Help please - missing current, where has it gone?

[truckster]

A plumber comes more expensive than a spark
A mutual job arranged with a spark will probably make you a few bob as well

And why exactly is that? They can only get you wet, we can kill people!:90:

 

[prospark]

Agree with previous posts,lost neutral connection somewhere and looks like you will have to remove at least part of ceiling as junction boxes not acceptable if not maintenance free connections(ie not screw type) and they are inaccessible, another good reason to take your connections to nearest downlight or switch were posssible,so as you can get at them in case you need to.Dont suppose you can pull in new piece of cable using the old bit then?

 

[Marvo]

It would be surprising if the break is anywhere other than a joint,it seems a coincidence that it was intact, and now after alteration it is now open circuit.
Are you confindent that your testing was ok

I agree it's very unlikely the fault lies mid-way in a cable unless there's a joint or you've put a screw or nail through it. I'm thinking if you can afford to buy a tester from Screwfix you can better spend the money on an hour of time for a professional electrician and know the result will be safe.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I agree it's very unlikely the fault lies mid-way in a cable unless there's a joint or you've put a screw or nail through it. I'm thinking if you can afford to buy a tester from Screwfix you can better spend the money on an hour of time for a professional electrician and know the result will be safe.

Good advise me thinks.

 

[B16 Tom]

No use old cable to pull in new but be sure that is the problem first!!! Have u completed a continuity test to make sure its the Neutral definatly broken????

 

[Marvo]

No use old cable to pull in new but be sure that is the problem first!!! Have u completed a continuity test to make sure its the Neutral definatly broken????

The OP is a plumber by trade and he's fault finding what's likely a broken neutral fault in some poor customers house with a neon screwdriver. Hence the underlying theme of 'get an electrician to help you' in most of the replies after it was established it wasn't an obvious fault.

He doesn't have the training or the equipment to to start continuity testing circuits or loop impedance testing either for that matter.

 

[Air Conditioner]

Don't do it!!!
Is it really worth saving a few quid, doing it yourself, only to risk the lives of not only yourself but the ones you love and your property.
Get in a professional.

 

[olfrog]

I've ended the circuit so that while no lights in the utility right now, it's safe and fine in rest of building until i have the cash to get someone in or time to get to grips with..

Thanks for all your help peeps.

 

[telectrix]

shouldn't cost much to fix it. i would estimate a simple call-out fee of 40-50 quid would cover it.