a contact or knows of a reliable source within the United States that sells used Baker EXP4000 equipment, I would greatly appreciate your assistance.

Thank you in...

 

Fault finding head scratcher. Discussion ThreadFault finding head scratcher. Electrical Advice

Quick drop in at a house on way home…. Customer couldn’t reset mcb for rfc.

Power off at board, outgoing cables disconnected… I was getting 200V between the neutral bar and the earth bar within the CU.

With the CU mainswitch on, I am getting a voltage on the disconnected live cables.
Have not disconnected the neutrals yet,

For now, I have left the cables disconnected, and the rest of...

 

New outbuilding question. Discussion ThreadNew outbuilding question. Electrical Advice

First post and I'm looking for some advice if someone would be so kind.....I am a qualified electrician but it's been a long time (17 years) I've been in management so be kind 🙃

I'm looking for some advice I have an outbuilding that I wish to run a cable to. The cable I ran is a new 16mm2 2 core steel wire armour buried in soil it currently runs to the edge of the main building, it's 25m long...

 

AM2 Phase sequence Discussion ThreadAM2 Phase sequence Electrical Advice

Hi all I have my AM2 comming up and just wandered at what stage would I carry out the phase sequence on the supply as in could you do it at thr same time as you are doing pfc as it saves taking the board cover off again at a later stage?

AM2 Phase sequence for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

EV testing Discussion ThreadEV testing Electrical Advice

Hi, just a quick question I haven't seen asked before.

I have a number of chargers that I need to test on a commercial property. To begin, I have to download an app and create a profile and pay some money to my account in order for the EV charger to start releasing power so I can conduct my tests. Sometimes this cost is £20, sometimes it's £10 per point. Sometimes the money gets automatically refunded after no kWh are logged...

 

how do I post items for sale? Discussion Threadhow do I post items for sale? Electrical Advice

How do I post items for sale?

how do I post items for sale? for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Solar and Battery Sign Off Discussion ThreadSolar and Battery Sign Off Electrical Advice

Hi
If a new build has solar and battery fitted, but no paperwork or sign off has been completed, what are the implications?
Do you need a mcs cert for BC sign off like Part P for an install?

Solar and Battery Sign Off for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Motorhome Electrics Discussion ThreadMotorhome Electrics Electrical Advice

I've seen a few posts here which tend to suggest that wiring in a motorhome (or caravan) wouldn't be subject to normal inspection rules, but even so that doesn't mean it shouldn't be done properly!

So, here's the background: My van was built a few years ago, so it doesn't have double pole MCBs, although the ELCB is double pole. There is no main isolator (other than the ELCB) and it's a very small...

 

Spur line arrangements. Discussion ThreadSpur line arrangements. Electrical Advice

hI Gent's.
I I can explain this spur line briefly, maybe someone can help me?

Everything is Spur, no rings.
Inside of the house and main fuse box 3-banks or MCB' left 1-RCD on right side each bank

On the upper bank there was is one space available on the top row, MCB's -1-RCD - MCB - RCD adding 45A 30ma R/Side.
A cable of +/- 40m 4mm2 4-core was installed from house to pool house and sufficient...

 

a good quality LockOut /Tagout kit? Discussion Threada good quality LockOut /Tagout kit? Electrical Advice

Hi Guys,

can anybody recommend a very good quality Safety Lockout/Tagout kit?

a good quality LockOut /Tagout kit? for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

surge protection for heating system Discussion Threadsurge protection for heating system Electrical Advice

last week, houses in the road had a power cut one evening, although we hadn't at that stage...then, in bed near midnight, we were dozing, then heard a loud pop in the hall....got up and smelt a very strong electrical burning smell (we were also then without power), it was coming from the programmer, so i unplugged the heating system: it is plugged into an ordinary socket which...

 

Your number of phonecalls Discussion ThreadYour number of phonecalls Electrical Advice

Hi there !

I'm looking for answers about the electrician industry in the UK in general for a service I'm developping.
That'd be really nice if you could answer honestly :

• I need to know what's the average revenue per job for an electrician in the UK?

• How many phone calls and missed calls do you guys have every week ?

• Do you feel like you lose business because of the...

 

Social housing unsafe Discussion ThreadSocial housing unsafe Electrical Advice

I found this on a local news feed...a survey was done in December of council tenated homes and uncovered a plethora of safety failings. joke of a system and this is just one small borough...

• Approximately 1,700 council homes were without a current electrical condition report
• 1,000 homes had unsatisfactory electrical certificates
• 100 communal blocks had no...

 

Megger MIT30 30-kV High Voltage Resistance Insulation Tester 30kv. VAT Included Discussion ThreadMegger MIT30 30-kV High Voltage Resistance Insulation Tester 30kv. VAT Included Electrical Advice

Megger MIT30 30-kV High Voltage Resistance Insulation Tester 30kv.

$1700 shipped PayPal F&F accepted only.

In great condition, like new.

Recently calibrated- valid till 23.05.2025

Comes exactly as pictured with standard leads, power cord and manual...

 

Powered speaker tripped circuits four times over a couple weeks, insulation tester result seems ok, need advice. Discussion ThreadPowered speaker tripped circuits four times over a couple weeks, insulation tester result seems ok, need advice. Electrical Advice

Hello, stating I am not an electrician,

I have purchased a fairly expensive set of used powered studio monitors and I’m concerned about one of them. I was switching the power switch at the back and I’ve switched it off quite...

 

Registration ! Discussion ThreadRegistration ! Electrical Advice

hello, I’m not far off going fully on my own,
Was wondering
Do I need to register with cps or building control? Was gonna go napit or any others that’s cheaper.
So I can sign my domestic work off.
But then thought do you acc need them? Can I not just make my own templates and give them my own certificate as I’m competent and a registered electrician?

If I do then is napit decent or is there a cheaper one out there...

 

Electrical shower problems Discussion ThreadElectrical shower problems Electrical Advice

I have installed a new shower and when the dial is turned to economy the light on the shower comes on but no water flows through, have checked water pipes and the are not blocked, when the dial is turned to hot or cold the light on the shower goes off, the light on my old shower would flicker on then off when it was turned on

Electrical shower problems for the original thread on...