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But still advise people to throw them away
Vent Axia Extractor Fan not working - "twitching"
- Thread starter ringzer
- Start date
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Although, attempting a DIY repair could be a well worthwhile learning experience, so I never ever say never. I often do just buy a replacement, then tackle the faulty item, to find out what went wrong with it, repair it, then keep it as a spare.
Voltsticks are the best thing since sliced bread, but only if you know how to use, interpret them and are aware of the limitations.
If you are aware of the limitations and know how to make good use of a voltstick, then yes you can detect the lack of a neutral.
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So I've ordered a pack of 5 Panasonic capacitors for £2.29 from eBay and will see if that is indeed the issue and if not replace the entire fan.
Regarding the multimeter -v- volt meter, for DIY purposes I believe the volt meter to be more suitable - a multimeter has more features and therefore more prone to misuse for non-enthusiasists/non-professionals.
What I've done when installing Tado and needed to swap the wired thermostat, I just cut the power to the entire house by putting down all the switches. I still tested before and after and was satisfied I was working safely.
Would switching off electricity on all circuits avoid this problem entirely? i.e. there is no electricity going past the front door effectively? (I would still use the volt meter to double check before touching any cables)
Regarding the multimeter -v- volt meter, for DIY purposes I believe the volt meter to be more suitable - a multimeter has more features and therefore more prone to misuse for non-enthusiasists/non-professionals.
What I've done when installing Tado and needed to swap the wired thermostat, I just cut the power to the entire house by putting down all the switches. I still tested before and after and was satisfied I was working safely.
Would switching off electricity on all circuits avoid this problem entirely? i.e. there is no electricity going past the front door effectively? (I would still use the volt meter to double check before touching any cables)
Can you elaborate on how to do this please?
OK, a voltstick is always the first test instrument I pick out, they are a none contact tester, so safer than using a meter and probes. If there is a break in the neutral, with the item switched the stick will light up near both live and neutral. You can run the tester tip along a live flex, shielded by your finger tips and will be able to pick up the live for around 1/3 of the diameter of the flex, or 1/2 if a two core. Lighting up for 2/3 suggest a neutral or possibly an earth break, lighting around the entire circumference on a two core suggests a neutral break. No light at all suggests the plug fuse has blown, you can check the socket is live, by holding the tip close to the plug. A series of no contact tests, so no risks involved.
You can check the voltstick is working, by rubbing it along your hairy arm.
That where I start, takes just a second and then you move to better, more involved methods.
Your final test, before working on anything with lots of current behind it, is a modern equivalent of a test lamp, as issued to all those working for the electricity boards. I have one, but maybe OTT for DIY.
I use them and LED/neon screwdrivers in much the same way although I haven't owned a voltstick for a number of years. but I've been on sites where they inspect tool kits and quaranteen such items.
Simply because too many people rely too heavily on the voltsticks - they need to be used as a first step, rather than a final safety step. Neon screwdrivers are much less safe than voltsticks..
In the wrong hands I very much agree but LED versions are so much more versatile.
Yes, but only if those switches actually work.
Switches can and do fail, both open and closed. Or the most evil, where the double pole main switch opens the neutral but the line is welded closed internally. That leaves everything live, but nothing works.
Testing for voltage every single time with a suitable device which is proved working before and after use is the only safe option.
Did you forget a word right after "switched"? I assume you meant to say switched on
Yep, I did. Ta!
So I've been convinved to buy a multimeter and to use the voltmeter as a good first non-contact test.
Can someone recommend a good multimeter please?
What about https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-ac-dc-digital-multimeter-600v/75337 or https://www.wickes.co.uk/Schneider-Electric-Thorsman-Cat-III-Digital-Multimeter/p/102616
I'm avoiding anything sold on Amazon and the likes.
Schneider one strikes me as a good one - reputable brand.
Can someone recommend a good multimeter please?
What about https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-ac-dc-digital-multimeter-600v/75337 or https://www.wickes.co.uk/Schneider-Electric-Thorsman-Cat-III-Digital-Multimeter/p/102616
I'm avoiding anything sold on Amazon and the likes.
Schneider one strikes me as a good one - reputable brand.
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