Recent content by recs

Having worked on mainland Europe for 4 years as an electrical design engineer, the only country I have been to which did not have earthed sockets (and only in some parts) was East Germany. \The rest of europe I found earthed systems.

One countries plug not fitting another countries socket is obvious. Their radials are protected by a 30A bottle fuse back at the board, particularly in Germany. I have yet to stay in a hotel in mainland Europe that does not have earthed outlets and believe me I have stayed in some run down...

It isn't in the draft, not according to the NICEIC Technical Dept. In fact the wording for Part P still has not been finalized, this should have been completed last year by the Civil Servants, unfortunately there was a little conflict in Iraq that distracted them.

Part P will apply to all, it is not specific to UK electricians only!!

Nobody suggested that there was a standard plug. But if you wish to be perdantic, each country has it's own idea of how a plug should be earthed, however, be rest assured that each countries plug does have an earth, either an internal or external. And for your information, 30 amp radial socket...

In this day and age of free trade and unrestricted work throughout the EU, it makes perfect sense for the colours changes to come in. The colour changes where programmed to be phase in, in two stages, the first of which we had 28 years ago with the introduction of Blue and Brown in domestic...

The provision of any new circuit should be accompanied by an Electrical Installation Certificate. If an item of equipment is merely replaced (such as a light fitting, socket face etc) then a Minor Works certificate should be issued. This is clearly stated in BS7671 and in Guidance notes 3 As...

Ref on a TT (earth rod) system EVERYTHING must be on some form of rcd (generally a 100ma type S) and all sockets must be on a 30ma non time delay rcd There is no requirement under BS7671 for all equipment on a TT system to be protected by a RCD, only sockets and any outdoor fixed equipment...

It's about time we changed colours, we're only 28 years behind the rest of europe. Maybe this will sort out the cowboys!!!!!!

One of the best CU currently on the market is the Memera 2000. For a 12 way split it will cost you approx £35 + VAT, breakers are £3.50 plus VAT. When using a shower, the use of a RCD is a pre-requisite. An Electrician that hasn't completed the work for you WILL NOT be able to give you an...

Check the size of the fuse and make sure the circuit is protected by a RCD

Nath, Your consumer unit must be fed via 25mm double insulated cable from the electric meter, depending on the earthing system you have ( Rod or earth wire into the main suppliers box), you will have to upgrade to either 10mm or 16mm. If you move your consumer unit more than three metres away...

Nath, Your consumer unit must be fed via 25mm double insulated cable from the electric meter, depending on the earthing system you have ( Rod or earth wire into the main suppliers box), you will have to upgrade to either 10mm or 16mm. If you move your consumer unit more than three metres away...

Emma, reading your messages, I would assume that the main board is a dirty brown colour. This would make your board anywhere between 15 - 25 years old. In which case I would seriously think about having the house re-wired. Be careful to consult a properly qualified electrician and be sure to...

:!: :!: :!: :!: Regardings your advice on ring circuits, the maximum floor area allowable underBS7671 is 100 sq. metres not 120. What must be taken into account is the fact that the maximum lentgh of the ring (to the last outlet and back to the board) using 2.5mm cable must not exceed 66...