Electrician Advice required

Tricky · 08-02-2005, 18:15

I have a new style fuse box, which has developed a rattle!! (It's the downstairs light cartridge) and the rattle is worse the more lights I have on!

The cartridge itself is tightly screwed in (Checked that first)
Relevant data from the cartridge:
Legrand = Make? B6
Some numbers on the left = model? 061 56

If I press on the cartridge the rattle stops

Can I just go buy one of these at B+Q or is it likely to be more serious?

Ramrod · 08-02-2005, 18:19

What is making it move?

Raistlin · 08-02-2005, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

What is making it move?

Rampant electrical energy intent on escaping from the Sparky Dimension?

Seriously though, there must be something making it move. Unless it's a short of some sort and the arcing just sounds like a rattling?

yesman · 08-02-2005, 18:43

Does it look like this

Tricky · 08-02-2005, 18:44

If I switch that cartridge off then the sound stops! - So if it is arcing then I think it's related to that switch I am still alive after trying to tighten it (not to be recommended especially when 16month old son chucks plastic block on tiled floor next to you!) - ************!

yesman · 08-02-2005, 18:46

It will likely be one of the following problems

1 A loose connection
2 Faulty breaker
3 Overloaded circuit

Probably No. 2 at a wild guess

08-02-2005, 18:50

don't forget it can be against the law now to do some electrical work in the home unless your qualified.

its a new law that came into force in january of 2005

Raistlin · 08-02-2005, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy 1

don't forget it can be against the law now to do some electrical work in the home unless your qualified.

its a new law that came into force in january of 2005

Good point but I would hope that simply replacing a circuit breaker wouldn't come under that particular law?

You could probably eliminate the breaker as a cause by swapping it with another one in the board that is of the same rating (do not put in one of a higher or lower rating though as you may compromise the safety of your installation).
If you try a different breaker and don't get the sound then it is probably worth changing the breaker as that should cure it.

Tricky · 08-02-2005, 19:06

Yesman:
Exactly like that picture albeit with the numbers as above
1. I don't think is loose as I've tried to tighten the screws
2. Possibly
3. Shouldn't be, I've not added to the circuit and the problem comes and goes, although the more lights I turn on the worse it gets!

Andy1 - Does changing the MCB count? - It's not like I am adding a new circuit or anything just like for like. I promise to switch the juice off before I start (thinks what'll happen to server!)

Raistlin · 08-02-2005, 19:09

BTW, NO I am not a qualified electrician.

The advice I'm giving here is based on my own limited experience with electrical systems, household electrics/wiring, and general trouble-shooting.

I'm not gonna accept any liability in the event that you suddenly find yourself with curly hair!

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tricky

I promise to switch the juice off before I start (thinks what'll happen to server!)

Yep, make sure you isolate the entire board (by turning the main switch off) before you fiddle in any way shape or form.

Also probably a good idea to have somebody on standby with a broom handle just in case

08-02-2005, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tricky

andy1 - Does changing the MCB count? - It's not like I am adding a new circuit or anything just like for like. I promise to switch the juice off before I start (thinks what'll happen to server!)

sorry my friend i don't know,but if the mcb does just not plug in or out i'd say it could be covered by these rules but i'm not sure.
perhaps there is a qualified electrician on this site that could tell you.

andy
and don't forget its not just electric shocks that you can get,faulty wiring can cause fires.i think thats why the law as been changed regarding household electrics

TheBlueRaja · 08-02-2005, 19:12

Have you tried jabbing at it with a fork?

(Dont!)

yesman · 08-02-2005, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tricky

Yesman:
Exactly like that picture albeit with the numbers as above
1. I don't think is loose as I've tried to tighten the screws
2. Possibly
3. Shouldn't be, I've not added to the circuit and the problem comes and goes, although the more lights I turn on the worse it gets!

Andy1 - Does changing the MCB count? - It's not like I am adding a new circuit or anything just like for like. I promise to switch the juice off before I start (thinks what'll happen to server!)

Try replacing the breaker first.

Turn of the C/U before attemting this or get a sparky in to do the job,

Just as a matter of curiosity, how many lights are on that particular circuit ?

Tricky · 08-02-2005, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by yesman

Try replacing the breaker first.
Turn of the C/U before attemting this or get a sparky in to do the job,
Just as a matter of curiosity, how many lights are on that particular circuit ?

Total lights = 14 Blubs as follows:
1 Lamp with 3 blubs in lounge
4 Lamps with 1 blub in kitchen
1 Lamp with 1 blub in utility (where cu is)
1 Exterior with 1 blub
1 Exterior with 1 blub (different to above!)
1 Lamp with 5 blubs in Dining Room (with Dimmer)
2 Lamps with 1 blub in Hallway
2 Lamps with 1 blub in Study

Rattle starts with the Hallway, Kitchen, Lounge, Study turned on and stops if I switch any one off!

paulyoung666 · 08-02-2005, 19:27

apologies if this has been covered already , turn off the board , there will be a main switch for this , get your torch , you do have one dont you

, swap the dodgy mcb for another of the same rating and turn the power back on again , if the fault moves ' so to speak ' then there is your answer , if it doesnt then either call an electrician or ghostbusters

, seriously , if you are not sure then please be careful , better to spend some money than spend some time in hospital or worse

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tricky

Total lights = 14 Blubs as follows:
1 Lamp with 3 blubs in lounge
4 Lamps with 1 blub in kitchen
1 Lamp with 1 blub in utility (where cu is)
1 Exterior with 1 blub
1 Exterior with 1 blub (different to above!)
1 Lamp with 5 blubs in Dining Room (with Dimmer)
2 Lamps with 1 blub in Hallway
2 Lamps with 1 blub in Study

Rattle starts with the Hallway, Kitchen, Lounge, Study turned on and stops if I switch any one off!

thats your problem , you have fitted blubs instead of bulbs

, sorry i couldnt resist , i dont suppose you are local to me are you !!!!!!!