Recent content by ElwoodP

Interesting, it could well not be a good method then. Working backwards if the original wire was was 1.5mm² then the diameter of each strand would be: 2 * (sqrt(1.5/(3.1415*26))) = 0.27mm This is 0.05mm off my measurement of 0.22mm. My callipers say they are accurate to +/- 0.03mm. Which is...

Tx all. I think 1.5mm² seems very safe at rating of 15A/3600W so I'd be happy there... But out of interest for the conversation I'll try and work out the original. I like the suggestion of measuring one strand and calculating from that, we'll have to see if my crappy £20 Amazon callipers are up...

Oof yes, neutral – brain fart typo. I'm not that stupid honest. So the problem is likely to be the connection/contact and I can safely replace with new switch. If I don't have enough existing cable what gauge do I replace with? Heater is 1.5KW. Current cable copper diameter is roughly 1.6mm...

Hi, I've just had to move a storage heater temporarily. When removing the wiring from the switch I notice the live on the storage heater cable has blackened and stiff (see photo). Any advice on how to proceed? Can I troubleshoot this as a DIYer or is it for a pro to deal with?

Thanks @vinn. It will have a log burner in before winter next year. I'll get a professional in to install that and put a liner in. For now money is tight having just bought the house with lots more pressing work to spend money on. So I'm knocking out myself to make neat hole for now.

I'm removing a fireplace. The lintel is higher than I want the finished opening. My plan is to add a lintel (http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Steel-Reinforced-Concrete-Lintels/p/9000038435) lower down to support the bricks below th main lintel. I now see a couple of hairline cracks in the...

Thanks guys. @Lower, if I understand correctly I think my plan is already as you suggest. I think maybe the photo isn't clear. There is a joist making the left hand side of the current opening, you can only see a bit of it as some insulation is sitting up over it. This joist is much closer to...

I have a very narrow loft hatch that I want to widen to put a loft ladder in. I plan to cut one joist and construct a wider frame using joist hangers. Please see photos. Do you think its OK for me to cut the joist or should I get a professional in to check? Does the plan look suitable? Photos...

I'm thinking of buying a property and some of the windows have cracks around them. Does this look worrying? Or easily remedied?

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a property. Ceilings show quite a few cracks mainly between plasterboard. Photo 1 shows that someone has attempted to fill the cracks with some type of flexible filler, I think there has then been movement and it is squidged out. Question is does it look like this can...