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)...
 
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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.

...
 

Ferrules in the middle at Lidl

Keep an eye on Lidl, you can get items like this in the middle.
20250314_195309.jpg


Continue reading...
 

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
 

Break in ring circuit

Just has an electrician do an EICR on a domestic property and he detected a break in continuity in the kitchen which as 6 double sockets - one of which supplies the dishwasher. The cooker is on its own MCB. All sockets test OK with a Martindale simple socket tester.

He sensibly down rated the MCB on the ring main to 20A instead of the original 32A.

My questions are ......

How difficult is it to find out where the break is by doing an impedance measurements starting at either end of the...
 

Where to find Imperial sized MICC Pyro Cable Glands?

Hi Experts,
Does anyone know where I can get some 465 Cable Glands for mineral insulated cable? Cable diameter is 15/32 of an inch.
The cable was installed in 1959, is in good condition but needs some alteration. I have found 2 electricians who can do the work but have better things to do with their time than try to locate Imperial sized glands.
I have tried several UK companies and TPCwire in the USA but still no luck.
Many thanks in advance.

Continue reading...
 

Need some help sourcing custom electrical enclosures.

Hi all,

I’m working on a new project and need some help sourcing custom electrical enclosures. The key requirement is that they must be IP66 rated – these are going to be installed in a pretty harsh environment, so dust and water protection is a must.

I’ve looked at a few off-the-shelf options, but I’m running into issues with getting the right dimensions and cutouts for cable entries, displays, and a few control buttons. Ideally, I’m looking for a supplier that can either customize...
 

Need some help sourcing custom electrical enclosures.

Hi all,

I’m working on a new project and need some help sourcing custom electrical enclosures. The key requirement is that they must be IP66 rated – these are going to be installed in a pretty harsh environment, so dust and water protection is a must.

I’ve looked at a few off-the-shelf options, but I’m running into issues with getting the right dimensions and cutouts for cable entries, displays, and a few control buttons. Ideally, I’m looking for a supplier that can either customize...
 

First AVI.

Hello folks.
I'm a self funding trainee. Doing an course with EAL qualifications as a view to getting my foot in the door to becoming an electrician.
I've got my Inspection and testing practical exams coming up and would like to invest in an AVI and proving unit.
I need it to do phase rotation as I'm hopefully going to get taken on for my NVQ at my current workplace which does commercial.
I'd prefer to have a AVI that doesn't need batteries to show voltage(just seems safer)
Thirdly a...
 

Help With 2 Gang Switch Please

have a 2 gang switch that works the indoor utility room light and the outdoor coach lamp, the indoor light works perfectly but the outdoor light does not come on

There is 240v at the outdoor light and it has N E L at the bulb holder so I think there is neutral missing somewhere or I have just wired it wrong

The picture is from behind and L2 is the indoor light L1 the outdoor coach light

can someone please advise what I have done wrong\missed...
 

Megger BM222 Please help with Fault diagnostics

Hi
I own a Megger BM222 meter with a fault. It works on the 500V range, but there is no output on the 1000V range.
I am trying to figure out what the fault is so I can fix it.

On the 500V range, I can hear the internal relay clicking when the button is pushed.
When I push the button on the 1000V range, no clicking can be heard.

If you have a BM222, can you please tell me if you can hear the relay click on the 1000V range?
Does anyone have a service manual???

Continue reading...
 

Induction hob and ovens supply

Looking for advise on how to best tackle this scenario. I have a single radial circuit on B63 MCB that used to feed very large Rangemaster cooper. Client want to split this into induction hob and dual oven but wanted to leave existing 10mm cable to avoid chasing walls. This 10mm cable is connected to isolator above the kitchen units. My plan is to replace it with small sub DB with RCD and two breakers to feed two separate radial circuit to induction and ovens. What donyou guys think...
 

Without Internet

I was looking at a thread about how many devices people have connected to their WiFi and got to wondering. Firstly how reliable are your internet connections ie how often do they go down and generally how long for? Secondly what is the impact on your life if your internet at home fails. Are the devices that are connected to your WiFi important or are they trivial distractions you can easily live without and are they still working fine if there's no internet connection?

Where I am internet...
 

Can Easycert no longer be used?

Hi. I’ve been using Easycert for a number of years but on a recent NICEIC assessment I got marked down as a non compliance as Easycert is not updated to the new amendments. The assessor told me that Easycert can no longer be used for any installations designed after amendment 3 came into effect. Has anyone else run into this issue? Surely this would make Easycert unusable for many

Continue reading...
 

Tennis court lighting

Good afternoon all,

I have been asked to quote for an LED lighting upgrade to 2 x outdoor tennis courts. The existing metal halide lights are mounted on lamp posts, 6 per court. Could someone please advise on an appropriate amount of lumens per LED light and any preferred brands?

The tennis courts are for the local village community and are only really used in the spring and summer months.

Thank you in advance

Continue reading...
 

2391 query

Hi, I completed unit 112/012 through my 5357 apprenticeship..
I’ve been told that this qualification is equivalent to Level 3 Award in initial verification of electrical installations (2391-50)

Is this true?

if so would this mean that I only need to complete the 2391-51?

Together would this mean I am qualified to 2391-52? Or would I need to sit the actual 2391-52 to be solely 2391 qualified?

Continue reading...
 

Tariffs, batteries, and solar. How do you select? and does it matter?

1744106247374.png
My off-peak tariff has ended, and for a few days on a standard single tariff until I change supplier, but cost has not risen much?

Changing because the supplier I have has dragged their feet for a year, and still no payment for export. But I have been charging batteries overnight, then they have only discharged to 80% and then latter I have been exporting for no payment.

Working out tomorrow's weather is not...
 

5% OFF SITE WIDE ON HEATING2GO! 🔥

Morning everyone,

Until the 30th April, grab yourself 5% off all orders over £200 (ex vat) on our sister site: Heating2Go by using code HEAT5 at checkout!

Whether you need to upgrade your home heating solutions with our top brands like Dimplex, Haverland and Herschel, or want to create a cosy atmosphere in your living room with our range of Fires & Stoves, we have you covered!

Shop and save today - hurry, this offer ends at the end of April...
 

Sole Trader.

Hi all, please bear with me in regards to this post and the questions that I’m going to ask.

I’m currently a year out of my time. I am yet to obtain my 2391. Do I need to acquire this before being a sole trader?

I am currently employed with a social housing company..
Is it possible to be employed and be a sole trade still at the same?

I’ve been quoted £520 including vat for the year with an accountant. Is this good?

If I get small jobs like changing lights / sockets like for like can...
 

Earth bonding to Water

Greetings, I am homeowner and looking to confirm if I will need earth boding to water pipes.
There is already earth boding near Gas meter and the gas copper pipe enters the house.
Water main supply is via blue plastic pipe (MDPE) which then connects to plastic pipes and also some copper pipes (pipes under boiler are copper pipes, central heating pipes (flow and return pipes) are combination - somewhere copper somewhere plastic).
The consumer unit is metal box with RCD protection, the are 2x...
 

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