Smoke coming from electric meter/fuse box area

[A14n]

Hi just a question, this morning I noticed a 2 gang socket had no power to it, went to check the fuse box/electric meter in the cupboard... and there was a lot of smoke coming out from somewhere? Its not smoking any more. The 2 way gang socket is completely dead. All other outlets seem fine and not affected.

What would be the problem? Is this an expensive job, still waiting to here back from an electrician.

Thanks

 

[Specialist]

Hmm looking at what your 2 way lighting is doing, then it's pretty obvious that you need to find a decent electrician to look at your wiring ASAP.
As has already been said: If you haven't paid him already then I wouldn't do so.
He certainly doesn't seem to be up to the job. By the way, what certificate did he give you ?.

 

[davesparks]

I want to work for you. What's your hourly rate!

It depends where I'm working, it varies from £35 to £65 per hour

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I seriously think spmebody needs tp report this so called electrician to the council . trading standards etc.. If hes claiming hes in a scheme then report him. Hes clearly incompetent. There are 2nd year apprentices at my main job who would have done a better job than him.

On similar note i know of an instance locally where when a familys kitchen caught fire from a unattended fryer. The insurance company when they sent adjustor out to look at damage saw the kitchen was all new. He asked about who did works and electrics etc and because they had a dodgy electrician do the work and had no certs it invalidated the insurance so no pay out. It was in t and c's of policy about using competant persons . part p etc... It cost them a couple of grand to put right.

So my advice to the OP is get a proper electrician in or it might cost you dearly.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

I seriously think spmebody needs tp report this so called electrician to the council . trading standards etc.. If hes claiming hes in a scheme then report him. Hes clearly incompetent. There are 2nd year apprentices at my main job who would have done a better job than him.

On similar note i know of an instance locally where when a familys kitchen caught fire from a unattended fryer. The insurance company when they sent adjustor out to look at damage saw the kitchen was all new. He asked about who did works and electrics etc and because they had a dodgy electrician do the work and had no certs it invalidated the insurance so no pay out. It was in t and c's of policy about using competant persons . part p etc... It cost them a couple of grand to put right.

So my advice to the OP is get a proper electrician in or it might cost you dearly.

As the fire was not related to an electrical fault I very much doubt that would stand up to legal scrutiny.

 

[Midwest]

As the fire was not related to an electrical fault I very much doubt that would stand up to legal scrutiny.

Insurance companies will look at any opportunity not to pay out in the event of a claim. I haven't a particular example to give, but have read of countless occasions where they have not paid a claim, because the claimant has not followed the insurance companies T&C's.

General conditions in home insurance T&C's typically state the insurer must inform if 'you are intending to alter or renovate the buildings (though not minor cosmetic changes such as re-decorating)'. If the T&C's state electrical work must be carried out by a competent electrician registered in a scheme (regardless of one's opinion is on that subject ), then I could quite see Gavin's example occurring.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

As the fire was not related to an electrical fault I very much doubt that would stand up to legal scrutiny.

It doesnt matter eitherway as they had improved the kitchen and had a new kitchen ring circuit and cooker circuit. The insurance firm had covered them as the house was. By improving it and then using a iffy spark they had changed what was covered without notifying the insurer. Regardless of t andcs about who does work this is in nearly every policy. You are covered for what you have. If you add an extra bit on or carry out substantial improvements then the insurer has a greater liability so premiuns go up... Basically you tell them or when you claim you risk being told a firm NO.

I am aware of similar clauses in some mortgages that any major improvements. Extensions etc be notified to the bank and again electrical. Gas windows etc be done by approved persons... I wouldnt be surprised if the scams are actually encouraging the insurers to do this more.

 

[telectrix]

I wouldnt be surprised if the scams are actually encouraging the insurers to do this more.

i'd be very surprised if they weren't. they all pi$$ in the same pot.

 

[Specialist]

I seriously think spmebody needs tp report this so called electrician to the council . trading standards etc.. If hes claiming hes in a scheme then report him. Hes clearly incompetent. There are 2nd year apprentices at my main job who would have done a better job than him.

On similar note i know of an instance locally where when a familys kitchen caught fire from a unattended fryer. The insurance company when they sent adjustor out to look at damage saw the kitchen was all new. He asked about who did works and electrics etc and because they had a dodgy electrician do the work and had no certs it invalidated the insurance so no pay out. It was in t and c's of policy about using competant persons . part p etc... It cost them a couple of grand to put right.

So my advice to the OP is get a proper electrician in or it might cost you dearly.

Not disagreeing that the OP needs to call a real sparky, but think the above case is just another Insurance company cop out, would love to see that come to court.
Typical loss adjuster though, anything to save the company money & up his bonus.

 

[Midwest]

They, the insurance companies, are in it to make money. Anything which affects their profits, which includes claims, is frowned upon by them.

There's always the Ombudsman to refer to, and you could take them to court. But that does take time & money. Best seek to comply with the T&C's.

 

[DPG]

It's the same with cars. A lot of people don't notify their insurance company if they modify it. You might well get away with it on a smallish claim, but have a fight with a 70k porsche and they will investigate fully and ain't going to pay out.

 

[A14n]

This is the certificate he left us with. In regards to the switch it doesn't look like he has touched the switches... Just restored power to it. I did tinker with the switches myself a long time ago. Maybe I wired it up wrong?

 

[telectrix]

wrong certificate for a CU replacement. it's just for an altered circuit, which must be wired in superconductors with a R2 of 0.01 ohms. and conductors of 25mm and 16mm??? is the circuit for a cannabis farm? could look closer but my eyes are watering.

Total Mickey Mouse.

 

[Specialist]

Agreed tel, like his IR readings as well. Looks like 2.2 Gigohms across the board, never had readings like that on trs years ago never mind when as he says it's perished.
What a load of Bul***t.

 

[onions1066]

What I actually find the most worrying part is he clearly has some knowledge but chooses to rip people off instead and prey on their lack of knowledge.

 

[A14n]

So should he of recommended the rewire? I'd rather not have that done if it's not essential. As we have hardwood flooring and laminate in all rooms. It would be an absolute nightmare!