Advice please - supply to shed disconnected after consumer unit upgrade

[Markcastle]

You're right, by testing it I meant that all the sockets are working and the mcb and RCD aren't tripping. I identified a very obvious problem with the circuit, the water logged sockets. It stands to reason that this was why the circuit wasn't working, as after I replaced them it's now fine. It was a very easy fix and something that didn't require an electrician. If I couldn't do this myself or identity a problem then it would be different, I would have contacted someone qualified. It really wasn't a hard job, I did it myself so I will deal with any consequences, I didn't do any thing dangerous so I can't see any issues.

There's a lot of scare mongering on this forum, obviously electricity is dangerous but it seems that most people's first comment on here when ever anyone asks a question is to answer with 'contact a local spark'.

Mark

 

[Spoon]

You're right, by testing it I meant that all the sockets are working and the mcb and RCD aren't tripping. I identified a very obvious problem with the circuit, the water logged sockets. It stands to reason that this was why the circuit wasn't working, as after I replaced them it's now fine. It was a very easy fix and something that didn't require an electrician. If I couldn't do this myself or identity a problem then it would be different, I would have contacted someone qualified. It really wasn't a hard job, I did it myself so I will deal with any consequences, I didn't do any thing dangerous so I can't see any issues.

There's a lot of scare mongering on this forum, obviously electricity is dangerous but it seems that most people's first comment on here when ever anyone asks a question is to answer with 'contact a local spark'.

Mark

Hi Mark,
The scare mongering is how it looks to the general public. Unfortunately there are lots of people out there that if we gave someone without electrical knowledge some info and they hurt themselves then we get sued.
Regarding getting an electrician in to do the job: A couple of years ago I wanted an additional FSU and a double socket added in our kitchen. Also a double socket moving. Really easy job for me. I didn't have the proper test equipment to test the circuit afterwards and I'm not part of any scheme so I cant fill in my own certificates.
Best thing was to get someone in, it was a small job and didn't cost a lot. I got a cert at the end of it and everyone is happy.

 

[telectrix]

mark, while you have sorted it out and got it working. all credit to you, there still may be a latent fault somewhere, not enough to trip MCB or RCD, but at some time in the future, could cause a problem. keep my mobile number and if ever you need me , phone. i'm only at cuddington.

 

[Octopus]

You're right, by testing it I meant that all the sockets are working and the mcb and RCD aren't tripping. I identified a very obvious problem with the circuit, the water logged sockets. It stands to reason that this was why the circuit wasn't working, as after I replaced them it's now fine. It was a very easy fix and something that didn't require an electrician. If I couldn't do this myself or identity a problem then it would be different, I would have contacted someone qualified. It really wasn't a hard job, I did it myself so I will deal with any consequences, I didn't do any thing dangerous so I can't see any issues.

There's a lot of scare mongering on this forum, obviously electricity is dangerous but it seems that most people's first comment on here when ever anyone asks a question is to answer with 'contact a local spark'.

Mark

With the greatest respect the point about this forum is that its for Electricians, who, believe it or not need to earn a living. If we spent our time on here dishing out advice for free, many wouldn't be able to keep a roof over their heads. It difficult enough to earn a living as it stands with any Tom, Dick, or Harry doing our work.

 

[Engineer54]

There's a lot of scare mongering on this forum, obviously electricity is dangerous but it seems that most people's first comment on here when ever anyone asks a question is to answer with 'contact a local spark'.

Yes Electricity is Dangerous!! It's only ''Scaremongering'' as you put it, to those that think they know better, ...but Don't!! As i stated, you do not possess the test equipment required to ascertain if the circuit is safe or not. And that goes for all the other DIY'ers too and why they are advised to contact a local qualified Spark/Electrician. Having the correct test equipment for the job (and knowing how to use it) is essential even for qualified electricians....

 

[BlueToBits]

Mark,
We can only go on what you write and how we apply that to our experience. You can only mention those aspects your knowledge allows you to be aware of, Again we have to 'fill in the gaps'. If your knowledge and experience is that of an electrician then you wouldn't be looking for advice here. We are not here to scaremonger, we sit here and type because we want to help, and we gain knowledge in reading what other electricians suggest. The "get in a pro" response is an admission that we can't help and no one gets any benefit from the forum.
Having said that, and being careful not to sound scaremongering, fault finding is one of the aspects of electrical installation work that demands the most experience and knowledge in an electrician. Incorrect or misguided fault finding can be one of the most unsafe aspects of the job, both for the electrician and the continued use of the installation by the client.
Reading your scenario, there are 4 or 5 alarm bells ringing in my mind, and clearly and possibly more also in the minds of other electricians. It would be a big coincidence for them all to be false alarms. We can't see what you can and we don't know that you have looked in the places that we would consider to be significant.

In your particular situation, there are just too many variables to make a straight call. I'm all for the 'have a go' attitude, I live by that mantra myself, but on this occasion I agree with the advice that it warrants professional inspection, and I too suggest it would be prudent to take up Telextric's offer. Of course, he may just confirm your diagnosis, and that would be the best outcome, however he may see something that you didn't notice and be able to prevent something which could be at best inconvenient but possibly catastrophic.

I am sure I am not alone as I smile when a clients often say to me, "We don't need an inspection, we don't have any problems with our wiring because it all works fine", and those that are ever so proud when they add "Look, 40 years and none of our fuses have ever blown!".