scorched wires
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dolphin2007
Labourer
Labourer
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2007 12:49 pm

scorched wires

by dolphin2007 » Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:26 pm

Hi i have a shower pull cord switch that has stopped working.
I isolated the power at consumer unit and decided to have a look inside it.
I discovered scorched and melted wires.
As far as i can tell it seems that the neutral wire has been pressed against the bare live wire when the socket was fastened to the backplate.
If that has happened would it cause damage like i've explained?
Will post a picture as soon as i can work out how.
Many thanks
Kay

kbrownie
Project Manager
Project Manager
Posts: 1995
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2007 9:36 pm

by kbrownie » Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:47 pm

Hi, if neutral and live have shorted, that is the likely outcome. very dangerous could cause fire, get it sort out straight away. isolate and do not use until it has been repaired.
Regards
KB

BLAKEY1963
Site Agent
Site Agent
Posts: 684
Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:57 pm

Re: scorched wires

by BLAKEY1963 » Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:12 pm

[quote="dolphin2007"]Hi i have a shower pull cord switch that has stopped working.
I isolated the power at consumer unit and decided to have a look inside it.
I discovered scorched and melted wires.
As far as i can tell it seems that the neutral wire has been pressed against the bare live wire when the socket was fastened to the backplate.
If that has happened would it cause damage like i've explained?
Will post a picture as soon as i can work out how.
Many thanks
Kay[/quote]

DOLPHIN2007
SOUNDS THAT TOO MUCH LENGTH ON CABLES HAS
RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO INSULATION PROBALY
DOWN TO TRAPPED CABLES.
SWITCH SHOULD BE REPLACED DUE TO OVERHEATING
OF PRESENT ONE , AND CABLES REMADE OFF TO CORRECT LENGTH AND CONNECTIONS SECURELY MADE INTO BRASS
TERMINALS.
I WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND SOMEONE COMPETENT TO TEST R.C.D
AND CHECK EARTH LOOP IMPEADANCE READINGS , TO ENSURE THAT
SHOWER , NEW SWITCH , AND CIRCUIT AND MCB IS OKAY TO REMAIN IN SERVICE.

BLAKEY1963

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