Security suddenly not getting power

[Kevdiy123]

Hi
Hopefully someone can help.
Security light stopped working a few days ago. Fitted a new light about a year ago so don't think the bulb has gone.
When investigating only the yellow wire has power running through it. Other wires are not bringing anything to the junction box.
Thanks in advance
Kev

 

[Taylortwocities]

How are you testing the presence of power?
Which cable is the supply cable?
Does it come from a switch?
Have you checked there?

 

[opps]

I do not know the answer but why is the earth cable connected to the red cable.

It might help if you explain which cable comes from where.

Oh, and T&E should not be used outdoors.

 

[Kevdiy123]

How are you testing the presence of power?
Which cable is the supply cable?
Does it come from a switch?
Have you checked there?

Using a voltmeter to check for power and flashes for the yellow cable only.
Supply cable comes from the left.
No switch and supply cable disappears into an area that is not accessible.

 

[Kevdiy123]

I do not know the answer but why is the earth cable connected to the red cable.

It might help if you explain which cable comes from where.

Oh, and T&E should not be used outdoors.

Left is supply cable. Up is sensor. Right is to the light.
Cheers

 

[Taylortwocities]

Using a voltmeter to check for power and flashes for the yellow cable only.
Supply cable comes from the left.
No switch and supply cable disappears into an area that is not accessible.

Voltmeters don’t flash. A voltmeter should have two probes and a voltage display.
You need to test between the blue and red of the left hand cable and tell us the voltage reading.
Thd yellow wire does not seem to be connected to anything.

 

[CountryFan]

Thd yellow wire does not seem to be connected to anything.

Yep, spotted that as well.

I do not know the answer but why is the earth cable connected to the red cable.

And why are none of the earth/cpc sleeved?

@Kevdiy123 - has anything tripped at the consumer unit?

 

[Kevdiy123]

Yep, spotted that as well.

And why are none of the earth/cpc sleeved?

@Kevdiy123 - has anything tripped at the consumer unit?

Not sure about the connection. Was like that when we moved in. I just changed the light when that stopped working. Everything else has been left as is and worked fine until now. Not aware of anything tripping. Everything at the fuse box looks fine.
I appreciate the set up looks messy and I can sort that once I figure out why it has stopped working.

 

[CountryFan]

I figure out why it has stopped working.

Ok, you need proper testing equipment then capable of showing voltages

 

[ericmark]

My voltmeter does have a non contact volts mode, and will show 1 to 4 bars if it detects voltage, good for checking power off before removing covers, amps it does not need leads with either AC or DC, but for volts and ohms, I have to use leads to get an actually volt or ohms reading.

There are cheaper options the volt stick

also shows non contact volts, but the voltage they show a light at varies version to version, and some will even light by rubbing them on a jumper.

The neon screwdriver

is a really good tool to detect borrowed neutrals, but as for testing for volts, of very limited use.

The problem with non contact and neon testers, is they don't tell you if the neutral is sound. Once one uses a pair of leads, one is testing both line and neutral, so the NCV range is only used as a quick test, then you get out your leads.

 

[morqthana]

I do not know the answer but why is the earth cable connected to the red cable.

The guy who installed it was an old East German?

 

[morqthana]

Security light stopped working a few days ago. Fitted a new light about a year ago

I just changed the light when that stopped working.

 

[endecotp]

why is the earth cable connected to the red cable

Because it’s not an earth, it’s the switched live from the sensor

 

[333rocky333]

Bypass the sensor to try, light, looks simple as joining the two reds

 

[Kevdiy123]

Bypass the sensor to try, light, looks simple as joining the two reds

Tried that yesterday but no joy. A voltmeter is being delivered today so will hopefully know more then.