live earth

[kev1387]

Hi all, got a problem on a job that i got called out to for another problem, in that the earth wires at the switch and downlighters are live, which is making the metal switch live and metal fittings live? Wondered if anybody had any ideas what it could be before i go back and start ripping up floor boards and looking for fault.
Thanks
Kev

 

[EasyFox]

Trapped phase between switch plate screw & back box?

 

[electricman]

the " earth " is not earthed - short somewhere .

 

[Unregistered]

might find that in the two way switches, rather than using 3 core cable they have used twin and earth and used the earth as one of the strapers.

 

[mercanlandy]

I agree with the last post, quite a common finding. Try disconnecting the down lights out of the lighting circuit before pulling boards up. You find a lot of problems on lighting is after market diy fitted lights. If some body has wrongly connected a switched live (usually the neutral conductor in a T + E pvc cable) and put it in with the neutrals then you will get a feedback down the neutral and onto the earth via the suppliers intake if it is TNC-S

 

[ayjay]

are you an electrician?

 

[Adam]

are you an electrician?

A little late, I think?

if they wasn't an electrician, they probably are now as it has been nearly 5 years. I'd assume the fault has been rectified too.

 

[richy3333]

else somebody was electrocuted and died The body would have decomposed by now, removing any trace of evidence

 

[kingeri]

Hope he isn't still there trying to find the fault, or if he is, I hope he's charging by the hour!