Recent content by rekrabwuh

Update: I took off a couple of the ceiling roses that haven't been replaced since I moved in and there is all manner of weird stuff going on that I don't understand. Decided to call in a professional to take a look as it's getting well above my pay grade. Here's hoping it's not a £2k re-wire...

Ta. Kitchen makes sense as it is a relatively recent extension (c.10 years). Both bedrooms also make sense as they had newish lights in them. Eurgh, it's like Pandora's box.

OK so the plot thickens. Kitchen and two bedrooms all have earths. Lounge, hall, landing and one bedroom don't - 2 of which were metal. I will pop up to b&q this afternoon and get some new plastic switches for those that don't have earths. Note to self...don't buy a 200 year old house. In any...

Thanks guys. I will take the switches off and put the old ones back on (or buy some new plastic ones). So effectively the old metal switches that were put on by the previous owner were also a hazard? I'd love to get it all earthed, but I can't afford all that at the moment.

I tested the faceplate to make sure it wasn't live...

I've been tugging them hard all day (ha!). I will scoot round tomorrow and recheck them and tape up any exposed wire. I was pretty careful with them though. I have replaced at least 2 light fittings (including one in a room that I am changing a switch in) and both were 100% earthed.

Soooo...rookie question, can I earth it without rewiring?! I can't see why there would be a fault as once they are in I will test them then leave them be until we decorate next...repeat process etc.

Yeah fair point. It's weird though, 2 of the switches I replaced were metal. And I checked them with a meter before using them and they showed no reading...

I've used them in other rooms in the house with no earth and I'm still alive...I figured the cages are earthed as a number that I replaced were had metal cases...

Cheers guys, much appreciated. I've attached a couple of pics. The lights are three spots only accessible from the loft which could pose an problem as its full of rubbish! Hope that helps.

Hi guys, I've spent most of today replacing more or less all the switches and sockets in our house and all has gone well other than the two switches that control the landing lights. To cut a long story short, the previous owner of our house had bodge it and scarper Ltd doing all his stuff so...

That sounds painful... I'm not entirely sure I'm cut out for this, particularly when electricity is involved, so might be best to get someone in...

Hi John. 100%. As far as I was aware they were entirely separate, as there are no mutual switches...clearly that can't be the case.

Oh, and for avoidance of doubt, I have not touched the wiring since I moved in 6 months ago, and that was only putting new switches on...it was definitely spontaneous!

Afternoon gents, I have not died (yet). The bulb has been changed and I still get the problem. All strange, and all since the bulb blew... Any further ideas?