Consumer unit fire - advice please

[richy3333]

what the hell is a buzz bar?!

A buzzing busbar?

 

[dan86]

very apt

 

[Guitarist]

what the hell is a buzz bar?!

I'm always amazed at how many people think that it's actually called that.

 

[Geordie Spark]

what the hell is a buzz bar?!

Where bees go for a quiet drink after work?

 

[dan86]

Where bees go for a quiet drink after work?

that's the kind of reply of expect from specs!

 

[Groundhog]

Hi all - just wanted to update you on this. Quick recap as this thread has gone on a bit - thanks for your responses btw. Fire in protec consumer unit -I had fitted the CU 5 years ago and returned 2 years ago to do some extra work. householder had never had any problems with anything - not a flicker. Cause of fire was loose neutral - extensive smoke damage to property as fire brigade could not gain access. Basically I am liable. Even though I know I tightened it - why wouldn't I - and householder dabbles a bit in electrics plus has been having property renovated blah blah - because I was last one there and I supplied the CU - buck stops with me. Thank God I have PLI but I am gutted and it has been a horrible experience which came at a really bad time in my life. Only saving grace no one was hurt. So I can't say I have learnt by it as I genuinely believe when I left that house 2 years ago all was fine. But short of HH admitting someone else has been there or he has done something I'm screwed!!! So thanks again for all your opinions and I really hope you are all spared this experience as it was grim and will stay with me for a long time. Thanks all.

 

[Engineer54]

No way would i accept that decission, that just smacks of pointing the finger at the easiest target to me!!

 

[decolad69]

No way would i accept that decission, that just smacks of pointing the finger at the easiest target to me!!

I totally agree, I would fight it all the way - they need to prove that no work has been done on the CU since you left it. Also, we know the build quality of that product ......

In short, they must provide the evidence that you are to blame, if they can't then tough.

Decolad69

 

[telectrix]

agreed.tooth and nail. pass it to your insurers but don't admit any liability. you pay the premiums so let them fight it.

 

[Groundhog]

Yes my insurers are dealing with it. I haven't admitted liability but the forensic report has identified a loose neutral. As to when and how this happened we don't know but without evidence to the contrary it seems they go on balance of probability. My insurers have been very good and these things happen so I'm told. I am gutted but because if everything else that is going on at the moment - illness - I'm leaving it to the insurers to fight it out. Thanks for your input again.

 

[decolad69]

Hope all works out for you.

Regards,

Decolad69

 

[SKY]

Feel for you mate but please find the strength to fight - we are all now working with parts that just about meet the British Standard due to cost cutting across the whole sector.

I installed a customer supplied metal faced socket recently that was from a well known outlet. I fitted it perfectly all bare copper was showing 20mm as per instructions and all connections were correctly tightened - they plugged their outside blow up swimming pool heater/filter in to it (2kw) and the socket fried inside and the plug was welded into the socket.

RCD tripped and would not go back on again so I got the call because I only fitted it a few weeks earlier!!!
Customer was saying that I allowed her to overload the socket!!!!!! WTF - SHE SUPPLIED IT and it took me about 30 minutes to show/explain to her the swimming pool pulls 8.7 Amp and the socket is rated at @ 13AMP.

Anyhow - still awaiting payment and I have taken many pictures of the socket!!

 

[telectrix]

cheapo socket. customer supplied. tell her to take it back to wher eshe bought it.

 

[Guest111]

Hang on a minute was this the main incoming neutral? if so has the meter been changed? you need to find out as We had a meter change done recently and the guy checked the tails in cu when he'd finished as there have been "issues" resulting from tails loosening after a meter change.

 

[Groundhog]

Phil - it was the neutral link from the main switch of the CU to the neutral connection bar. Then insurers will look into a possible change of meter but I am certainly not aware this has occurred.
Sky - thanks for your comment and I agree totally with what you say - the standards of someof the kit is dreadful. As I have said I am not admitting liability but in the absence of any evidence for he contrary I think my insurers will be left with a hefty bill. As I say I am gutted but I just have to accept it.