I live in a detached house divided into two flats. The mains cable splits into two in the hall. The wiring is old and exposed in places. The fuse boxes contain plugs with fuse wire. I don't think there are any circuit breakers or trip fuses. The electricity has restored itself spontaneously. Mice have recently entered the flat, and parts might be damp.
2006-09-25 01:30:31 · 9 answers · asked by scientist 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
For various reasons it is not practical to call in an electrician. I am sure my flat needs rewiring. The supply to the whole of my flat but not to the other flat on the same cable (it used to be a single dwelling) cut off for a few hours. If an electrician called it would be when the supply was intact, so the liklihood is that no fault would be found to explain the loss and restitution of supply.
2006-09-25 04:26:06 · update #1
Thanks Jayktee96, but I'm not sure I understand your explanation. Wouldn't arcing (or power surges) have caused the fuses to blow? Why did the supply come on again later? I've just thought -- could one loose fuse plug be responsible?
2006-09-25 04:44:23 · update #2
I answered this already, did you investigate my suggestions??
ARCING CONTACTS IN LOOSE FUSES OR MAINSWITCH.
2006-09-25 02:45:12 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to get a electrician in if cables are exposed or if the electricity doesn't trip if you stick a knife in the toaster ( DO NOT try this to test) you are living in a death trap. These things are very dangerous to play with it yourself so DON'T. If the wiring is old and you know a friend that is an electrician ask them if the can have a look to see what the can do.
2006-09-25 08:44:19 · answer #2 · answered by fred_com_me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the flats urgently need rewiring, exposed wiring is dangerous and illegal. Wiring in this condition can cause a fire. Is the flat yours? if so get it rewired ASP (Now!) If you rent it, ask your landlord to put it right. If he fails to do so ring your local environmental officer, he will have it inspected and put notice on the owner to rewire, remember it's your life DO IT! (PS electricity should not 'spontaneously' restore its self! If something had been overheating that could be very bad
2006-09-25 11:42:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If what you describe is true, then your place is a death trap. You run the risk of electrocution by direct, or indirect contact, and there is also a very good chance of a fire starting. You obviously don't know sod all about electrical circuits so don't try fixing this yourself (just because it works, doesn't mean its safe) I strongly advise you to contact your electricity supplier for disconnection, before you end up on manslaughter charges.
2006-09-25 13:39:11 · answer #4 · answered by JoMac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Old wiring was aluminum wrapped in cloth. The mice like to nibble on the cloth and they can precipitate a fire. Same with the damp rotting the cloth and shorting the wires. Please replace with romax and update your fuse box to a circuit breaker.
2006-09-25 09:29:40 · answer #5 · answered by c o 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol!
You must get that looked into....sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
To me, I think a wire has got hot, fused and re-welded together!
2006-09-25 08:33:23 · answer #6 · answered by PollyPocket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clearly the system if faulty and needs an electrican
2006-09-25 08:35:52 · answer #7 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well why ask? You know you need to have that re done.
2006-09-25 08:40:23 · answer #8 · answered by garcia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might die, get the experts in!
2006-09-25 08:34:27 · answer #9 · answered by Mr Slug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋