Discuss

[trev]

Here's a (possibly) interesting one for the trainees to discuss in a kind of did I do the right thing style or have I put a family at risk.

I got a call out at 6, a couple have lost all power to their house. When I got there I found a GET CU with a single RCD main switch, all circuits are on this one RCD.
A poor termination on the incoming live has been arcing and has burnt out the terminal making the RCD go bang. The only thing I had to hand was a Hager 100 amp main switch. I replaced this RCD with the main switch and walked, obviously I told them I'd be trying to get them a replacement in the morning.
A little background info, she is very pregnant and they have a 2 year old son running around. Clearly they could not be without heating on what is predicted to be a very very cold night

Over to you guys.

 

[telectrix]

i'd have done exactly the same in that situation.

 

[trev]

No other option Tel, and we both know what the crack is here. I just wondered what the trainees take on it would be and why.

 

[Simonslimline]

They are no more at risk than any other families out there with 3036 boards still in service (my dads house included)

I would of done the same and think most would. I am sure they are relieved to still have electric for the night also.

 

[Marvo]

I'm glad this was posted in the trainee forum and not General Electrical where it would already have at least a hundred replies from the fretters and hand wringers.

 

[pennychew]

Would have done exactly the same Trev, as Simon says how many people have no RCD protection in their house anyway.

 

[trev]

I might still post it up in there to see what a beasting I'm given from them Andy . Obviously I knew I was effectively making a 3036 CU and that the risk is incredibly small.

 

[trev]

Would have done exactly the same Trev, as Simon says how many people have no RCD protection in their house anyway.

That was exactly my point Stu. I just wondered how many, if any, would have objected to what I did and how they'd justify it.
Barking up the wrong tree obviously because you've all got good heads on your shoulders.

 

[telectrix]

till the Electrical Trainee comes along and cons them into an all-metal CU that complies with 3rd amendment. £550+ VAT, thank you ma,am.

 

[kevio123]

I agree they couldn't be without power for the night.. even if there was another option for the couple to go somewhere for the night.. the house would be at risk of damage due to the cold.

Pre-app

 

[pennychew]

That was exactly my point Stu. I just wondered how many, if any, would have objected to what I did and how they'd justify it.
Barking up the wrong tree obviously because you've all got good heads on your shoulders.

Stick it up in the main forum anyway, i could do with a chuckle at some of the drama queens!

 

[happysteve]

If I had a good electrician mate in the neighbourhood I might've given them a quick bell to see if they had an RCD I could "borrow". And I might think about having one in the van in the future.

But I'd have done the same. It's baltic out there. Put it this way - imagine if it was your missus, on her own with kid(s) while you're away somewhere. She calls you up, you say, "Sod it, just call someone out, luv," the bloke turns up and goes all hand-wringy on her. You can imagine the ensuing conversation with the bloke, and it wouldn't be pretty.

 

[trev]

I tried a couple of mate Steve, the problem is none of us locally would willingly fit a GET CU. I think they're horrible things.
I hear what you're saying about holding spares but A How many different brands are you going to stock and B How much money are you going to tie up in odds and sods on a just in case scenario?

 

[happysteve]

Fair do's. Thought it might be a generic part, summat where a different brand might fit and do the job. Hear what you're saying, you can't go round carrying a van full of stuff you'll never use.

 

[telectrix]

Fair do's. Thought it might be a generic part, summat where a different brand might fit and do the job. Hear what you're saying, you can't go round carrying a van full of stuff you'll never use.

why not? i do. then have a clear out and next day find out that i need that ??????? that i chucked in the bin the day before.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Its a no brainer really. Common sense should always prevail no matter what the circumstances. remember the regs are guidance and guidance only, they are not the law.

I would have (and have done) the same, more people die from cold than electric shock.