Electrical Advice

3 phase TPN boards - earthing TT Discussion Thread3 phase TPN boards - earthing TT Electrical Advice

Hi guys, starting a new install on a job son and having a complete mind blank. The supply at the main cut-out is a 3 phase TNCS supply. There is then a 50mm SWA running a considerable distance to a workshop where i will be installing a new TPN board as well as an earth rod to make all the workshops on a TT arrangement. From the cut-out end obviously the SWA armouring will be earthed...

 

What is this 1970s fuseboard? Discussion ThreadWhat is this 1970s fuseboard? Electrical Advice

Hi, went on a job today, to swap over an oven. On arrival, the homeowner was on a work video call and I couldn't isolate the circuit as there were no labels on the fuseboard. Worse, there was no local isolator for the oven so I had to walk off the job as it needed a new quote etc. (My Job Quote).
Anyway, I was confronted by this fuseboard thing with switches. I have come across BS3036 and...

 

AC servo motor burning out 1 phase (motor side) but ok VFD side Discussion ThreadAC servo motor burning out 1 phase (motor side) but ok VFD side Electrical Advice

Hi all,

First post, so not sure how this will work out…

I’ve currently got a 3 phase AC servo motor (Lenze brand) at work that seems to be overloading 1 phase (U phase of motor)…
This motor is VFD driven by again a Lenze brand 9300.

The load for the motor is a coupling driven pressure roller, with another identical...

 

Another poll! Average age of the person on this site. Discussion ThreadAnother poll! Average age of the person on this site. Electrical Advice

Lets keep it simple. Anyone can vote! It's just to get an idea of the age of the people on this site, thought it might be a little interesting.

I've always assumed its mainly middle aged with a few retired and a few youngsters, we'll see.

edit.. the damn thing just pressed enter by its self! @westward !!! help!
I need to start again and add...

 

Will you vote? Discussion ThreadWill you vote? Electrical Advice

So the general election upon us after a month of farcical campaigns by some appalling candidates. Without starting a political argument what are you going to to?

Will you vote? for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Floating Neutral Discussion ThreadFloating Neutral Electrical Advice

I am a long time retired electrician, I have worked on many different
systems, I was High Voltage trained among other things.

I understand what floating means, but I don't understand a floating
neutral.

To amuse myself in my retirement, I decided to build a Solar System,
something that I knew nothing about, except that it is like black magic,
electricity from the sky!

I have 2 inverters, 12v X 3Kw and 12v X 4Kw...

 

Heatrae Sadia Electromax boiler not powering up at all Discussion ThreadHeatrae Sadia Electromax boiler not powering up at all Electrical Advice

Hi all,

The boiler, a Heatrae Sadia Electromax, is connected through a Timeguard timer. It's programmed to run between 20:30 and 22:30 every day and has been working fine until last night. I noticed there's no hot water coming out of the shower. Upon checking, the timer seems to be working fine. I can see the status changes on the display...

 

Hello to all Discussion ThreadHello to all Electrical Advice

To keep my account

Hello to all for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

1 year old immersion heater keeps tripping thermal cut out, any suggestions? Discussion Thread1 year old immersion heater keeps tripping thermal cut out, any suggestions? Electrical Advice

Hello good people.

I have an ongoing issue with a top entry immersion heater over heat stat that keeps Tripping out. (Built into stat) On a 24hr mechanical timer.
The tank was replaced just over a year ago and with it a new immersion heater and stat.
The original stat worked fine for about 3...

 

electrical installation Discussion Threadelectrical installation Electrical Advice

Hi,
I have a question
What are the most common causes and symptoms of issues with the main relay in an electrical installation?What steps should be taken to diagnose and resolve complex EMC disturbances in an industrial control system?

Jack🙂

electrical installation for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Why use hellermann sleeves (automation) Discussion ThreadWhy use hellermann sleeves (automation) Electrical Advice

Hi everyone, I am currently working in a new power station where we are terminating all the 20 pair and 10 pair individually screened SWA lsoh cables into the automation cabinets and junction boxes. My question is, why do all the pairs have to have hellerman sleeves over them? Why can't we just use insulation tape or self amalgamating tape? We were using amalgamating...

 

What would you do about this one. Discussion ThreadWhat would you do about this one. Electrical Advice

Client (local authority) want the consumer unit upgrading from a plastic one to the latest spec. I have also done a bit of repair work in the kitchen so it can be plastered. This is how the power gets from the street to the consumer unit.

firstly TNS with a looped supply into meter and isolator in a cupboard by the front door...

 

Two Pages for circuit details and test results Discussion ThreadTwo Pages for circuit details and test results Electrical Advice

Why is there now two pages, one for "GENERIC SCHEDULE OF CIRCUIT DETAILS" and one for "GENERIC SCHEDULE OF TEST RESULTS" before it was all on the same page GENERIC SCHEDULE OF TEST RESULTS", which had "CIRCUIT DETAILS", on it, this means writing the cicuits twice?

Two Pages for circuit details and test results for the original thread on...

 

Recent AM2 inspection exam Discussion ThreadRecent AM2 inspection exam Electrical Advice

Hi

I am soon to take the AM2.

A friend of mine who just took, said the following items are prefilled in the test schedule. Is it true?
- Type of wiring
-Maximum ZS

Also when comparing the Zs for the add-on paper questions. Do you write the OSG page number or the GN3 page number for reference ( as there are slight differences between them)

Thanks

Recent AM2 inspection exam for the...

 

Wiring an off on switch into a Contactor for electric motor? Discussion ThreadWiring an off on switch into a Contactor for electric motor? Electrical Advice

I have a sawbench motor that needs an on/emergency off switch fitted, have the hylec on/off switch and a contractor 240V coil with NC contacts.

Any advice on how to wire it up? Please see attached photos.

Can’t seem to get my head around it and failing to make it work on the on off buttons.

Thanks

Wiring an off on switch...

 

New reply emails Discussion ThreadNew reply emails Electrical Advice

Don't think it's anything I've done, but maybe wrong. I don't seem to be getting emails any longer, when a new reply is made to a thread I've contributed to, although I do get the notification that pops up for a few seconds in the bottom RH corner of my screen.
Any ideas welcombe.

New reply emails for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Pool pump advice Discussion ThreadPool pump advice Electrical Advice

Hi all! Im having an issue getting an electrician to my place before the holiday. My pool is filled and ready to go. I have ran the grounding bond wire and connected it to 4 spots on the pool. The filter has a bonding plate inside and then to the pump itself. I need to run a new circuit. Just need clarification as i have never ran a pump circuit. The pump is 120v 10amp 60hz

20amp single pole gfci breaker with 12...

 

Electrical Improver Interview Discussion ThreadElectrical Improver Interview Electrical Advice

Hi.

Ive recently finished my C&G 2365 level 3 and have my first electrical interview tomorrow for an improver role.

I applied for a mate position explaining how I hadnt had much experience in the trade yet due to my previous work and personal circumstances so they are aware most of my experience has been evening college.

Ive since been made redundant at my work due to the company...

 

Cable sizing earthing conductor Discussion ThreadCable sizing earthing conductor Electrical Advice

Hi all,

Hope you're keeping well

I'm currently wiring a small commercial premises. 3 phas incoming supply, 16sq cables

As it is in an urban area with a busy pedestrian street on both sides of the building I had to drive the earth rod just inside the door of the premises. However it is located about 30m from the distribution board. Could anyone tell me how I would calculate whether I...

 

What's happened to the 'polls' option? Discussion ThreadWhat's happened to the 'polls' option? Electrical Advice

I was trying to start a new thread today, with a poll. I can't seem to find the option though. Has it been taken away? Polls are fun!

Also, I notice on other threads that had polls, I can no longer see the poll... What is your hourly rate as a self employed electrician? (2023) | on Free Electrical Advice - Electricians Forums -...

 

What is under this lid? Discussion ThreadWhat is under this lid? Electrical Advice

I am thinking of having an air source heat pump installed on the concrete path in front of the blue wood-clad structure (see photos), but there may be impediments. One is a hinged iron lid with "Stop ****" on it. Inside is not a stop **** but some sort of a metal projection with a single black wire attached to it. It has been suggested that this is an earthing rod, but then what are the twin cables...

 

Can I charge my caravan battery from my car alternator with a DC to DC while idling? Discussion ThreadCan I charge my caravan battery from my car alternator with a DC to DC while idling? Electrical Advice

Can I charge my caravan battery from my car alternator with a DC to DC while idling?

Can I charge my caravan battery from my car alternator with a DC to DC while idling? for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Have a washer and dryer with related power supply issue Discussion ThreadHave a washer and dryer with related power supply issue Electrical Advice

Have a washer and dryer that are plugged into separate sockets and both have 13A fusesl The electrical wiring passes through the washing machine socket and then on up to the the dryer socket above.
There was no power to the dryer so I changed the fuse in the isolator and now it works fine.

But for some reason, the lower washing machine...

 

Where does the yellow wire go Discussion ThreadWhere does the yellow wire go Electrical Advice

ecently got a smart motion sensing light switch for an office. It’s a 3-way switch (2 total switches). I am having a problem hooking it up.

Old switch has 2 reds/white/green wires

new switch has red/black/white/green/yellow wires

I tagged the one red wire as it seems to be the “common”.Not much luck gettting the right wires hooked up

Here are some pics of what I am dealing with. Also...

 

Dodgy Aico smoke alarms Discussion ThreadDodgy Aico smoke alarms Electrical Advice

Hi all,

I made the apparent mistake of ordering some aico ei3016 alarms from amazon, I needed them asap for today and amazon just seemed like the easiest option as they were offering prime delivery. The price of them was just over £40 each, so in line with some wholesalers and online wholesalers. Basically no reason to think they would be anything other than a genuine new product.

Today they arrived...

 

Unusual lighting wiring? Discussion ThreadUnusual lighting wiring? Electrical Advice

Hi. Today I was at a friend's house having a look at a couple of lights that weren't working (turned out that quite simply one of the neutrals had worked its way free in the first rose).

It was all too tight to see for definite, but I think the wiring was basically as per the drawing I have attached.

Could this be correct? In the "old days" was there a 3 core cable that was red/blue/black/yellow...

 

Dodgy trade pictures for your amusement! - 1 Million Views! Discussion ThreadDodgy trade pictures for your amusement! - 1 Million Views! Electrical Advice

Right ... Just been nudged to set this up by Paul.M and sounds a good idea following recent threads I've done in the Arms..

Rules....No Offensive material... edit if required before posting as this is the public arena.
Anything to do with the trade or in and around it ...H&S pic's welcome...

 

If you can't split a circuit? Discussion ThreadIf you can't split a circuit? Electrical Advice

I am a retired electrician and I've been out of the game for a while. My son asked me a question the other day and I wasn't too sure how to answer it so thought you lot might.

He wants to use rails to supply 5 modules, each module will have 40 small actuators that operate at 24VDC at 0.9As. Normally I said he would split each module up into a separate circuit with each one on an RCBO but...

 

Fluke 1664FC firmware Discussion ThreadFluke 1664FC firmware Electrical Advice

Fluke 1664FC. Has anyone tried to upgrade the firmware to include the 6mA RDC-DD test?

Fluke 1664FC firmware for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Fluke T5-1000 tester Discussion ThreadFluke T5-1000 tester Electrical Advice

For sale Fluke T5-1000 with original belt pouch and Fluke voltage tracer pen ( it was a set )

this has never left the house just been sitting in a desk drawer as I got it as a spare one donkeys years ago and forgot I had it

looking for £125 to cover postage as well

paypal money transfer only

Fluke T5-1000 tester for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Thermal Imaging Query Discussion ThreadThermal Imaging Query Electrical Advice

Hi guys,

Just a quick one regarding thermal imaging really.

My business has had numerous requests to carry out thermal imaging assessments at various locations throughout the UK.
This is not something I am familiar with so have used the excuse of being unavailable due to workload in order that I might have some time to do some research on the subject.
Aside from the TI equipment being excessively...

 

Inspection - Basic fault coding questions Discussion ThreadInspection - Basic fault coding questions Electrical Advice

I have to re-sit 2391 photo coding assessment (having passed the rest), and have a couple of simple scenarios I was unsure about last time. (I know I will get different photos this time). I'm curious how everyone asses these:

The task is to identify all faults (if any), likely outcome, and code C1/C2/C3/FI.

1) Switch isolator mounted to wall (switched ON and...

 

Has the world gone crazy, tool prices Discussion ThreadHas the world gone crazy, tool prices Electrical Advice

So, a bit of insomnia kicked in tonight after a hectic few days and I found myself scrolling and saw this sparks doing a bit of a tool price vid.
He paid over £400 for a wera torque screwdrive, 4 small vde joker spanners and 1 standard joker.
400 QUID
worlds gone mad when a screwdriver and a handful of spanners affords over 400 QUiD

Has the world gone crazy, tool...

 

Replacement ideas for fluorescent strip lights. Discussion ThreadReplacement ideas for fluorescent strip lights. Electrical Advice

What fittings are people using for replacing fluorescent strip lights? Looking for something with bulbs that customer can change rather than integrated? There are obviously plenty of led tube options but surely there must be something smaller/less bulky?

Replacement ideas for fluorescent strip lights. for the original thread on Electricians...

 

Posting hi so my account doesn't get deleted. Discussion ThreadPosting hi so my account doesn't get deleted. Electrical Advice

...... hi

Posting hi so my account doesn't get deleted. for the original thread on Electricians Forums

 

Fluke 1662 MFT with Calibration Certificate Discussion ThreadFluke 1662 MFT with Calibration Certificate Electrical Advice

Fluke 1662 MFT with calibration until Jan 2025, brought from CEF October 2022, had very light use and kept in good condition as shown in photos. No longer required. Local pick up preferred.

£400...

 

Electric meter advice Discussion ThreadElectric meter advice Electrical Advice

To be clear I have no intention of messing with this, I just need to pick a few brains on the following.

British gas are sending me this on a regular basis, a ploy I think to get me to install a smart meter which i don't want.

"The radio service that supports your meter is being switched off. So we need to replace your electricity meter to make sure it continues to work after June 2025.
Your current...

 

Would like to have full membership again Discussion ThreadWould like to have full membership again Electrical Advice

Hi folks.Glad to see you are all alive and well and keeping this valuable forum up and running.Hav,nt been in a position to post for a while and need to log in now as "a guest".Also don,t receive any notifications.Have emailed staff but unsure if they had a chance to respond.In any case I,m hoping this "first in a long while post" will help to get me up and running...

 

Becoming an Electrician, best learning route? Mature Man Discussion ThreadBecoming an Electrician, best learning route? Mature Man Electrical Advice

Hi,

I am interested in completing training and to get the qualifications needed to get to where I want. I have looked at local colleges who only seem to offer heating engineer type qualifications and other courses that seem to only scratch the surface of what I am likely to need.

Could someone let me know the qualifications that are...

 

Replacing fused spur and hard wired kitchen appliance (fridge freezer) with a standard plug socket Discussion ThreadReplacing fused spur and hard wired kitchen appliance (fridge freezer) with a standard plug socket Electrical Advice

DIY'er here...


After my fridge failed (less than 5 years old) I replaced with a new one.
The old one was hard wired in a wall socket connected to a fused spur above the fridge.

So I replaced the hard wired socket with a normal plug in one.

When I...