Problem with Security Lights - Am I missing something?

[jimbop81]

Just had 2 new Timeguard security floodlights fitted by an established electrician but one is not working. Having difficulty switching them off to check anything and since the fitter has not responded to my calls I was hoping someone would help me understand what could be wrong.

One of the lights is wired from the back of one of the 13 amp sockets in the bedroom. The cable goes out the back of the box but there is no switch - should a switch have been fitted to let me switch it off without killing all power upstairs?

The other one comes from the shaver socket in the bathroom and a switch has been fitted beside it. I've opened up both of these and I'm confused by the wiring. It would be best to show a photo but let me try to sum up. The new cable is 3 core and a separate earth. The red wire is connected to the brown on the shaver socket and at the other end goes into one terminal of the switch together with the red wire from the cable going through the wall to the light. The black wire is connected to the blue on the shaver socket and at the new switch has been wound together with the black wire from the light cable but is otherwise hanging loose. Both the grey and earth wires in the small connecting cable have been cut as has the grey wire on the light cable. The earth wire on the light cable has been connected to the other terminal of the light switch.

Sorry if this is confusing - if I could have added a photo it might have been clearer.

Anyway when it gets dark the outside light comes on and I can't get it to go back off. Anyone got any ideas what is going on.

Many thanks


JP

 

[BluSparx]

There is no way that cable should have been left bare, if it is carrying a live and touches backbox the backbox becomes live.

Correct me if I am wrong but the cable on the left is taped and not got PVC Shroud on it - definately looks like an amateur job here

This looks like either

A) I can't be chewed as he will never check
or
B) I don't know what I am doing so will botch it up

 

[Phil]

now being as polite and without needing to edit my post after, thats shoddy. I suggest you get someone in to rectify this mate. also if you in the past have had anything else done by him PLEASE get someone in to check it out.

 

[BluSparx]

Just noticed - you say he has just installed these...... therefore why is he using non-harmonised colours?? Since 2006 the colours should be brown & blue and again correct me if I am wrong but is that the earth being used as a live in the connection that is taped up.

Definatly get somebody else in to check the safety of this and find out which body he is registered with.

Make sure that you get the guy checking the installation to if necessary issue an Electrical Danger Notification and request that the original installer sorts this out to current regulations and to a safe standard OR pays for the rectification by a registered Spark.

 

[Guest123]

Get someone out ASAP to sort that out for you. Also report the $£%^ who did the work for you to LABC. Have you recieved and electrical certificates from this "electrician"???

 

[jeremy]

He must have put effort into doing it that badly. Surely thats not plain ignorance?

 

[Jay Sparks]

Did you find "spur" marks on your floors? This guy is obviousley a cow boy.

 

[electricians]

I would not use the electrician again , or have him back , lets hope you have not paid him yet

 

[brucelee]

Hi mate
the guy who did this is a bodge it and scarper merchant. do get a either a NICEIC or similar approved electrician to come and disconnect this shoddy and dangerous work and inform LABC, in scotland i think it comes under The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 have a look at the website www.sbsa.gov.uk Select and niceic both operate a certification scheme for electrical installations
Have you paid him as he shouls have paid you also did you recieve a certifiate for this work including test results of the tests he carried out if any

 

[wacko]

Je*sus. I'm struggling to find work and that's what some people call an honest day's work.
In saying that, how much did the guy charge? I've just lost a job, another one, because a guy will replace a CU for £50, if you supply the new CU.

I don't think I'm that expensive. But compared to some guy down the pub I am. So, once again, was this a real spark? I somehow think not.

Rant over. Away to lie down in a darkened room

 

[jimbop81]

Many thanks to everyone who has replied to this posting.

Another electrician has now confirmed all that has been said here. He was quite rightly furious and has ripped everything out and will do a proper job in the next few days.

I think the episode yet again shows the dangers of the internet and the fact that laymen do not understand how to get a properly qualified and competent tradesman. Maybe registration schemes are not clear enough.

This guy has an entry on a well known "trade" website, appears to say very impressive things about his qualifications and the standards that he works to, and there are plenty of great reviews of his work.

Lesson learned, certainly on my part.

Thanks again to everyone who replied.

 

[J@mes]

I would suggest asking this "electrician" back to do some more work for you, and upon arrival you should strike him with a blunt object.