Don't use connector blocks to extend cables into a fitting

[GaryMo]

Don't use connector blocks to extend cables into a light fitting.
These would have started out as transparent!
Add to that, the customer has the most packed loft I have ever seen. Full of cardboard and all manner of flammable material. Lucky people.

Another job. Heard scratching in the loft but sounded larger than a mouse so popped up to take a look.
That picture was taken in pitch black with a mobile phone! (Nokia N82).

Anybody else come across anything interesting in a loft?

 

[kevsterdiy]

Hi

Nice pictures!

Your top picture of the light fitting and connector blocks - Most lights you'd buy from DIY shops like B&Q etc would have these connection blocks supplied wouldn't they? I have seen many of them. Do you mean this is not the way to connect them or that in your picture they just got too hot?

Thanks.

 

[RF Lighting]

Squirrels are evil.

I went to a house which had squirrels in the loft.
There was not a single piece of insulation left on any of the cables up there. It had all been gnawed off.

Never seen anything like that before or since.

I've seen plenty of rat damage, but it is nothing compared to what squirrels will do.


I've met a fex BIG wasps nests over the years too

Did you see Lectricians pic of a mouse inside a panelboard?

 

[GaryMo]

It certainly isn't the way to connect this fitting. These connector blocks were located directly above the fitting, on show in the loft and not within an enclosure.
Light fitting was a slimline round fitting with 2 x 60w lamps. Poor heatshield leaves nowhere for the heat to go but directly upwards.

My personal preference would be to terminate multiple cables in an accessible junction box and use a piece of heat resistant flex to connect this type of fitting. That's what I've done now.

 

[GaryMo]

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Did you see Lectricians pic of a mouse inside a panelboard?

No, sound interesting though.
IIRC a picture was posted of a snake in a panel or similar a couple of months ago (unless I dreamt it!).

 

[kevsterdiy]

It certainly isn't the way to connect this fitting. These connector blocks were located directly above the fitting, on show in the loft and not within an enclosure.
Light fitting was a slimline round fitting with 2 x 60w lamps. Poor heatshield leaves nowhere for the heat to go but directly upwards.

My personal preference would be to terminate multiple cables in an accessible junction box and use a piece of heat resistant flex to connect this type of fitting. That's what I've done now.

Thanks. I agree - I have recently replaced my lamps in the front room and ideally need to remove the floors above and mount a suitable junction box rather then the choc box wrapped in tape method. Although what im replacing is less wattage for heat build up (3x40 from 3x60) and a far far better job tan the bodge before

Unfortunately this must be very common when people change lights!
Although having some hungry squirrels up in the loft doesn't help!

 

[GaryMo]

Unfortunately this must be very common when people change lights!

True, that's DIY'ers for you!

Although having some hungry squirrels up in the loft doesn't help!

Different job, just noticed it when transferring pictures from my phone.
That was at children's day nursery. I'm sure the footsteps will be mildly entertaining unless the caretaker took care of the squirrel as I asked.

 

[kevsterdiy]

Unfortunately this must be very common when people change lights!

True, that's DIY'ers for you!

Although having some hungry squirrels up in the loft doesn't help!

Different job, just noticed it when transferring pictures from my phone.
That was at children's day nursery. I'm sure the footsteps will be mildly entertaining unless the caretaker took care of the squirrel as I asked.

Soz - like tree rats the damm things!

 

[Lectrician]

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=701703#701703

 

[GaryMo]

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=701703#701703

Lol, excellent picture!