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Not necessarily. Don't forget that these days power flows can reversed in the local networks due to embedded generation (e.g. solar PV). So the voltage at the end of a line can be higher than at the transformer. The DNO likes to keep the voltage up as it minimises I2R losses. Then embedded...

Yes Indeed - and that's what I have installed, but currently only have a gas boiler (and immersion heater for backup). The other benefit is the the store acts as a neutral point that decouples not just the heat sources from each other, but also the geat loads bith from each other and the heat...

Doesn't necessarily work that way. Let's say we want the top of the tank at 60°C, and the boiler is set up for a max delta-T of 20°C (stanard max for gas boilers). Absent "something additional", to get 60° out of the boiler means putting 40° in - so you have to partially heat the entire tank...

But a route for actually getting it from A to B might not be - at least, without ripping into the decor.

Had something similar not far from me. The town was getting fiber via one of the non-BT outfits. For whatever reason, they couldn't use existing infrastructure so wanted to put a pole up. The residents on the "nice street of detatched houses" objected - so missed out on fiber.

I was assuming all the gaps between slates would provide ventilation. There's a void between the roof and the flat ceiling below - which I'm assuming won't be insulated. I'll probably try sticking a camera in when I get the old fascia off and have a look.

Has a "safety moment" thing at work a while ago. A gouger was working, tugged the cable a bit, the connector came off (just like above), and the bare end dropped onto a gas cutting torch and the arc cut the torch into two pieces.

The thing is, it's no longer a non-domestic thing given the prevalence of solar systems with battery storage, and EVs with V2G facility. And some of these include the ability to operate off-grid like a UPS. A schoolmate went on to be an ekectrician and got very badly burned on an industrial...

Here's my take on it. I'm assuming the small box to the left of the meter is either a timer or teleswitch to control the off-peak supply. I think it's connected into the round terminal box - supply from a circuit in CU3, via the FCU, via the time/tele-switch, and finally controlling the...

1940s (we think) ex council house. The main roof is slate, originally with torching & no felt - so I assume the bay was done the same. I'll shortly be replacing the facia and soffit on the bay. When I did the main ones at roof level, there was virtually no gap between top of the brickwork and...

The same small circuit boards the coils are mounted on - yes, very small !

I've taken one or two apart in the past. The ones I seen are brushless - and that means multiple windings driven by a switched DC or "AC" supply. I would suggest most likely switched reluctance.

As people are finding when going for a heat pump install - not only (often) do they have to update all the radiators, they have to find room for a hot water cylinder of some sort. From stuff I've read, these are often stainless, which costs more than copper for an equivalent cylinder. Was just...

That is the easiest way, not the only one. Its also the simplest system in operation. Indeed, and the hot water. It also means you can design the heating system according to its needs instead of the limitations of the boiler - in particular the requirement for a minimum flow rate. Modulating...

That is indeed a nice system. But £25k ? Sounds like someone was taking the p1ss.

If the property is uninhabitable because of substandard electrics like that then the landlord is in breach of his responsibilities. What happens next does depend to a certain extent on contract wording. Absent anything saying otherwise, the landlord has contracted to provide a swellibg - if it's...

There used to be lead acid 6V lantern batteries, and lead acid C and D cells. At one time I considered making a unit with 3xC or D cells (forget dimensions now) and the charge controller into something that would fit within the space of a lantern battery. These days easier to replace the...

A lot depends on the battery technology you want to use. Lead Acid is relatively simple - look at the manufacturer's data sheet and it'll show the different charging regimes - including long term float from a constant voltage (CV) supply. Anything else, and especially lithium, is ... not...

Not seen those, nice. Only trouble is it's fiddly plastering across the bridge. If you don't, then fittings can bend or crack (depending on materials) due to lack of support on one side. And/or you have loose fittings. while it's a bit more work to go 35mm, the extra space in the box is well...

Just stick a bit of white oval in - it costs little and gives complete freedom to replace/alter cabling later - do you really know exactly what you might want in the future ? Just take it into the backbox (nibble out the hole if required) rather than the common practice of stopping half an inch...