Flickering lights

[neilmck]

Hi there,
Just had a wee problem, and I'd appreciate a little guidance if anyone has time. Someone just plugged a laptop power supply into an extension cable which "exploded" (made a loud noise, no smoke). The extension lead smells a bit dodgy now, so its made its way into the bin.

as a result, the main electricity box "tripped", but everything is working fine now that i've flipped the switch. Doesn't seem like any fuses anywhere have been blown - at least I haven't changed any, and everything else is working fine.

The thing is, everything is a bit odd now. The lights are flickering, every so often the fridge makes strange noises, my monitor sounds like its getting carried away then calms down again.

Basically I'm wondering if these are little signs that something more sinister is going on and I should just call an electrician, or if it should be okay.

Thanks in advance for any advice,

 

[jj4091]

I think this is a bit like seeing a motorway accident, you will be ultra aware for a few days & then not notice anymore, but nodody on here is pshycic so if you are really concerned call someone in.

 

[JohnD]

flickering lights suggests a poor connection.

Observe carefully if it happens on all lighting circuits, also plug a table lamp into each socket circuit and see if that flickers as well.

If only one circuit flickers, there is probably a fault on that circuit.

If they all flicker, in unison, there is probably a fault in your consumer unit, or possibly at the incoming supply or meter.

You might be able to hear fizzing or sparking if you turn off all sound and listen at the meter or CU, especialy when load is high (washing machine, tumble drier and dishwasher al drawing current). This would be a cause for concern.

If your consumer unit is very old, it may be the main switch is worn. What make and colour is yours?

Let us know what you find for further suggestions.

Unless you decide you're imagining it, ask around friends and neighbours for their recommendations of a local electrician.

When phoning an electrician, always ask if he is a member of a self-certification scheme; which one, how long he has been a member; and what name he is registered under (it is possible to check this).

His membership authorises him to install and certificate certain work without you having to pay the local authority to inspect it, and is a sign of competence. It is doubtless true that there are good electricians who are not members; and bad electricians who are; but IMO it is rather like checking that your taxi-driver has a licence. You wouldn't want to get in his car if he hadn't.