I have a 1920's house and the main thick electric lead which runs inside the house then onto a little black box (not sure about technical names) then that wires onto main fuse box! The main wire has alot of grey tape around it and ive noticed that where it conects to the little black box there is what looks to be rusty sticky liquid coming down the wire! Does anyone know why this is happening and what is it?
2006-11-09 18:17:25 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I'm not an electrician but it sounds dodgy to me. Can't you get an electrician out to have a look? It's usually a free estimate. I'd phone a few different ones to get quotes. Let each of them know that you're having a few different quotes so they wont try to overcharge you for anything.
2006-11-09 18:27:17 · answer #1 · answered by I know nothing! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi
The first box will be you electric meter then it moves to your fuse box. The grey tape is okay this is insulating tape, with regards to the rusty luquid I think water has got under you electrical wiring and is dripping. Depending on what type of house you have do the following.
Council house - contact council to sent someone out. no cost
House Assoc. contact them to arrange repair by contractor. on cost
Private house. contact electrical supplier come will send someone to repair it. can cost money ask. Or get qualified electrician really should be just call out fee and maybe up to £30. It's better to get it checked out.
Glad to help you.
theluckyhedgehog xx
2006-11-10 02:50:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sticky liquid is a non-conductive oil which is used as an insulator. You should have a large cable which splits into individual fuse holders then into the meter. From there, cables go to your consumer unit.
Call your local electric distributor. Your supplier will have their contact details.
2006-11-10 03:51:15 · answer #3 · answered by Boris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main cable coming in which I think you are describing is the property of the electricity board ,get them to inspect it as a matter of urgency.The little black box is most probably the main fuse also property of electricity board.
2006-11-10 02:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you have there is a paper insulated, oil filled cable.
At the service head ( The box you speak of ) the cable is terminated to the incoming fuse and neutral connection.
To seal this termination it is filled with a black tar -like substance called bitumen or similar.
When this is warm it can leak out of the box and this is what you have running down the cable.
Call your service provider , this may be EDF but check your electricity bill for details.
They will come and repair the leak. It will be free as its their service head and their responsibility.
2006-11-10 02:31:32 · answer #5 · answered by robert22061954 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The new law now requires that work is carried out by a qualified electrician so don't get a mate who is good at DIY or attempt anything yourself also this could effect any insurance claim should the worse happen. Sorry but your gonna have to spend a few bob on this one and by the sounds of it sooner than later would be wise
2006-11-10 02:36:41 · answer #6 · answered by cliffhanger 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Robert is exactly right here, there is also a possibility that it is undersized for your load, which may have increased over the years, this may have caused overheating and weeping of the cable. Probably wax rather than oil? Your power supplier will attend to it at no cost to you.
2006-11-10 02:38:16 · answer #7 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Call electrician immediately.
You have got water ingress and this could cause a fire. Trouble is perhaps the whole house needs a rewqire and that can be costly.
2006-11-10 03:19:44 · answer #8 · answered by Boscombe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Robert 220 is spot on
2006-11-10 04:00:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a new electric wire b4 any thing's happen ...probably the water goes trow the walls ....is not safe
2006-11-10 02:23:52 · answer #10 · answered by aducted_by_aliens 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋