How to trace a break in a cable? In a wall!

[competant person]

Hi all,

Hoping for some advice, I ran a cable to some light fittings some time ago during refurb of my place. I've now gone (2 yrs later) to connect that light fitting... and nothing. Dead.

I wired my place all myself, then had a spark come and sign it off. All connected circuits passed with flying colours. FYI, as that circuit was not connected it was not tested.

I've rewired, reframed, plastered and fitted cornice. All of which might have brought the chance of a screw or some other damage hitting the cable after it was run.

The live feeds through the house run to all the light switches, in this case a 4-gang dimmer. Two of the gangs are connected and running. So the live feed is fine.

Then from the switch this particular run of 1.5 T&E heads up a wall, across a section of ceiling then behind the cornice to a wall light. I ran a 9v battery on the pos only then back to the battery via my multimeter with a long cable to check continuity. I then did the earth and the neg separately the same way. The earth and the neg test ok. The live is dead.

This cable must have a break somewhere, or taken a screw hit.

When I connected the switch and the light, the breaker/RCD doesn't trip
so if it is a screw it's broken the live and not disturbed the Earth or Neg. Which is a bit weird.

So hoping to get some tips. Especially to avoid making a load of holes in my lovely cornice.

Thanks in advance.

Greg

 

[MJPD29]

It is possible...
Still not as dangerous as a gas explosion..

Is it any better than one person would be to die because of electricity rather than a group in a gas explosion? Or would it be better if the work was carried out and tested by a competent person and no one died

 

[Spoon]

Is it any better than one person would be to die because of electricity rather than a group in a gas explosion? Or would it be better if the work was carried out and tested by a competent person and no one died

How about 'The work is carried out correctly and no one dies'.
The OP is trying to find and fix a bust wire..

 

[MJPD29]

Well that's my view on DIYers trying to save a few quid and the possible consequences. I guess we will agree to disagree.

 

[Spoon]

Well that's my view on DIYers trying to save a few quid and the possible consequences. I guess we will agree to disagree.

Everyone tries to save money mate.. If they can.
We don't know the OP. He might be interested in sorting this out himself. Improve his knowledge of things. Who knows... He's most prob buggered off now..... can't blame him...

 

[Squid]

Just disconnect the cable end to end and get a bit or length of cable a battery and a car lamp and attach it to each end to test continuity.

 

[Squid]

My response to all DIYers. My gas boiler was broken down in my house 2 weeks ago and i certainly didnt try to fix it. I hired a qualified competent person to do it properly and safely. Electric is just as dangerous, so why do so many DIYers mess with it?

My boiler broke down 5 years ago, researched the issues took the logic board out re-soldered the dry joints and put it back together still working.

Don't be afraid of gas, washing up liquid or a match are the two best tools to have. ;o))))

 

[David M]

Is it any better than one person would be to die because of electricity rather than a group in a gas explosion? Or would it be better if the work was carried out and tested by a competent person and no one died

I don't think anyone disagrees with you, electricity can be extremely dangerous. I think in this situation its more about the context.

A work colleague of my partner passed away a few years back due to a poorly fitted flu on a gas fired boiler. She was slowly poisoned by carbon-monoxide over a few weeks.
Just as easily a poor electrical connection may result in arcing then fire and could cause just as a serious fatality.

Both gas & electricity should be respected since both can cause serious damage, injury or death if mis-used/neglected.

 

[David M]

My boiler broke down 5 years ago, researched the issues took the logic board out re-soldered the dry joints and put it back together still working.!

Replacing/repairing a PCB is a little different than working on the gas/burner &/or emissions part of a boiler. I'd still would have had it tested to make sure it was burning efficiently and cleanly & that the emissions were still being properly vented!

 

[competant person]

I'm still here, just logged back on.

 

[Squid]

Replacing/repairing a PCB is a little different than working on the gas/burner &/or emissions part of a boiler. I'd still would have had it tested to make sure it was burning efficiently and cleanly & that the emissions were still being properly vented!

There was no mention of the work carried out just that the biller bike down, in my rental every often I had to go and pump the pressure vessel up to the correct pressure.

 

[Squid]

A burst pipe in the loft is far worse then gas or electricity as it floods the house causing a short in the electrics which then start a fire which then causes a gas explosion. Water is far more dangerous so don't mess with you pipes at home children get a plumber in............

 

[Spoon]

A burst pipe in the loft is far worse then gas or electricity as it floods the house causing a short in the electrics which then start a fire which then causes a gas explosion. Water is far more dangerous so don't mess with you pipes at home children get a plumber in............

Right then.........
Meteorites... Dangerous... Don't mess with them...

 

[Darkwood]

Sorry guys but this is not on, if you cannot give constructive advice then refrain from posting, if you consider the OP needs to consult an electrician then say so in a constructive manner.. mocking is fine when members know each other and its within both characters to laugh it off but to start mocking new members is not on.
The forum is here for all backgrounds and we expect replies from our seasoned members to reflect a little more respect for those coming into the forum to ask for advice. Lets see no more of it please.

 

[Lou]

Keep it polite and on topic please or keep it to yourself.

This is an advice forum for all and we want it to stay that way.

Thanks.