Recent content by thesled

Yes, that's kind of what I've already done as a temp fix. I simply have an earth wire run from the light switch to the earth pin of a three pin plug and leave it plugged in. I don't know whether that could be made into something more permanent (ie concealed), but at least it's obvious what's...

Yes, gone are the days when people would happily plug an iron into the light socket . . . . . . . probably ?

Yes, absolutely agree. Hopefully it will all be set up fairly logically but in any event, a bloody big label will be going on the FCU saying 'SUPPLY FOR LIGHTS IN HALL' or somesuch. Thanks all for thoughts on fuse and cable ratings etc, duly noted. I should add this is in a house which had a...

Many thanks for that EFL. If I'm using standard 1.5mm T&E, I'd put in a five amp fuse I assume.

I've been looking to fit some metal light fittings, both inside and out, and I'm having problems with lighting circuit earths. Basically I don't think they exist, or at least are not reliable. It's annoying because new bits of cable seem to have been added in over time which have the earth...

Thanks for your further thoughts on this folks. Quite a bit of detail to get my head around, but it seems the general principle is straightforward - stop the weather getting in but allow drainage if it does. Makes sense to me. We think the windows/doors are most likely late 1990's, possibly...

I've been told this 'no earth on the lighting circuit' malarkey was permitted because of trying to save on copper in post-war austerity times.

Right. Makes sense. However I wonder if what's happening is by actually earthing the earth wire in the lighting circuit you are effectively introducing an earthed plate in the 'capacitor'. The current then just runs to earth instead of powering the lamp. this could account for the 1ma drain...

Hi folks. Many thanks for your further replies and updates, all very interesting. I'll attempt to respond re some of the points mentioned ! I'm likely up there tomorrow so can likely get some pictures for context - although they probably won't tell you much you don't already know. I'm 99% sure...

"I assume a TT supply with a 100 mA RCD? " eric, you assume correctly. The, er, interesting thing is I still haven't found the earth rod either! It's currently looking like the main earth might just be connected to a water pipe under the sink. I've read that was considered acceptable practice...

Great suggestions mrrusty I will check those out thankyou There's a whole world of stuff out there it seems - once you know where to look. Look forward to seeing how it all works. Had a quick look at reddiseals and seem they do a lot of sash window stuff too, which is great as I'm up to my...

Thanks Ronnie Much obliged to you for taking the time and trouble to write that out. Yes - I am indeed getting the general idea - lack of proper preparation, sealing and maintenance doesn't help this system to work well! I will repair on the general principles laid out - though as I've said the...

Thanks Ronnie OK So I'm learning some stuff here The rebates should have been, what, painted before the glass was put in? With the sealant, well there isn't any! But then I noticed - my front door, which is a 'composite' type. The trim/beading seems to be actually bedded in sealant (pic...

Afternoon all and thanks for your thoughts on this. The majority of the wiring at the switches is modern, that is to say plastic T&E although from memory it's black and red rather than blue and brown, so not THAT modern. That said I did find one old bit of rubber wire, but I only found one end...

Hi I've been helping a friend out with some electrical work and issues. She was complaining about getting a slight 'buzz' from the hall lightswitch (brass finish type). I tried it and got diddley squat. I drew the line a licking it. However when I put a meter on it to earth I got about 50-60v...