Dodgy trade pictures for your amusement! - 1 Million Views!

timhoward · Jul 14, 2021

ChrisElectrical88 said:
Probably got a bit lucky here. Did Zdb and didn’t visually see what was going on, been testing Easy 9 boards this week so the line on the right didn’t really click with me. Turned the main switch on to do the RCD tests and my eyes caught how the cables were coming into the back of the board so I was wiggling round right next to the neutral bar, then I saw it ?.

About 20 years ago I turned a Wylex off at main switch, cut through a T+E cable with damaged wire cutters, got a right bolt and blew the main fuse. Whole board was reversed.
Once bitten twice shy, and been sticking a 2 pole on the N and E ever since.

Mikegh · Jul 14, 2021

brianmoooore said:
This is what Voltsticks are for.

100%

Prove dead and confirm with a voltstick always

Pete999 · Jul 14, 2021

brianmoooore said:
This is what Voltsticks are for.

I hoe you are kidding. Mate please say you are volt sticks are only as good t as the person using them, and that says a lot

brianmoooore · Jul 14, 2021

Pete999 said:
I hoe you are kidding. Mate please say you are volt sticks are only as good t as the person using them, and that says a lot

Voltsticks should never be used for proving dead, but are absolutely invaluable for indicating may still be live.

telectrix · Jul 14, 2021

easywy. switch off what you think is the OCPD. plug in kettle. if you ain't got tea within 5 minutes, it' proven dead. 9unless , of course, the kettle is FUBAR, then it's guess again.

Dustydazzler · Jul 14, 2021

I know a sparks who used to turn circuits back on to boil his kettle then forget to switch the circuit back off before grabbing the bare cables he was just working on before brewing up , must have seen him zap himself 3 or 4 times one month like this …

he was an cps approv sparks as well

telectrix · Jul 14, 2021

he was an cps approv sparks as well

says it all, more money than sense, brains in underpants.

Mikegh · Jul 14, 2021

Mikegh said:
100%

Prove dead and confirm with a vol

L

Pete999 said:
I hoe you are kidding. Mate please say you are volt sticks are only as good t as the person using them, and that says a lot

That is exactly the point

The more you use voltsticks the more you depend on them

I don't go near anything without one

ipf · Jul 14, 2021

Mikegh said:
L

That is exactly the point

The more you use voltsticks the more you depend on them

I don't go near anything without one

That's a bit desperate!

......and the more you use one the quicker it goes faulty or the batteries knacker.

Don't depend on a voltstick.

telectrix · Jul 14, 2021

Mikegh said:
L

That is exactly the point

The more you use voltsticks the more you depend on them

I don't go near anything without one

i have 3 of them in my toolbag. 1 is slightly different.it has a forked business end, so in a bunch of conductors, as you sometimes get in multiple switches. it don't pickupfrom adjacent cables. you just put the forked bit over the suspect conductor.

Mikegh · Jul 14, 2021

telectrix said:
i have 3 of them in my toolbag. 1 is slightly different.it has a forked business end, so in a bunch of conductors, as you sometimes get in multiple switches. it don't pickupfrom adjacent cables. you just put the forked bit over the suspect conductor.

I keep 2 and usually prove them on the supply so to speak before use

I'll be getting this single point contact tester that's available asap, it will be invaluable

MJPD29 · Jul 14, 2021

telectrix said:
easywy. switch off what you think is the OCPD. plug in kettle. if you ain't got tea within 5 minutes, it' proven dead. 9unless , of course, the kettle is FUBAR, then it's guess again.

Always keep your kettle calibrated

brianmoooore · Jul 14, 2021

Prove a voltstick by rubbing them on your sleeve to generate a bit of static.

telectrix · Jul 14, 2021

brianmoooore said:
Prove a voltstick by rubbing them on your sleeve to generate a bit of static.

or chuck it upin the air. when it bounces it lights up.

Simon47 · Jul 15, 2021

telectrix said:
easywy. switch off what you think is the OCPD. plug in kettle. if you ain't got tea within 5 minutes, it' proven dead. 9unless , of course, the kettle is FUBAR, then it's guess again.

I got caught out by something along those lines many years ago. Amongst other things, I managed the phones at my then employer - and on this occasion I didn't have my butt set* to hand (I think I'd either been using it at home, or lent it to someone), so I had to use an ordinary phone to test a line we were having problems with. Unfortunately, the phone I picked up was faulty, so I incorrectly diagnosed the line as faulty ?

* Butt set is a term used for an engineer's (or linesman's) phone which is designed for testing lines rather than for conversations, so has some different/extra functions and a form factor more useful to the task than a typical phone.

LewisM · Jul 15, 2021

If you don't have a three phase MCB make your own, very dangerous

westward10 · Jul 15, 2021

That isn't much different to individual fuses.

LewisM · Jul 15, 2021

westward10 said:
That isn't much different to individual fuses.

True but if one trips and DIY Dave starts to play around thinking everything is off then you could get a nice zap

westward10 · Jul 15, 2021

LewisM said:
True but if one trips and DIY Dave starts to play around thinking everything is off then you could get a nice zap

Ah you see that's where you need a volt stick?

Mikegh · Jul 15, 2021

Don't shoot the voltstick

Dustydazzler · Jul 15, 2021

I have across the old 3 seperate mcbs for a make shift 3 phase circuit quite a few times

I have even come across mixed sizes like 2 x 20s and 1 x 32

Fazz711 · Jul 15, 2021

Cables live even with iso off.
Going to dodgy old style three phase plug.
Then out into SY cable.

All about to be removed and aux out going to the virtually empty DB above

Not even tried to put the live singles into the tray work

westward10 · Jul 15, 2021

Mikegh said:
Don't shoot the voltstick

I don't I use them every day.

ipf · Jul 15, 2021

LewisM said:
True but if one trips and DIY Dave starts to play around thinking everything is off then you could get a nice zap

I'd say that's Dave's fault. He shouldn't be playing about with it anyway, especially 400v 3 phase.
Loads of them in domestic, we know. There's more and more getting involved with commercial and industrial.... scary stuff.

I always use TP breakers but there's nothing wrong with 3 cartridge fuses. Millions of those perfectly decent circuits in operation.

ipf · Jul 15, 2021

westward10 said:
I don't I use them every day.

I did find my last one useful but after it packed in I just never bothered getting another.

ipf · Jul 15, 2021

Found this today, back to back switches.
Could have warmed his hands on the wall. Black nicked on screwhead.
Both earths cut back, God knows why?

Picking up from the other side of the wall

brianmoooore · Jul 15, 2021

I don't think those boxes have a terminal to connect a cpc to. They are pre cpc metal back boxes, with insulated threaded blocks for the switch fixing screws.
I had a box of 100 Crabtree brass earthing terminals that I used to update the likes of these.

ipf · Jul 15, 2021

brianmoooore said:
I don't think those boxes have a terminal to connect a cpc to. They are pre cpc metal back boxes, with insulated threaded blocks for the switch fixing screws.
I had a box of 100 Crabtree brass earthing terminals that I used to update the likes of these.

Well spotted, but why not use a connector or something. The main problem came with breaking the cpc. Half the circuit wasn't earthed (incl fluorescents)...linked the 2 earths and it was, so cutting 'em back broke the line.
Sod of a job.

brianmoooore · Jul 15, 2021

ipf said:
why not use a connector or something.

Because that would have required a modicum of intelligence, and a little pride in their work from whoever wired it.

ipf · Jul 15, 2021

brianmoooore said:
Because that would have required a modicum of intelligence, and a little pride in their work from whoever wired it.

I think I might just understand that. ?

Mike Johnson · Jul 16, 2021

Talking of voltsticks, best price I can find for the shielded two pronged version: Volt Stick PRO230 AC Voltage Detector - https://www.replenishh.com/volt-stick-pro230-ac-voltage-detector-85-0672

Mikegh · Jul 16, 2021

Mike Johnson said:
Talking of voltsticks, best price I can find for the shielded two pronged version: Volt Stick PRO230 AC Voltage Detector - https://www.replenishh.com/volt-stick-pro230-ac-voltage-detector-85-0672

I've always used the cheap chinese ones ,.might upgrade to something more selective

Going to be getting one of these single point contact testers too

Its wierd the way the the volstick polarizes opinion

Mike Johnson · Jul 16, 2021

Its arrived and have to say I am quite impressed, with the removable prong bridge it act just like any other Volt Stick, but with the bridge removed it is much more selective.

I have obviously missed something in this thread, what is a single point contact tester if not a volt stick?

DPG · Jul 16, 2021

Mike Johnson said:
Its arrived and have to say I am quite impressed, with the removable prong bridge it act just like any other Volt Stick, but with the bridge removed it is much more selective.

I have obviously missed something in this thread, what is a single point contact tester if not a volt stick?

Voltsticks are generally non contact. They work over a small gap. No electrical contact.

littlespark · Jul 16, 2021

Mike Johnson said:
Its arrived and have to say I am quite impressed, with the removable prong bridge it act just like any other Volt Stick, but with the bridge removed it is much more selective.

I have obviously missed something in this thread, what is a single point contact tester if not a volt stick?

I thought a volt stick was a non-contact tester? Where’s this single point doo dah coming from?

I must admit I use a non contact tester myself tracing switch wires in multi gang switches, but would never trust it to prove dead.

my two prong tester does ac/dc and has lights for approximate ranges ie 3,6,12,50 110, 230 and 400v
Can also be used as a low power continuity tester for fuses etc

Mikegh · Jul 16, 2021

Mike Johnson said:
Its arrived and have to say I am quite impressed, with the removable prong bridge it act just like any other Volt Stick, but with the bridge removed it is much more selective.

I have obviously missed something in this thread, what is a single point contact tester if not a volt stick?

It's like a phase tester but insulated

Works on capacitive coupling I think , can't find the link atm

Mike Johnson · Jul 16, 2021

So what is a single point contact tester? would my neon screwdriver comply. ?

Mikegh · Jul 16, 2021

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Mike Johnson · Jul 16, 2021

littlespark said:
my two prong tester does ac/dc and has lights for approximate ranges ie 3,6,12,50 110, 230 and 400v
Can also be used as a low power continuity tester for fuses etc

My two prong tester Fluke T150 does 12, 24,50,120,230,400 & 690, AC, continuity, a hold function, but it is two prong.

DPG · Jul 16, 2021

Mike Johnson said:
My two prong tester Fluke T150 does 12, 24,50,120,230,400 & 690, AC, continuity, a hold function, but it is two prong.

My two prong tester (Kewtech) will also work in single prong mode, but with reduced functionality.

Mike Johnson · Jul 16, 2021

DPG said:
My two prong tester (Kewtech) will also work in single prong mode, but with reduced functionality.

Never occurred to me to try it in single prong mode, will try it now? yep with no indication of voltage, but does show phase connected, so we both had one all along and did not know it. ?

static zap · Jul 16, 2021

Mike Johnson said:
would my neon screwdriver comply.

It will soon tell you about your points of contact , if you transport it in a sandy wet pocket. Builder style.

ruston · Jul 16, 2021

static zap said:
It will soon tell you about your points of contact , if you transport it in a sandy wet pocket. Builder style.

So it definitely would not be a Static Zap.

loz2754 · Jul 16, 2021

This has already been discussed.
The new Megger MET 1000 has a one contact voltage indicator setting.
Gas engineers use them to test pipes and stuff.

ipf · Jul 16, 2021

DPG said:
My two prong tester (Kewtech) will also work in single prong mode, but with reduced functionality.

Mine too, at least you can tell if switches are live........when the earths have been cut back.?

ferg · Jul 16, 2021

Same with my Fluke. No indication of voltage but will yell at you and light up to show that it is live.

pc1966 · Jul 22, 2021

In the car park of the local Screwfix, but predates their occupation of the site.Some disused 12V chargers (box has a transformer and PCB in it), but look at the quality of the SY cable installation! Now it is opaque and split due to UV. There must have been around a dozen of them in total.

ipf · Jul 22, 2021

pc1966 said:
In the car park of the local Screwfix, but predates their occupation of the site.Some disused 12V chargers (box has a transformer and PCB in it), but look at the quality of the SY cable installation! Now it is opaque and split due to UV. There must have been around a dozen of them in total.View attachment 87907

Wouldn't surprise me if some prize pi$$ocks think they're for recharging their car batteries.....maybe even Screwfix customers. ?

SparkySy · Jul 23, 2021

Been helping a friend out who has just moved into a 1970's built and bodged ever since house. Lovely consumer unit, sockets in the bedroom not working, (lost neutral) on closer inspection as the cable was only about 2foot long, this was the cause hidden away in all the gash wires looks like it was snipped off for God knows what reason when the con unit was upgraded, no faults found on the cable! Final one was ripping out the kitchen bodgery a rake of spurs off spurs and a cooker hood that went dead with the cooker, removing the isolator face and outlet plate gave no answers so out came the chisel and hello what have we here then!

SparkySy · Jul 23, 2021

Yesterday's shenanigans, digger driver pulling out roots and oops, only about 2inches under the topsoil, did have tape but directly on top of the cable, chap didn't stand a chance of not hitting it! Quick joint in the woods and off to the next one!

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