Signs of insulation melting around tails

[brewlab]

Hello.

This is my first post so be gentle.

Im currently doing the final year of 2330 and already have 17th Edition and plan on doing 2391 asap.

As you might expect its the form filling and certification thats troubling me.

I had a look at the tails on a friends old bakelite DB and there were some nasty charred looking terminations and signs of the insulation having melting slightly where they entered the main switch on the DB. The damage looked very old and not a current problem.

My question is what would the correct classification of this issue if i were in a clients house? And how would i leave the installation if i were not able to fix that day??

Cant remember what size tails they were but the DB has 4 20A fuses.

My plan of action is to replace tails/increase to correct size if needed and check the fuses have the right size fuse wire in them. Anything else?


Many thanks in advance fellas, looking forward to getting to know you all.

BL

 

[Spazz]

Take a step back

You need to work out the current flow through those cables first - that will tell you what size MCB and cable you need
Table in onsite guide

Check all cables within that circuit to see if they conform

Change any cables as needed

Test and inspect

If you are changing the cable size then LABC needs to be informed


If you cant finish it that day then leave it in a safe situation so it can be left - isolated if the situation allows
No seeing the problem - means I cant comment really

 

[brewlab]

Thanks for the quick reply.

All the cable sizes are correct and loads within limits of the CB.

So assuming the supply tails size can handle the design current i could replace them without informing LABC??

What would the correct code be for this on the new forms?

Thanks again.

 

[Spazz]

I am not sure to be honest - hopefully another member will be able to answer that.

The tails should of been able to handle the current though

 

[D80]

Any signs of loose connections at the terminations?
Any signs of the fuses having been abused (nails, wire or the like being used instead of fuses?)

Are you able to touch any exposed copper on the tails at present when the DB cover is in place (don't do it! Just asking are you able to!)

 

[brewlab]

Well...the signs of loose connections might be the blackened cables, but they appear tight now.

Not checked the fuses yet. I was just fitting an extractor fan when i noticed it. (yes i know its notifiable)

Theres no exposed copper when the DB cover is in place.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Well...the signs of loose connections might be the blackened cables, but they appear tight now.

Not checked the fuses yet. I was just fitting an extractor fan when i noticed it. (yes i know its notifiable)

Theres no exposed copper when the DB cover is in place.

Bear(sic) in mind, an apparent tight connection maybe not one. The screw could be seized, loosen it off then redo.
A gentle but firm tug on the cable will ease the mind as well.

 

[Knobhead]

Is it a metal clad board? It’s just that you mention the burning is around the entry point to the board. It could be a case of eddy current’s causing heat build up.

[Edit] just re-read the OP, forget the above.

 

[Des 56]

If you have had burning of the insulation,its likely the terminals will be knackered even if you were to think of just remaking them
You need to have a good look at what you are going to reconnect to

 

[UNG]

Yet another one with no pics

 

[Silly Sausage]

Yet another one with no pics

I know. The men in charge should limit postings to a max of ten words per piccie.
It's not like its hard these days to shove pics on web.

That's me 3 or 4 photos light already.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Yet another one with no pics

........ or shovels, but it IS an Electricians' Forum NOT a Navvys' Forum !! :crazy:

 

[brewlab]

Apologies for the lack of pics. It was more an afterthought to ask you guys for your opinion.

Whilst i have you attention.......

Before joining a certification scheme, the only way to carry out work is to...

A. Only do work that is not notifiable
B. Get someone to sign it off for you
C. Get LCC/LBC to sign it off.

Im just wondering as NIC say you should have traded for 12 months doing electrical work before applying for registration (as domestic installer)??

I have traded for 7 years doing all kinds of work,extensions, basements, bathrooms, kitchens etc, but never notified any of it, except the extensions where i had it signed off by someone else.

 

[robsparky1975]

Apologies for the lack of pics. It was more an afterthought to ask you guys for your opinion.

Whilst i have you attention.......

Before joining a certification scheme, the only way to carry out work is to...

A. Only do work that is not notifiable
B. Get someone to sign it off for you
C. Get LCC/LBC to sign it off.

Im just wondering as NIC say you should have traded for 12 months doing electrical work before applying for registration (as domestic installer)??

I have traded for 7 years doing all kinds of work,extensions, basements, bathrooms, kitchens etc, but never notified any of it, except the extensions where i had it signed off by someone else.

Who has been notifying the works?

 

[D80]

Who has been notifying the works?

What works?:ihih: