Electrical Advice

TrueNAS JBOD Servers: How Much? How quick is build time?

Understanding TrueNAS JBOD Servers: A Comprehensive Guide Discussion Thread

Understanding TrueNAS JBOD Servers: A Comprehensive Guide Electrical Advice

Understanding TrueNAS JBOD Servers: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of data storage, businesses and tech enthusiasts often face the challenge of managing large volumes of data efficiently. As the demand for scalable and flexible storage solutions continues to grow, systems like TrueNAS and JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks)...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Electricians Tips from a professional electrician

Electricians Tips from a professional electrician in the UK Electrical Forum

Sometimes you need to work in an old house, and there’s a number of threads on here about how to, say, fit downlights in a lathe ceiling.....

Here’s a start... on lathe and plaster walls without making a huge mess....

Mark where you want the socket to go. Height wise, measure an existing one from either the floor or the top of the skirting...
 

Wiring dilemma

Bit of a dilemma / argument with the way the Project manager, who has supplied me with a wiring diagram that hes done for control of hot water in a block of 4 cottages.

The cottages are pme earthing, there are 2 phases split between the 4 cottages.

There needs to be a call for heat from 2 cottages which are on a different phase to the boiler, his wiring brings the supply in to a wiring centre to supply the zone valves / and tank stats.

There are 2 immersion tanks, one downstairs and one...
 

Garden spike light for screw in bulb

I used to have several "spike lights" in my garden, I would like to replace them as they are looking really naff (I still have some new (But old) Par 38? screw in bulbs) The only spike lights I can find are made by knights bridge, to be fair, they do look the same as mine (but much cleaner) but they are "Not available" searching some more, they are also "not available" looking everywhere (I think) it seems that the spike light as I know it is no longer made, but my question is, "Is there an...
 

Heads up on a silly priced screwfix offer!

Screwfix are offering a 10 pack of dry lining boxes for free if you buy certain lap products.

So, if you buy just one cheap Lap product (i.e Lap blank plate for 50p, you get 10 x dry ling boxes worth £3.50). I've just got 300 boxes and 30 blank plates for £15. Should last me a good few years.

I expect they will be out of stock soon on some of the boxes though as they will be selling lots.

...
 

Heads up on a silly priced screwfix offer!

Screwfix are offering a 10 pack of dry lining boxes for free if you buy certain lap products.

So, if you buy just one cheap Lap product (i.e Lap blank plate for 50p, you get 10 x dry ling boxes worth £3.50). I've just got 300 boxes and 30 blank plates for £15. Should last me a good few years.

I expect they will be out of stock soon on some of the boxes though as they will be selling lots.

...
 

This is a good'un!!!!

So.

Went to test RCD with MFT at the socket. My meter alarmed and said reverse polarity. I then checked the connections, they were correct.

I then put my little plug in tester in and it showed something was wrong but doesn't say what. (Look at picture).

Baffled. I then check polarity at the board and the meter. All good.

I plugged my plug in tester into all sockets in the house. I had the same warning in every socket. This tells me the problem is upstream. But everything seems fine 🤯...
 

Fluke 1664FC setting

I recently bought a Fluke 1664FC. It's great but recently I chose to do a loop test on the no trip setting. Plugged the 3 wires in but noticed the screen says it's set for a L-N test with only Live and Neutral plugged in. I pressed F1 button to change this to L-PE, the tester beeps but it doesn't change. Anyone know why that might be? Cheers

Continue reading...
 

cu mounting materials

I'm a trainee and about to start doing jobs for my portfolio which includes replacing a CU and I'm wondering if it is still acceptable to install consumer units onto non-combustible material or was it ever acceptable? The relevant regulations appear to be:

131.3.2 Persons, livestock, fixed equipment and fixed materials adjacent to electrical equipment shall be protected against harmful effects of heat or thermal radiation emitted by electrical equipment, and in particular the...
 

Replace vented direct cylinder with unvented, safety drain off?

Hi,

Small flat, currently has a small'ish feed water tank, top of a cupboard, feed through a wall into under stairs cupboard.

Hot water tank with top & bottom immersion heaters & controller.

Has a pump currently, noisy but sure normal, just seems to echo despite best efforts to supress, mats & even in an enclosure (really upsets upstairs neighbours). v.small head so some sort of pump required, I am looking into one of those small inline pumps but talk seems to be they are relatively noisy...
 

How do you dress for an interview?

Quick question here.

Have recently completed my level2 2365, and have an interview at a college locally for a advanced apprenticeship. It will be half supporting their electrical department training students and half being part of the on-site maintenance team.

Apparently the interview will have a 10-minute health and safety assessment at the beginning.

I have no idea how I should dress for this interview. I am new to the industry and because this is not a typical electrician's role...
 

Passed my AM2s and Advice for those who are going to take it. Electrical Advice

Passed my AM2s and Advice for those who are going to take it. Discussion ThreadPassed my AM2s and Advice for those who are going to take it. Electrical Advice

I hope everyone had a good Christmas. I thought I would take the time to make this post for anyone who is going to take their AM2/AM2s in the New Year. I passed first time back in August completing my Apprenticeship.

First off. I was very nervous about taking my AM2 after hearing people talk about how difficult it is. In...
 

Can a dodgy electric supply cause a TV fault? Electrical Advice

Can a dodgy electric supply cause a TV fault? Discussion ThreadCan a dodgy electric supply cause a TV fault? Electrical Advice

Hi, turned on (LG) TV this morning and got a 'Select Item' screen and the volume graphic flashing constantly. The remote works and you can select menu items but it returns to the 'Select Item' menu shortly after.
I looked online and some suggested faulty power or HDMI cables, so I detached everything except the power cable. Same fault.
We have a smaller LG TV...
 

City and Guilds practical assessments Electrical Advice

City and Guilds practical assessments Discussion ThreadCity and Guilds practical assessments Electrical Advice

I remember when I did my l2/l3 site carpentry we got a massive pack with all the practicals we were going to do.
I’ve gone on the website but can’t find something similar for the L2 2365, does anyone know where I can download these and/or could someone upload them?

City and Guilds practical assessments for the original thread on Electricians Forums
 

Consumer unit Electrical Advice

Consumer unit Discussion ThreadConsumer unit Electrical Advice

Hi guys I work in the trades on site plant op ,my consumer unit has come away from the wall as back plate has rotted could I open unit and screw it back to a new piece of board is it safe to do that with power off I know there still live feed coming in ,but I'm sensible and fairly ok with electric, its an old property i know you guys wont like it appreciate any...
 

JBOD Supplier? Anybody use massive storage? Just-a-bunch-of-disks Electrical Advice

JBOD Supplier? Anybody use massive storage? Just-a-bunch-of-disks Discussion ThreadJBOD Supplier? Anybody use massive storage? Just-a-bunch-of-disks Electrical Advice

Anybody use massive storage?

JBOD Supplier? (Just-a-bunch-of-disks)

Have a friend who supplies them to the likes of Aston Martin (who use them for their simulators) and lots of companies who make movies, including paramount studios who were making fantastic 4 while I was there but had to sign NDA so can't talk about...
 

Electricians Forums needs a few extra Electrician Mentors for our training courses area Electrical Advice

Electricians Forums needs a few extra Electrician Mentors for our training courses area Discussion ThreadElectricians Forums needs a few extra Electrician Mentors for our training courses area Electrical Advice

Can you help?

Electricians Forums needs a few extra Electrician Mentors for our training courses area.

Need to be super experienced and qualified. It's an unpaid role (as all roles are here!) But you get a badge and are helping younger people (or career change people) to...
 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from E2GO! Electrical Advice

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from E2GO! Discussion ThreadMerry Christmas and Happy New Year from E2GO! Electrical Advice

[ElectriciansForums.net] Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from E2GO!

All orders and customer queries received over the festive period will be processed upon our return on the 2nd of January 2025.

Everyone at E2GO wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from E2GO! for...
 

The journey begins Electrical Advice

The journey begins Discussion ThreadThe journey begins Electrical Advice

Mid 30’s and got into the building game temporarily during Covid, before getting back into my old industry at a new role in London.
Decided to take the long and windy road to get my NVQ3 while still on my main job after another recent stint doing the main contracting on a family member’s fixer upper.
Have started bashing out the level 2 theory and once that’s done plan is to get a level 2 diploma from AbleSkills...
 

Dual channel Hive installation Electrical Advice

Dual channel Hive installation Discussion ThreadDual channel Hive installation Electrical Advice

Evening all and a merry Xmas.

Fitted an new dual channel hive today. However, whilst the heating can be controlled via the hive , the water would only operate the 2 port valve when the water tank thermostat was turned off. I am thinking the hive itself is not switching over to Water NO. Tested when switching it off at the receiver but it still has full voltage.

Thanks

Irish

Dual...
 

help on unit 305 design project pool and cafe area Electrical Advice

help on unit 305 design project pool and cafe area Discussion Threadhelp on unit 305 design project pool and cafe area Electrical Advice

Any one has example of how I should draw the pool and café area because I'm really stuck and I've told my idiot tutor for help but unfortunately he said that he cant help anyone out. Please please anyone can help me out i would appreciate it ?

[ElectriciansForums.net] help on unit 305 design project pool and cafe area
...
 

LED Downlights in Summerhouse flickering Electrical Advice

LED Downlights in Summerhouse flickering Discussion ThreadLED Downlights in Summerhouse flickering Electrical Advice

So, I had a summerhouse outbuilding (brick) built 4 years ago. Electrician installed LED downlights in the building. there are 2 rooms in there. Everything was fine until 2 years ago when a really cold spell of weather caused the lights in one of the rooms to not turn on. The other room they turn on fine.

When it is cold, I noticed that the lights will flicker in that...
 

Main armoured DNO cable in ceiling Electrical Advice

Main armoured DNO cable in ceiling Discussion ThreadMain armoured DNO cable in ceiling Electrical Advice

I’ve noticed my main incoming armoured DNO cable goes up the garage wall in some capping to the ceiling then runs under the ceiling and drops down to the meters. Is this ok as it’s armoured?

Main armoured DNO cable in ceiling for the original thread on Electricians Forums
 

LED dimmer Electrical Advice

LED dimmer Discussion ThreadLED dimmer Electrical Advice

Just fitted 7 LED downlights and all working okay but want to replace the switch with a dimmer.

Existing switch has the 2 browns in a block then at the top L1 = Black L2 = grey and the bottom L1 = Grey and L2 black but the dimmer just has one L1 and L2. Do I just pair the L1s and L2s together ?

LED dimmer for the original thread on Electricians Forums
 

Correct Method to extend CT Clamp cable for EV Charger (Also should it be earthed) Electrical Advice

Correct Method to extend CT Clamp cable for EV Charger (Also should it be earthed) Discussion ThreadCorrect Method to extend CT Clamp cable for EV Charger (Also should it be earthed) Electrical Advice

I'll start with the problem.

I've installed two Hive Mini Pro 3 EV chargers, and both have had the same fault, which I think I've now isolated to the CT Cable (Not the clamp or its direction).

Essentially if I connect the CT Cable to the EV Charger and enable smart charging, the EV...
 

Blown Switch - never had this before! Electrical Advice

Blown Switch - never had this before! Discussion ThreadBlown Switch - never had this before! Electrical Advice

We've got a overnight storage heater, fairly old but still going. That was until it starting tripping the RCD, so half the CU went off.

The switch has a crack and upon investigation it was burnt out, melted some of the cable insulation too.

Switch replaced, but radiator still isolated at the CU, I'm not going to turn it on until the new year as I'm slight concerned. Don't...
 

Any experience with Optima Electrical Training Electrical Advice

Any experience with Optima Electrical Training Discussion ThreadAny experience with Optima Electrical Training Electrical Advice

I am looking to start my Level 2 Electrical Installation training, and have came across Optima Electrical Training, who claim that I can achieve Electrical Level 2 through their eLearning (at home) course. Upon speaking to a chap over the phone he explained that they will send me the resources needed to study for assignments and exams, as well as attending...
 

4 pole rotary isolator... Switch the neutral or not? Electrical Advice

4 pole rotary isolator... Switch the neutral or not? Discussion Thread4 pole rotary isolator... Switch the neutral or not? Electrical Advice

Hi there,

Just a quick question. I am rectifying many problems on some 3 phase immersion heater circuits in a plant room. There are 4 pole rotary isolators just before the immersion elements and the earthing arrangement is TN-S.

I noticed that the neutrals are connected into a dedicated linking terminal to the side, as opposed to the 4th pole...
 

Pulling main fuse and smart meters Electrical Advice

Pulling main fuse and smart meters Discussion ThreadPulling main fuse and smart meters Electrical Advice

This is an issue that is starting to get more of a ball ache for me, when theres a smart meter installed without an isolator and I really need to cut the power (CU change for example). My question really is this, has anyone here, or any of your customers been fined/reprimanded/imprisioned/threatened in any after a smart meter has alerted the provider that powers been cut, due to...
 

Chint breakers Electrical Advice

Chint breakers Discussion ThreadChint breakers Electrical Advice

Hello everyone,

I’m looking to understand the key differences between chint
[ElectriciansForums.net] Chint breakers
breakers and Schneider breakers. I’ve noticed that both brands are available for a project I’m working on, and I’m trying to make an informed decision.

Could anyone provide insights into how these two brands compare in terms of:

1. Quality...
 

Dual/Single supply Dimplex Quantum storage heaters Electrical Advice

Dual/Single supply Dimplex Quantum storage heaters Discussion ThreadDual/Single supply Dimplex Quantum storage heaters Electrical Advice

I am a landlord/owner of a flat. I am just about to spur off nearby sockets to provide the additional 24hr supply to new Dimplex Quantum storage heaters. Before i do some ugly surface mounted wiring I re-checked the heater installation manual. These Quantum heaters can be wired to a single 24hr supply and rely on their internal timers or wifi...
 

Fluke 1662/1663 issues Electrical Advice

Fluke 1662/1663 issues Discussion ThreadFluke 1662/1663 issues Electrical Advice

Having some issues with my companys fluke 1662/1663 tester.
Zeroing 2 leads for continuity test we get the value 0.08 which is expected. The issue comes doing the Zi (loop impedance) the instructions say to zero 3 leads for this test ( if you try to zero two leads L and PE it reads >3.00ohm) you have to zero with all 3 leads connected, the value for 3 leads is 0.14.

We have tested a sub main and the...
 

CompEx 01-04 (Failed Ex04) Electrical Advice

CompEx 01-04 (Failed Ex04) Discussion ThreadCompEx 01-04 (Failed Ex04) Electrical Advice

I sat the CompEx 01-04 course for the first time back in July. The results came in the post on Saturday and I have failed 1 of the 5 units -

Ex04: Inspection and maintenance of Ex i systems

Quite relieved if I'm honest as the installs are quite intense!

Does anyone have any tips for the inspection of Ex i systems? If I can remember they are looking for visual, close and then detailed...
 

Megger MFT-X1, definitely a step backwards. Electrical Advice

Megger MFT-X1, definitely a step backwards. Discussion ThreadMegger MFT-X1, definitely a step backwards. Electrical Advice

Hi guys & gals,

I gave in and bought the new Megger MFT-X1. Got my hands on it Friday night, had a little play with it, used it at work on Monday and wrapped it back up on Monday evening, ready to send back...

I've been using my megger 1720 for about 7 or 8 years for domestic and commercial testing and lots of fault finding and I wanted to start testing EV...
 

Megger X1 firmware version 8.1 Released Electrical Advice

Electrical safey Electrical Advice

Electrical safey Discussion ThreadElectrical safey Electrical Advice

Good evening. Looking for some advice on how to define my career. Quilfiifed electrician, 2391, 18th edition, all of that good stuff.

Looking at taking a slightly different path, would
Like to get into electrical safety, electrical safety consultant type work.

At the beginning of the path, but what courses do you recommend. My knowledge of EAWR 1989 is fairly good.

Help / advice would be great

Dave...
 

Lockable sockets wired wrongly Electrical Advice

Lockable sockets wired wrongly Discussion ThreadLockable sockets wired wrongly Electrical Advice

During an eicr i found that all of the lockable sockets had reverse polarity , presumably from the manufacturer .
Of course this also questions the installation electrician and testing or lack thereof .
Has anyone else encountered this ?
IMG_0109.jpeg


Lockable sockets wired wrongly for the original thread on...
 

What causes low IR readings? Electrical Advice

What causes low IR readings? Discussion ThreadWhat causes low IR readings? Electrical Advice

I’m currently at the second fix stage of a rewire and before all the flooring goes down I’ve decided to do r1+r2 readings to make sure everything is continuous and polarity is correct. I also decided to do insulation resistance tests and have got lower than expected readings.

On the downstairs lighting circuit I got a reading of around 200-300Mohm. After breaking the lighting circuit down I...
 

Hispec heat alarm Electrical Advice

Hispec heat alarm Discussion ThreadHispec heat alarm Electrical Advice

Hispec mains heat rf alarm in situ for 2 years no problems..started beeping intermittently changed battery still beeped..changed unit to 1 with lithium battery fine for 2 days then started beeping...meanwhile the original alarm on a shelf in a different room not beeped since ...any ideas?

Hispec heat alarm for the original thread on Electricians Forums
 

Y Plan boiler not firing.

Evening guys.

So today's job has left me a little puzzled.
Hands up I'm not a heating engine, normally on Commercial and haven't done a Y Plan for some hours!!

Friend asked me to have a look at one of his rentals which had been fine and the boiler guy came to service his WBosch but it wouldn't run.

When I went yesterday the house was at 30+ oC even tho the stat was set to 15.
(The stat and programmer are cheap tat ) Tried to turn off at programmer but did not respond and boiler kept...
 

What is your hourly rate as a self employed electrician? (2024-25)

I did a poll last year (and the year before) on exactly this.

Below I have pasted what I wrote in the thread last time so there is a degree of similarity. We can then see if we have changed our prices much (again, bit of fun, not accurate)

pasted...

I thought I would start a poll to see 'roughly' what the average hourly rate is for self employed electricians?

To keep it as simple as possible, forget about any 'first hour' rate you may or may not charge and just go for your rate after...
 

Back to back consumer units

Hi I have come across an unusual situation but my brain is not working..... (I am an electrician btw)

I am putting in a second consumer unit (garage) and it just so happens million to one that the new (second) consumer unit is going on the wall that is 100% perfectly directly the other side of the main CU. In other words they line up - just a double skin wall in between.

As long as I seal the hole for fire can I just not go through one of the back cut outs of one CU and straight into the...
 

New cooker still trips rcd. Boggling me.

Hi everyone. Im on a job thats really boggling me.

So old freestanding electric cooker was tripping when hot plates are on for about 15-20mins. I did the insulation tests on the cables when disconnected at board. 999+ reading. So I thought ok must be cooker. Estate agents orders new one. I install new one and same thing happens.

So I tested cables again. Wiring is 5years old. Perfect readings all the way from consumer unit to the cooker itself when hot plates are cold.

When I put the...
 

Add external light to existing wiring

Hi all,

I'm looking for a little advice. We have a wall by our back door, there is existing cabling running from the back door (irritatingly unground) to the wall at which point it comes up (see green box in attached image) and splits with one side going to the garage and the other to a shed (blue box in image).

I'm considering adding an external light for the back door area on to the wall (at roughly the red box in image). What do I need to consider? Obviously, the light, fuse box, etc...
 

Control unit recommendations please.

Hi all,

Currently remodelling the kitchen and want to replace the antiquated central heating control unit, the current one is now 30 years old so I'd like something more modern to go with the new kitchen. Anybody know a product they could recommend?

Footnote; The unit isn't in operation in this state I switched it on simply so you could see what it looks like when running. I'm just removing the old tiles and will be screwing it back to the wall shortly.

Continue reading...
 

Grommet strip alternative

I’ve been having a brain fog moment.

I’m looking for edge protection for a straight cut in steel trunking.
“Grommet strip” in a search on CEF only brings up the small, flexible stuff for round holes.

The stuff I’m thinking of is straight, not flexible… usually black, but would prefer white if I could get it… Covers about 10mm or more on each side of the metal.

Spent all weekend trying to think of the right words to use on an online search that isn’t “grommet strip”


Recommendations...
 

How to do ze test with meger.

Hey guys

I've got my megger mft1722.

I'm trying to do the live Ze and Zs tests.

So for example I know to do my Ze test use a croc on incoming earth via disconnecting it first. And use a line probe on incoming line.

However I'm unsure as all my probes are colour coordinated (fused and unfused ive tot both). I have all 3 probes but for this I just the need the 2.

Too do the first test . I googled It says put my probe wires in red l1 and blue r3. However should I just be putting red probe...
 

70TPS12 Thyristor - Help!

Hello All,
I am new here and I don't know if I'm posting in the correct place but I need some help with wiring up my Thyristor.

I have added below a photo of my thyristor.

I don't know why, but I cannot get it to work as a switch.

I will be running the gate off around 1.4v DC and I need to be able to switch around 400v DC.

I am simply trying to use it to switch off and on a 400v DC supply.

Any answers would be much appreciated!

Continue reading...
 

New Bosch 16RE impact drill concern

Hi everyone,



I bought a new Bosch 16RE impact drill & have found the noise it makes at low rpms to be unusual. I was unable to upload the video directly here since I kept getting an error I need to contact admin. I've tried to embed the link but the site seems to have an issue, it can share the embedded link I have recorded it & uploaded it to vimeo & shared it here so that you can tell me whether it is normal or something is wrong with it:-



View...
 

RCBO's & RCD's in Hospitals

We are Hospital Engineers Based in the USA doing work in Africa. We often use the UK standards & regs as a basis for design. We are trying to better understand the use of RCBO and RCD's in clinical settings for sockets. We are concerned about nuisance trip in critical care situations. We would appreciate both interpretation of the regulations and practical advice from electricians who regular work in Hospitals. Thank you.

Continue reading...
 

What's your take on this? Please? EICR Comments/Remedials

Hi would love to hear your take on this, the exact comments taken from a EICR (2014 installation new build-last EICR test Minimal remedials-broken switch rockers/SKTS etc) - this has been repeated several times over a few DB's The comments vary between 100% and 80% of tabulated ZS values. I won't say anymore I will just let you comment yes it was all in Capitals! - ADEQUACY OF PROTECTIVE DEVICES:TYPE AND RATED CURRENT FOR FAULT PROTECTION - ZS EXCEEDS 80% OF TABULATED VALUE WHEN TESTED. THIS...
 

Advertisement

Tilers Forums Official Sponsors

Weekly Email Digest

Back
Top

Click Here to Register for Free / Remove Ad