Recent content by cyberbub

Thanks all for your replies. The other reason I want it is because for 4 months in the summer when I go in for a shower I don't need to even turn the light on as it's light enough. But currently I'm forced to turn the light on to get the fan to work. I'll probably consult an electrician to see...

Hi all I currently have a standard setup bathroom fan, connected to the light pull cord, with a run-on timer. My problem is that the fan comes on for 15 mins even if I want to just brush my teeth for a couple of minutes. It's wasteful and noisy. Is it possible to have the fan on a separate...

I've used a two-probe voltmeter yes.

Hi all, My bathroom fan has started coming on continuously, whether the bathroom light is on or not. The only way to turn it off is via the isolator switch outside the bathroom. I've checked inside the isolator switch and the wires are secure and tight. I was surprised to see only 1 pair of...

Hi all, I'm just a DIYer but reasonably savvy hopefully. I've tried to install a thumb-turn deadbolt for the first time, on my bathroom door, and am having a problem. I've drilled the 25mm hole (75mm deep) into the thickness of the door, drilled the 16mm hole through the width of the door, the...

Thanks Swwils. I assume that microwave sensors won't be reflected off the steam. Is it possible to buy a separate small microwave sensor that I could swap for the existing PIR?

Hi all, I have a boiler flue exiting my house wall. Hot gases from the flue are continually setting off the security light PIR which was recently installed by a (clearly somewhat dopey) electrician. See photos attached. I have considered moving the light (or the PIR), but the gases would...

Hi all, I had an original cast-iron manhole cover over my foul drain chamber, in my garage. This cover broke (cast iron is brittle...) and I want to replace it. The original cast-iron frame seems to be in reasonable condition, and well fixed into the rebate round the top of the chamber, so I'd...

Thanks yes I saw the HSE guidance, which suggests that minor works on AIB for < 1 hour are legal without a licence. I think the idea of the ply is a good one, I will go for that and see if I can buy a small section of 18mm ply, without needing to get a massive 2.4m board!

Er... Did you not recommend that in your first post??

Thanks Tigercubrider, so you mean a piece of ply thick enough to take a screw without going into the ceiling? That's a good idea. Obviously it would mean a little 'projection' of the light fitting into the room, but if painted white it would probably look OK. Have you ever done this before? How...

Thanks guys. Removing an entire ceiling of AIB, when it's actually the internal side of the flat roof of the extension, would cost thousands. I was just trying to see if there's a safe way of doing a couple of small holes without spending huge money. Drilling through foam (I heard elsewhere...

Hi all, I have a crazy situation in a 1960s above-garage extension in a house I've recently bought. It seems that the lighting circuit was wired without an earth (not uncommon back then I understand), but at the same time the lighting fitments are metal-framed! Obviously not meeting safety...

WNI thanks, yes good point about AIB I hadn't thought of that! I might need to send a sliver off for asbestos testing :-(

Hi all, I have a 1960s bedroom extension above a very cold garage below, in my 1930s semi. Looks like the people who put the bedroom extension in didn't bother insulating the floor... so it's freezing in winter and no doubt massively leaking heat! The bedroom has stripped and polished...