Use of power point ok?

[Manda]

We have an outside light, which when I attempted to remove the globe, the "attachment" sheared off in my hand leaving the wires exposed.

The switch which operates the light also operates a power point.

Question is - if I use insulation tape to cover the exposed wires, can I still safely use the power point?

We have a sparky coming soon, but would this be ok in the meanwhile?

Thanks...

[bennylaird]

Hmmm not enough info. If the wires are in the open and just taped you still run the risk as kids might unwrap the tape. If you feel any doubt then isolate it and leave it for the sparkie.

[floobyduster]

The safest option is to wait for the sparky if soon is soon enough and you have another power point to use (even if you need an extension cord). If this is the case then place a piece of tape across the switch so that no-one else turns it on. Lights and power points should not be on the same circuit so get your sparky to check that out. If you really can't wait for the sparky then taping is an option only if you are competent to do it safely - with the power turned off. The wires should be taped individually and left splayed out. Make sure that they are not where someone inquisitive can get at them ie children. Safety must be the priority.

[Manda]

Thanks for the responses.

Think the previous owner of the house did some DIY elec work alas.....

So will leave it to the experts.

Cheers

[Pulse]

Manda,
Best not to just tape the wires but to enclose them using a large junction box. Inside the junction box will be 4 clear plastic connectors, one with two screws. Use these to cover the endsof the wires and then tape and cover with a box. Obviously make sure power is off with multimeter or voltage detector first. Then you can safely use the powerpoint.

Cheers
Pulse

[lnt9000]

I would be wary about using the power point at all, lighting and power wiring should never be combined, this diy has done a big boo boo, who knows whether he has used lighting cable to run to the power point.

[Mazza]

Good responses from those above.

Definitely sounds dodgy at best.

Also good decision to leave it to the expert to check it out.

If it is at all dangerous then I would also advisew that you leave the circuit breaker turned off for that circuit or leave the fuse out.

Better to be sure than sorry.

[Ivan in Oz]

Power Point is OK
Not as easy as Excel or Word


The other Power Point


LEAVE ALONE
and get repaired Professionally

[GraemeCook]

Mazza et al are spot on with their advice, Manda. Faulty wiring could result in a fire or someone getting a shock, and your insurancer might deny liability.

Don't use it, get the sparky in asap, and get him to check the rest of your wiring as well.

There is a lot of dodgy wiring done by both well-meaning amateurs and by lazy/inept electricians. We bought a house fifteen years ago that had recently been "totally rewired" by a large contractor and the vendor gave us the receipts. We later found lead wire still active although it had been illegal since the fifties and a third of the power point and light switches were wired on the return rather than the active circuit.

I urge you to pay a little for peace of mind and to ensure your insurance cover is valid.

Cheers

Graeme

[Ivan in Oz]

We later found lead wire still active although it had been illegal since the fifties and a third of the power point and light switches were wired on the return rather than the active circuit.

Cheers

Graeme

Jeepers,
I'd rather believe that no longer happens
I am a 'Lecky [Industrial] and have no time for some of the Shonky wiring I have found:eek:
@ home I have only a few GPOs [Power Points] on each Cct
Saves my resetting them after finding fault, just change to another GPO ...Notice...
Same for lights, at least 2 Ccts
My GPO Circuits are on INDIVIDUAL RCDs as is the Light Ccts
A bit over the TOP, I know;
but one does not loose Half, or ALL, the House Power or Lights

[pedro the swift]

Hi Ivan,
As you may have more expertise, I would like to ask a question of yourself or any other house type sparkies here.
I have a friend who has bought an old house with a switchboard(basically just a wooden panel) located under the house. It needs an RCD fitted to comply which is probably no great problem but it would be much preferred to move the whole meter and stuff to a new board at the front of the house(high set) so the box is accessable without going underneath.
The current wiring is fairly new and the place has enough points etc.. I was wondering if it would be acceptable to put a new board externally and connect the existing wires via junctions boxes to the new board.
The incoming feed would also need to be moved and I'm not sure if a joint would be acceptable. Also I see you recommend RCDs for separate circuits rather than a single one(for obvious reasons).
The incoming fuse would need to be removed to do this safely of course but I am not sure who would do this(supply authority or sparkie).
Thanks for your advice in advance.

PS. I am a licensed sparkie by the way (in 3 states) but havent done much house wiring to this level.

[Ivan in Oz]

Pedro,
Thanks!
BUT

I am an Industrial Spark, as such, I am easily out of my area with House wiring :confused:

What you might consider,
Leave the Meters and maybe Main Switch where they are;
Have a NEW Board inside the House with all your RCDs and CBs.
I do not have any issues with joining Cables; as long as it is done correctly.
That depends on Type of Cable, Method used, Location, Environment and whatever else.

Others might be a better Guide, someone who does House Wiring more often.
That'd be most other Sparkies

[pedro the swift]

Hi Ivan, thanks for the reponse.
Leaving the meters etc in situ is not an option since the purpose of the exercise is to have the under house area secured and the switchboard & meters etc external for the meter reader access.
Cables would be standard TPS house cabling(twin & earth etc) and be joined using standard plastic J boxes. These would be located where the present board is and this is well protected from any elements(rain etc).
The biggest headache is the incoming mains. I am not sure if I can join this to extend them or have to rerun new ones from the facia connection.
Again thanks for the response.
My work has also taken me away from the house wiring (I play with ICs and such stuff) for the most part so I may have to catch up on it.

rgds