Puzzle time - spaghetti junction

[ianb1469]

While trying to find some unexpected voltages on a lightning circuit, I found this.... see picture.

Does anyone else see the fault?

I've fixed the immediate problem, but on a more serious note, is it worth re-doing this properly, and what would you suggest using? This is basically a sloppy install of a consumer unit, presumably by an electrician instructed by a previous owner of the house. It's extending the wires to a newer consumer unit, which is below this junction box.

 

[ericmark]

At least it's in an adaptable box, common to find a load of crimps hidden in the ceiling. Yes you can fit DIN rail and a load of fixed terminals, but is it really worth the effort?

 

[SUNRAY]

While trying to find some unexpected voltages on a lightning circuit, I found this.... see picture.

Does anyone else see the fault?

I've fixed the immediate problem, but on a more serious note, is it worth re-doing this properly, and what would you suggest using? This is basically a sloppy install of a consumer unit, presumably by an electrician instructed by a previous owner of the house. It's extending the wires to a newer consumer unit, which is below this junction box.

yes, top left cables.

As Eric says I wouldn't bother making changes as long as what's there is secure/fully rated etc... well apart from moving the rogues and fitting lid

 

[RandomGrinch]

yes, top left cables.

...and not what appears to be the brown to black and blue to red connections here?

 

[SUNRAY]

...and not what appears to be the brown to black and blue to red connections here?

View attachment 303757

oops... well spotted

 

[ianb1469]

Kudos prize to RandomGrinch, yes after unexpectedly measuring 230v on a neutral in the loft, the crossover was in the box as per photo.

 

[EFLImpudence]

after unexpectedly measuring 230v on a neutral in the loft,

We know what you mean, but - It was not a neutral.

 

[SUNRAY]

oops... well spotted

I've just returned to the pc, in the meantime I wondered if it might have been a switchline but of course others have the same thought, however looking again I think it may simply be a mistake.

 

[chivers67]

Is that all PVC T&E or is some of that Vulcanised Rubber top middle - hard to tell

 

[RandomGrinch]

Is that all PVC T&E or is some of that Vulcanised Rubber top middle - hard to tell

All PVC T&E when zoomed...

 

[ianb1469]

I've just returned to the pc, in the meantime I wondered if it might have been a switchline but of course others have the same thought, however looking again I think it may simply be a mistake.

It's not a switchline, it's from the consumer unit, feeding the lighting circuit. I'm sure it's a mistake. All is working, and now the wires you expect to act as line and neutral are behaving as such.

By the way, I found this (picture) on the same circuit! All screws were loose or broken. Yes it was live (although due to the switcheroo in the junction box, luckily only one of the black wires was actually "live"). One cable traced to the radial, other one went was unterminated under the insulation.

Obviously, all now completely removed!

 

[ianb1469]

yes, top left cables.

As Eric says I wouldn't bother making changes as long as what's there is secure/fully rated etc... well apart from moving the rogues and fitting lid

Thanks. I'll leave the box as it is then.

I don't know what the top left cables are for, they are 4 core and are connected to each other. They don't go to the consumer unit. They are just tucked in the box, I pulled them out the way to get a clear view of the wrongly wired connector block.