I was fitting an extractor fan and found this...

[WCA]

ban-all-sheds - good idea! I won't do anything until I am certain of the outcome and make sure I have all possible tools and equipment before I start anything. Thanks for your advice...

...ban-all-sheds can you hear me?...

...ban-all-sheds are you listening?...

...ban-all-sheds oh sorry, get your head out of your arse

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I must agree with BAS on this one, absolute crazy method of getting the equipment to function.
There is plenty of information in Wiki that could have helped you resolve this problem in a logical, practical and safe method.
There are fundamental principals to follow, just messing about with cables out of blind frustration, really is not the ideal way to end the old year or begin the new or even continue the present one.
You need a tap on the head!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

There seems to be something about electrical work which causes people to abandon all reason, and even though they know they don't have a clue they don't see that that should in any way be a reason not to just plunge in and have a go.

We see them here all the time.