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

 

[Midwest]

Well I have no idea what it looks like on the inside. I'm not opening it.

Sorry OP, I was just demonstrating the fact that you should have at least two RCD's, your manufacturer does make such a model.

Edit; yes don't open the CU

 

[Midwest]

Calm down dude. Was just asking... I'm not an electrician I know nothing. Seems the "electrician" knows nothing either. I'll see what niceic have to say.

Don't mind davesparks, he's very knowledgeable about electric's, learnt quite a bit from him myself. In return, I've been trying to learn him the art of diplomacy. He has improved in recent times

 

[A14n]

I'm guessing this happens a lot, cowboy electricians doing botched jobs. While the customer remains totally oblivious and assumes all is up to standard.

 

[Midwest]

I'm guessing this happens a lot, cowboy electricians doing botched jobs. While the customer remains totally oblivious and assumes all is up to standard.

I hope you intend to follow this up. As said before, from your descriptions and photos, there appear to be some questions to be asked. Firstly, it would be interesting as to what NICEIC say, if this electrician is registered with them. A lot of the chaps on here have a poor view of schemes, but lets see.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Talk about icing on the cake - no one expected that!

Maybe not expected but somehow not shocked either...

 

[Specialist]

Talk about icing on the cake - no one expected that!

Bet you we did

 

[telectrix]

OP. youse bin done up like a kipper. sue the cretin.

 

[davesparks]

Calm down dude. Was just asking... I'm not an electrician I know nothing. Seems the "electrician" knows nothing either. I'll see what niceic have to say.

You don't need to be an electrician to have the common sense to ask the person who has made the observation rather than a bunch of faceless strangers who've never been to your house.

The niceic will tell you to take your concerns up with the person who did the work

 

[freddo]

Edit; yes don't open the CU

Can I open it? I'm itching to see inside!

 

[telectrix]

there's been more effort in writing posts than doing the bloody job. i'm out.

 

[Andy78]

I'm guessing this happens a lot, cowboy electricians doing botched jobs. While the customer remains totally oblivious and assumes all is up to standard.

This sort of thing does happen a lot, I often get invited to sort jobs out.
I'd echo the previous advice about reporting to the NICEIC and trading standards. I tell all my previously duped customers the same, but unfortunately a lot cannot be bothered with the hassle or the embarrassment. This leaves the trader unrebuked and free to rip someone off next week, and the week after that. Please make sure you do something.

 

[Squid]

Are the fish still alive?

 

[A14n]

This sort of thing does happen a lot, I often get invited to sort jobs out.
I'd echo the previous advice about reporting to the NICEIC and trading standards. I tell all my previously duped customers the same, but unfortunately a lot cannot be bothered with the hassle or the embarrassment. This leaves the trader unrebuked and free to rip someone off next week, and the week after that. Please make sure you do something.

Waiting to hear back from niceic sent them a copy of the certificate.

 

[A14n]

Are the fish still alive?

Yep they survived

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Christ, had a spare hour waiting till 4 to go home. This is a cracking read. The job is absolute doggers, what did the NIC say? I am excited (sadly) to find out where this goes with the NIC. Sounds like the fist 'electrician' just got a mate from the pub to stick something in. Where's the gas bond? He could have atleast used clear silicone the rough bas****.

Glad the fish are ok. Don't pay him a bean till the NIC have investigated.