Did you know...

ban-all-sheds

ban-all-sheds

Joined
27 Aug 2003
Messages
69,773
Reaction score
2,893
Location
London
Country
United Kingdom
... That a loose earth can cause a 200A main breaker to trip?

... That Henley blocks are recommended for joining 6mm shower cables?

... That changing halogen lamps to LED will automagically mean they are now wired in series which is why they glow dimly when off?

... That it's OK to install a CU fed by a spur from a ring main to supply lights and a fan in a new bathroom?

Neither did I - it's amazing what you can learn on t'internet:

http://answers.diy.com/answers/2191-en_gb/category/9372042/questions.htm
 
True, but even though they've got disclaimers, and Ts'n'Cs which say that people posting answers are warranting that their answers are accurate, it is still B&Q's website where someone can ask this:

I am fitting a new 9.5kw shower but need to upgrade the fuse in the Wylex circuit breaker box from 30amp to 45amp. A 45 amp fuse will not fit into a 30amp fuse holder. How do I upgrade the fuse rating.
I also need to fit a 30mA RCD unit which I intend to install in the upstairs airing cupboard through which the shower cable passes. The existing cable is already 10mm so should not need changing.

And get given these as accurate answers which will not cause injury to any person or entity:
  1. You can get a 45a fuse holder.
  2. You will need to fit the RCD unit next to the fuse board and tap off the fuse board for this then fit the isolator switch outside the bathroom. Above the door is usual.
  3. You will get the new holder with the 45 amp unit complete. Turn main switch off then remove 30 amp fuse and shield, replace with 45 unit.
 
While it's tempting to go on there are post a few corrections, I just can't bring myself to help B&Q pedal their wares free of charge. I'm surprised that anybody would.
 
This where I support Ban All Sheds attitude to the easy supply of electrical equipment from profit driven retailers without the retailer having any apparent concern about the purchaser's ability to use them properly.

I have seen a trade counter refuse to sell metal switches to a DIY customer who could not answer questions about earthing the switches. The shed should do the same but it would cost them time in the checkout queue and there time is money
 
The answers may be incorrect and misleading, but it is refreshing to not see people being beaten to death about Part P on every question or 80% of the answers telling them to get an electrician in.

I would expect a lot of those posters looked at this site and decided not run the risk of asking a question and being quizzed about their abilities and their emphatic understanding of electrons. I mean, come on.....as if this site is for DIYer's.
 
doorBell said:
I would expect a lot of those posters looked at this site and decided not run the risk of asking a question and being quizzed about their abilities and their emphatic understanding of electrons. I mean, come on.....as if this site is for DIYer's.
Click to expand...

And DIYers have just as much responsibility for carrying out work safely and legally.
It would be irresponsible for those in the know, not to explain the dangers, the regulations and the law, against which, ignorance is not a defence.

If the net result is that it puts off DIY work by people who do not understand what they are doing then that, surely, is safer than sparing their feelings?
 
Supply of electrical items isn't relevant, neither is Part P. Anyone can buy items such as gas boilers, oil tanks, hot water cylinders and wood burning stoves. However most people would not attempt to install those themselves.

What is required is a campaign to convince people that electricity is dangerous and will kill you - just as was done with gas. Until then, people will continue to have a go themselves, get it completely wrong but believe it is all safe and marvellous because whatever they have installed appears to work.

The vast majority of the questions on that site clearly indicate the total lack of knowledge and ability to complete even the most simple electrical task, therefore why shouldn't these people be told to get an electrician?
 
OK, so we should petition this forum to be closed and replaced with a link to a directory of qualified sparks. Meanwhile, a forum similar to the Combustion Chamber should be made for the pro's.

Perfect.
 
For a moment just a moment I thought well I never :!: :!: :?: then the penny dropped But BAS is right and so are the others who echo the veiws expressed they should stick to selling plants and paint at least no one ever killed them selfs with a pot of matt finish or a begonia, I haven't see it my self but I am told they also sell chainsaws
DM
 
ban-all-sheds said:
... That a loose earth can cause a 200A main breaker to trip?
Click to expand...
Of course any lose earth touching a live cable would do this.
... That Henley blocks are recommended for joining 6mm shower cables?
Click to expand...
Well better than using choc blocks depends where fitted of course
... That changing halogen lamps to LED will automatically mean they are now wired in series which is why they glow dimly when off?
Click to expand...
Well that is questionable the LED's within the lamp may be in series but lamps them selves in parallel how that has anything to do with being under the min output for an inverter I don't know!
... That it's OK to install a CU fed by a spur from a ring main to supply lights and a fan in a new bathroom?
Click to expand...
Well unusual I know but really a FCU and a mini CU do the same job and at least with a CU know one is likely to use wrong size fuse in furture!
Neither did I - it's amazing what you can learn on t'internet:

http://answers.diy.com/answers/2191-en_gb/category/9372042/questions.htm[/QUOTE]

It is of course just another forum where people can voice what they think. The DIY Doctor forum unlike the rest vet the replies before they are made public and only by doing that can any sysop hope to stop bad advice.

However it then means that even bad advice given has been sanctioned by the sysop and one could I think take the forum to court for allowing bad advice to be posted.

There was a case on here where I gave cryptic clue to how something could be done with idea if they could work it out then they should know enough to do it safely.

Unfortunately someone then spelt it out and made it all too plane and although I could remove my original comment I could not remove the explanation and it took two days to get sysop to remove it.

And this forum is good as far as sysops go. Some are far slower to react to posts that need removing.

The comments on Part P. I agree some times can go OTT but not to make people aware they are breaking the law is also just as bad.

We have to consider with most jobs what is the best method. And unfortunately people part copy. I remember fitting some cables all stranded into a junction block and wrapping them with brass shimming to ensure they did not bind the screw. I was part copied and some one else put same cables into a junction block without shimming and one strand did get into threads and it did bind and they were slack and it did overheat.

And that is the problem with a forum we have one thing in our mind but that might not be how we write it or how some one else reads it.

When the post starts I don't know much at least they realise but when it starts I am going to rewire my house. And then continues with what size cable should I use. Should we ignore it. Tell them they are a fool, Or try to explain electrics are not quite that easy.

With an electrician of real good standing I was having a debate about length of cable permitted in a ring main. He said if less than 100 sq meters you can use as much cable as you want no calculations required. I said there was a limit of 106 meters because of volt drop. If two good electricians can't agree what hope is there that a DIY guy will understand?

Yes I have looked at the B&Q forum and seems in main just a slanging match between regulars and no control exercised. Wonder if anyone is ever banned?
Click to expand...
 

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top