Why did my voltage tester just explode?

[SJD]

I was trying to check whether the fused spur is part of the main loop (it looks like it is - it has 2 twin and earth cables feeding into one of the "input" set of the live, neutral and earth terminals, and one twin and earth feeding from the output to a junction box which isn't feeding anything)

Just to add, the fact that there are two cables into the FCU "input" does not necessarily mean it is on the ring (loop), it could be a spur that someone has then taken a second spur from, don't assume what is already there is correctly connected ...

 

[Geordie Spark]

Just to add, the fact that there are two cables into the FCU "input" does not necessarily mean it is on the ring (loop), it could be a spur that someone has then taken a second spur from, don't assume what is already there is correctly connected ...

Aye ..... I always think that if you're to assume anything, assume that it's wrong until you can prove otherwise.

 

[Jeansie]

No, what I meant was that there are 2 fused spur switches which don't appear to be doing anything...so I wanted to know why they are there (hence testing them - not the voltage tester)

 

[Jeansie]

Just to add, the fact that there are two cables into the FCU "input" does not necessarily mean it is on the ring (loop), it could be a spur that someone has then taken a second spur from, don't assume what is already there is correctly connected ...

It then feeds to the next socket, which then feeds somewhere else, so I thought it's likely to be part of the loop. Should you take a spur from a spur, and if so, how many times can you do that?

 

[shagbite]

It then feeds to the next socket, which then feeds somewhere else, so I thought it's likely to be part of the loop.

Should you take a spur from a spur, and if so, how many times can you do that?

you can, as long as they're appropriately fused. if they're not fused, then you're only allowed one spur from one socket.

 

[Steve_P]

There's a diagram in the back of the BGB that tells you all about that Jeansie.

 

[Geordie Spark]

There's a diagram in the back of the BGB that tells you all about that Jeansie.

I'm not sure that Jeansie knows what the BGB is never mind have one.

 

[Steve_P]

I'm not sure that Jeansie knows what the BGB is never mind have one.

That's why I mentioned it mate. Surely there is a point where well meaning help runs the risk of giving someone misleading advice through only having partial facts?

 

[Geordie Spark]

That's why I mentioned it mate. Surely there is a point where well meaning help runs the risk of giving someone misleading advice through only having partial facts?

I agree.

That very thing has been discussed and argued on this board many times.

 

[Steve_P]

I agree.

That very thing has been discussed and argued on this board many times.

Uh huh. I'm all in favour of well meaning advice, I've seen it stop people in their tracks before they get fried but tbh, I do have concerns when I see a shorted neon screwdriver that the owner asks why it happened then gets advice on spurs. Jeansie, this is no way intended to be a dig at you but really if you don't understand the basics please get a spark to help.

 

[Jeansie]

Will do! I was just trying to check it was safe to leave things as they are until I could get someone to look at it

 

[dim_bulb]

I think I would be most worried that no fuse or mcb has operated I would look into that.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Will do! I was just trying to check it was safe to leave things as they are until I could get someone to look at it

Good lad

And while you're at it, throw that neon screwdriver away and make sure you don't buy another one !!

 

[i=p/u]

WHAT FUSE:shocked:

 

[Geordie Spark]

I think I would be most worried that no fuse or mcb has operated I would look into that.

Aye .... YOU would and I would, but I'm thinking that's a step too far for the OP based on what I've read so far !!

- - - Updated - - -

WHAT FUSE:shocked:

The one that's "protecting" the circuit ............. or not as the case may be.

 

[dim_bulb]

Calm down calm down

cant do the accent on here

 

[Jeansie]

No, I don't know why it isn't protecting the circuit (which is why an electrician is coming to look at it tomorrow). But I wanted to find out first whether or not it's safe to still be using any appliances in the house (and if the fuse should have tripped/blown/whatever you guys would say) first, to make sure I don't get a shock from anything or find the place burning down today!

 

[Geordie Spark]

Calm down calm down

cant do the accent on here

I'm OK really

But it's threads like this that prompted some folks to break away & start "The Other Forum" that we aren't allowed to mention on here. :wink_smile:

 

[Steve_P]

Forums are forums, just like advice is advice. I'm pleased that Jeansie is holding tight and letting a spark look into this. Hopefully they will find out what the reason is behind the fuse/MCB/RCD not doing what it's meant to and see what the spur(s) situation is. I would be interested in hearing what they have to say about it though, any chance of reporting back Jeansie?

 

[MDJ]

I expect the neon driver touched the earth bar on the item being tested whilst in the live terminal and a 3036 fuse didn't blow, it isn't unheard of, however a spark going in to look is the way forward.