Doc Hudson
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Always ensure you have identified the circuit you are going to work on and isolate it at the fuse box. If you cannot identify the circuit, then all fuse boxes will have a main switch that will allow the whole installation to be isolated.
Wiring regulations recommend that test results should be noted on a certificate and kept for future reference, however even if no certificate is issued, all electrical work should be checked to ensure all of the following:-
IF IN ANY DOUBT ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ANY FORUM CAN ONLY GIVE LIMITED ADVICE AS A FULL PICTURE CAN ONLY BEEN SEEN WITH A SITE VISIT.
Also remember that a photograph can speak a 1000 words, if you have a question, try to add a photo as well to help our members give you accurate and informed answers.
Thank you.
- Many modern fuse boxes have simple switches as fuses that make it easy to turn an individual circuit off, if you have switched one off, ensure it cannot be accidentally switched back on again while anyone is still working on the circuit.
- If an electrical appliance, accessory or fitting is excessively hot, or you can smell smoke or burning, or hear any arcing or sparking, turn the item off ASAP and identify and remedy any problem(s) before trying to switch it back on again.
- Before undoing any wires from an existing accessory or fitting, take a digital photograph (or several photos) of the accessory showing where each wire was connected to originally. NOTE:- Some accessories have different terminal designations, e.g. a two way light switch may be L1,L2,L3 or C,L1,L2
- Some tools that are essential for undertaking safe electrical work include; Insulated screwdrivers, side cutters, pliers. A voltage detector that can identify live cables. (A neon screwdriver is not recognised as a suitable voltage detector within the industry). A continuity tester that can test dead cables to ensure polarity of connections before re-energising a circuit.
- If you are using a battery operated test meter ensure the batteries are fully functional before relying on it to verify if a cable is live or not. Prove your tester is working on a known live circuit before you commence any work.
- Never cut off earth wires from cables, even at accessories that do not require and earth connection, (Double insulated). Terminate the earth conductor in a small connector block for later use.
- It is not wise to work alone on electrical installations. In the event of an electric shock a healthy adult can be killed within a few seconds. If working in a confined space, lofts or under floorboards try to ensure you have told someone where you are working, preferably have them at hand to pass you tools and to keep an eye out in the event of accidents.
- Modern Loft insulation can be very deep, if working in lofts use appropriate crawling boards to ensure you do not step between roof joists.
Wiring regulations recommend that test results should be noted on a certificate and kept for future reference, however even if no certificate is issued, all electrical work should be checked to ensure all of the following:-
- Wiring is the correct polarity.
- All earths are connected, ESPECIALLY METAL ACCESSORIES, and continued through for other parts of the circuit.
- Cables are of appropriate size for the power they have to carry.
- Fuses are the appropriate rating to protect the various circuit cables.
IF IN ANY DOUBT ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ANY FORUM CAN ONLY GIVE LIMITED ADVICE AS A FULL PICTURE CAN ONLY BEEN SEEN WITH A SITE VISIT.
Also remember that a photograph can speak a 1000 words, if you have a question, try to add a photo as well to help our members give you accurate and informed answers.
Thank you.
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