Are these meter tails labelled correctly? *PIC*

[boolie]

btw looks like some of these ancient wylex boards are fetching a pretty penny on the antique market. Might try flogging it on fleabay once disconnected

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284536279350?hash=item423faf1136:g:COQAAOSwx0ZhTvR5

 

[SUNRAY]

btw looks like some of these ancient wylex boards are fetching a pretty penny on the antique market. Might try flogging it on fleabay once disconnected

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284536279350?hash=item423faf1136:g:COQAAOSwx0ZhTvR5

Cor blimey... I've dumped about 10 of these this year.

 

[winston1]

btw looks like some of these ancient wylex boards are fetching a pretty penny on the antique market. Might try flogging it on fleabay once disconnected

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284536279350?hash=item423faf1136:g:COQAAOSwx0ZhTvR5

It is not fetching anything, there are no bids.

 

[mattylad]

You should look at what else that seller is selling.
Like old crap like batteries (untested) for lots more than they are worth..

First thing on the list is good though, a book on "how to make money by mail order" lol

 

[boolie]

You or your electrician. Why bother? The colours don't matter

technically there's more to it than just the colours. Those old 25mm red and black tails have less strands in them - meaning they are hard to bend

The modern ones have more strands and are thus more flexible

 

[EFLImpudence]

technically there's more to it than just the colours. Those old 25mm red and black tails have less fewer strands in them - meaning they are hard to bend
The modern ones have more strands and are thus more flexible

Different type of cable - not related to the size.


Of course, having now seen the consumer unit, you might only have a 60A main fuse (the 100A label is just the maximum) which means 10mm² 'tails' would be sufficient in which case the earthing conductor need only be 5mm² (using 6mm²).

Just because someone has fitted oversized tails does not mean the earthing conductor has to be larger than the required size.

 

[boolie]

What can I sensibly do myself before getting a sparky in?

You get the gist of the house. It's old. 11 rooms (that includes the garage). 4 of which are bedrooms

Is there a way I can do some testing myself? i.e. thinking about hiring a machine - would you guys be able to advise me on how to use it? Ive looked in one of the light pendants that was flickering and the cable is a silver stranded type. I opened the switch and refitted the terminals and it stopped flickering

As with most things in life the major issue is cost, I cant afford to get a sparky in to rewire the whole house. I'm hoping I can do the legwork myself (chasing and lifting floorboards + rewire any dodgy bits and do some testing on a hired device). Then get a sparky in to install CU and sign off.

 

[flameport]

thinking about hiring a machine - would you guys be able to advise me on how to use it?

That is totally unrealistic.
If you don't know how to use it and what the results mean, it's pointless hiring it.

I'm hoping I can do the legwork myself (chasing and lifting floorboards + rewire any dodgy bits and do some testing on a hired device). Then get a sparky in to install CU and sign off.

Another very bad idea.
If you call up an electrician and say 'I have just rewired bits of my house and want you to now install a new CU', then you will either get told where to go, or you will end up paying a very large amount for the whole installation to be meticulously inspected and tested, all of the faults fixed (including things you did which were wrong), and then a new consumer unit installed.

What can I sensibly do myself before getting a sparky in?

Nothing.
If you want to remove floorboards and whatever else then you must ask the electrician doing the work what's required.
Until the installation has been inspected and tested, there is no way to know what, if anything, is needed.

 

[EFLImpudence]

With all due respect: I would suggest that the fact that you are having to ask implies that you will not be able to do what you want.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

If you haven't moved in properly yet (ie the place is still bare boards, needs decorating etc etc) then now is the time to get a few electricians in to quote for the job. You might save some money if you are available to be said electricians labourer/mate (many parts of the job are way quicker/easier with 2) but that's probably as far as you can go with your current knowledge.

 

[boolie]

If you haven't moved in properly yet (ie the place is still bare boards, needs decorating etc etc) then now is the time to get a few electricians in to quote for the job. You might save some money if you are available to be said electricians labourer/mate (many parts of the job are way quicker/easier with 2) but that's probably as far as you can go with your current knowledge.

I did get a ball park quote - I didnt want him to waste his time because I cant afford it so asked him to quote over the phone. £4500 (which could change if he did a proper quote). He quoted for a full rewire. Sent him a few pics and explained how old the house is ~120 years old

To be frank I cant afford it

 

[boolie]

With all due respect: I would suggest that the fact that you are having to ask implies that you will not be able to do what you want.

Theoretically speaking if I were to hire something like this
https://www.test-meter.co.uk/hire/electrical-installation-tester-hire

And then I asked questions on this forum about the results and usage.. what would you do? Would you refuse to answer on principle? Or would you answer and help me?

 

[EFLImpudence]

I am sure someone would answer your questions but I think it would take a very long time.

It's just that there would be too much to explain - i.e everything.

 

[boolie]

I am sure someone would answer your questions but I think it would take a very long time.

It's just that there would be too much to explain - i.e everything.

OK thanks for that.. from my perspective hiring a machine for a week costs £60. 60 squid isn't small change but is very affordable

Worst case scenario, I dont have a clue how to use it and end up wasting £60 - meh. And maybe get laughed at on this forum - meh

A decent scenario - I identify some circuit faults and maybe can fix them! I haven't 100% decided yet but am seriously considering hiring a test machine.

 

[boolie]

OK I'm gonna start my questions and watch the bombs explode!

1. Which is the easiest MFT to use? is this a good one Megger MFT1721 ?
2. Do you guys know of any good tutorials? I've found a a decent vid on youtube