http://www.car4play.com/forum Car4play forum en-gb Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:28:40 +0000 Copyright: Car4play webmaster@car4play.com (Technical) 5 car4play693093 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 07:28:40 +0000 I’m sure something will pop up http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693093&v=e car4play693090 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:39:53 +0000 >> >> >> >> I am browned off waiting. >> Crumbs! http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693090&v=e car4play693086 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:11:20 +0000 >> >> Can anyone recommend a good long slot, two slot toaster? >> >> I'm sure something will pop up. I am browned off waiting. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693086&v=e car4play693067 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:46:03 +0000 I'm pretty wary myself. It's one of those lethal things that you can't see. My grandfather was born when electric in the house was a novelty but it didn't stop him doing his own wiring. His method of checking whether something was live was to touch it. He survived however. Presumably he knew not to stand in a puddle while doing it. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693067&v=e car4play693066 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:55:52 +0000 >> Can anyone recommend a good long slot, two slot toaster? I'm sure something will pop up. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693066&v=e car4play693064 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:31:05 +0000 The ignorance of folk about electricity has never ceased to amaze me. One guy I worked with dropped a metal tool across the terminals of a car battery and was thereafter convinced that if you held a battery terminal in one hand, a spanner in the other that you touched to the other battery terminal, then the current would be enough to kill you! Playing a friendly game of cricket, the batsman skyed the ball which hit an overhead power line. A fielder standing directly underneath refused to catch it because he thought he'd get an electric shock! http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693064&v=e car4play693051 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:11:39 +0000 >> Normally the live wire carries the current and the neutral goes to earth to make the circuit.>> >> Not technically correct but a reasonable analogy for a layman? >> If we are getting semantic, I would say the live wire supplies a voltage (as far as the first switch), and if there is a circuit it also carries a current - as does the whole circuit, of course .... :-) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693051&v=e car4play693045 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:47:14 +0000 >> 95% confidence you're right but I'll have the faceplate off in the morning. Faceplate off today and all clear. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693045&v=e car4play693041 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:30:07 +0000 >> If you substitute voltage for current it's more reasonable. In my house the voltage is across the live and neutral (or in the case of one light, across the switched live and earth. Worked perfectly well said one electrician ;>), but now corrected). http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693041&v=e car4play693031 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:30:45 +0000 If you substitute voltage for current it's more reasonable. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693031&v=e car4play693027 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 07:53:13 +0000 >> >> Normally the live wire carries the current and the neutral goes to earth to >> make >> >> the circuit. >> >> ??? Not technically correct but a reasonable analogy for a layman? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693027&v=e car4play693022 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:36:33 +0000 >> Normally the live wire carries the current and the neutral goes to earth to make >> the circuit. ??? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693022&v=e car4play693008 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:40:10 +0000 Reversing the polarity of live and neutral carries a significant risk. Normally the live wire carries the current and the neutral goes to earth to make the circuit. If the wires are reversed, the on/off switch operates on the neutral wire only leaving all the internal compoents live. Wired correctly the on/off switch isolates the appliance completely. The neutral is different to the earth wire function - the earth wire is connected to any exposed metal parts and internal metal frames to ensure the circuit is broken if there is an earth fault making the metal parts live. Not needed on some items with plastic only. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693008&v=e car4play693002 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:28:29 +0000 >> Apparently this phenomenon is "black wire syndrome" and the copper sulphide formed by the reaction >> is non-conductive and causes resistive heating - never seen it before. >> >> I told you I'm not a real electrician. Previous house had no working means for the gas heating - warm air - to provide domestic hot water. Immersion heater on E7 did the job well enough. However the supply to the immersion suffered from wiring degradation very similar to what you describe there. Different voltage and current type but my 2.0HDi Xantia had similar degradation in the bit of its wiring harness linking battery, alternator and starter. Common enough to be a 'feature' of the model apparently. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=693002&v=e car4play692995 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:38:42 +0000 I came across something I had never heard of a couple of weeks ago. My son gave me one of those stupidly expensive Dyson Fan/Heaters. It had a burnt plug on the end which he said he had changed after it happened the first time and before it happened again! On removing the plug, I found the polarity was wrong, with the blue wire to the live. There is no earth wire. But that should not have stopped it working. I cut the burnt cable off and started stripping the lead to fit a new plug. The wire inside the undamaged insulation was black. On reflection I probably didn't cut enough off so I'll refit it before I try it out (I suspended operations because I had to order a new remote control). Apparently this phenomenon is "black wire syndrome" and the copper sulphide formed by the reaction is non-conductive and causes resistive heating - never seen it before. I told you I'm not a real electrician. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692995&v=e car4play692974 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 09:06:51 +0000 >> If there is blackening around the socket holes something has vaporised, either at the plug/adapter >> pins or inside the socket. I'd inspect and unless it's obvious junk the pair of >> 'em. Plug is one of those moulded on ones with no means of accessing the contacts. Socket is scheduled for examination later today. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692974&v=e car4play692973 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 09:00:56 +0000 >> TEABAG!! >> >> Where's Duncan? Put your head between your knees, or something and breathe s l o w l y. Try not to worry, I am never very far away. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692973&v=e car4play692969 Wed, 28 Oct 2026 07:24:48 +0000 If there is blackening around the socket holes something has vaporised, either at the plug/adapter pins or inside the socket. I'd inspect and unless it's obvious junk the pair of 'em. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692969&v=e car4play692966 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 22:30:36 +0000 I have a pair of white 2 gang sockets, one garage and one kitchen. Both have the same fault, only one socket on each works. In spite of a good electrical trade shop a mile or so away, I ordered two replacements off Amazon, I didn't have time to go. they came yesterday. I'll be interested to see the innards of the faulty ones ! Ted http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692966&v=e car4play692965 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 22:30:31 +0000 The above describes resistive heating,which a forensic investigator concluded had caused outhouse fire. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692965&v=e car4play692964 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 21:47:16 +0000 Mains wiring behind sockets can loosen over time which for heavy duty appliances can cause arcing and burning. Shamefully AI Overview: Terminal Screw Loosening: Inside the socket, copper wires are held in small brass terminals by screws. Thermal expansion and contraction from electrical load can cause these clamping screws to slacken slightly, creating a loose connection. Arcing and Overheating: When a wire is loose, the contact area for the electricity shrinks, increasing electrical resistance. This generates intense heat, can melt the plastic faceplate or cable insulation, and causes arcing (tiny electrical sparks) that pose a serious fire hazard. If you ever fit a faceplate and tighten the screws, leave it for a while when and when you return you can find that the clamping screws can be turned a little further. I think that this is the copper wire slowly compressing. Probably why sparkys now have torque screwdrivers. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692964&v=e car4play692961 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:48:19 +0000 Well, they're all Type A at the moment which suits me fine because they're physically sturdier than Type C. At some point though I expect manufacturers will move to Type C only so there won't be any choice if one fails. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692961&v=e car4play692959 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 20:12:51 +0000 Presumably to be eventually updated to type C http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692959&v=e car4play692957 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:59:36 +0000 It's a wise precaution to at least check the wiring to the socket. Personally, for the cost of a new socket, I'd be replacing it for peace of mind that contact surfaces don't have arc damage which can cause slightly higher resistance and therefore heat especially if it's quite old. I have sockets with USB scattered in convenient places around the house (bedside, some countertops and living room etc.) I think they're all 2A max but are very handy for our Hive hub, Tapo smart hub, USB radio and top up charging for phones and fondle slabs. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692957&v=e car4play692956 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:39:54 +0000 Big Clive recommends against them, as if the charging part catches alight (apparently not that uncommon) you are screwed. Whereas a normal plug in charger with the same problem can just be removed from the socket if it overheats. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692956&v=e car4play692953 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:46:11 +0000 We put 78 double sockets in this house when we built it and it still isn't enough! I considered having some with the USB's but I wasn't confident of the quality of the chargers - power, reliability, obsolescence etc. and just adding electronics to something which is simple, essentially mechanical, and robust. I suppose one in a key location could be worth trying. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692953&v=e car4play692952 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:27:06 +0000 >> Dont be, your circuit brekaer is much faster than heating up your insulation. 95% confidence you're right but I'll have the faceplate off in the morning. Actually, replacing the faceplate with one incorporating USB sockets would be a gain... http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692952&v=e car4play692951 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:24:43 +0000 >> “And of course it's from God's own county.“ >> >> India? Yorkshire tea is grown between the Nidd and Wharfe adjacent to the mines where Yorkshire Mixture is extracted. As any fule kno. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692951&v=e car4play692950 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:20:11 +0000 “And of course it's from God's own county.“ India? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692950&v=e car4play692949 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:43:48 +0000 >> Done that and it shows 2 greens as expected. I think it shorted live to >> earth; slightly concerned about thermal damage to insulation. Dont be, your circuit brekaer is much faster than heating up your insulation. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692949&v=e car4play692948 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:14:40 +0000 >> Just use your caravanning socket tester? Done that and it shows 2 greens as expected. I think it shorted live to earth; slightly concerned about thermal damage to insulation. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692948&v=e car4play692947 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:00:04 +0000 Just use your caravanning socket tester? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692947&v=e car4play692945 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:34:52 +0000 >> Loud bang and CB for downstairs sockets trips. Closer examination discloses the USB lead and adaptor was blown with blackening around live pin on the socket. Need to dismantle and check socket wiring too. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692945&v=e car4play692943 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:19:48 +0000 >> Best Buy & Great Value: Sainsbury’s Red Label – 75% >> £1.40 for 80 bags (56p per 100g, 2p per tea bag) VFM no doubt excellent but Yorkshire is better for colour and flavour. And of course it's from God's own county. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692943&v=e car4play692937 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:12:49 +0000 >> Nothing but pure Assam tea for breakfast here. >> I assume you do not use boiling water for your tea. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692937&v=e car4play692936 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:26:30 +0000 Reminds me of the early days of hard drives on ICL mainframe computers. EDS8s (all of 8MB) were somewhat prone to head-crashes, partly due to theire exchangeable design. After a particularly fraught spell of the same coinciding with short deadlines we eventually convinced "management" that we'd discovered the cause. "We'd been putting most of the data on one segment of the disc, and the weight of the bits there had sent the platter out of balance, inducing the head crash". Much to our amusement, that was believed for a good few months. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692936&v=e car4play692935 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:13:43 +0000 TEABAG!! Where's Duncan? 8o) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692935&v=e car4play692934 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:50:53 +0000 >> Nothing but pure Assam tea for breakfast here. >> You have to believe what it says on the label. Are you certain your tea is from Assam ? They grow tea in Cornwall these days. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692934&v=e car4play692933 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:49:30 +0000 >> If you don't switch off at the socket electrons can leak from around the plug pins. That's why sockets have a shutter that closes over the L and N holes when the plug is removed. >> LOL .... I know some non-techs used to imagine that, but little plastic shutters don't contain electrons either. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692933&v=e car4play692932 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 08:41:08 +0000 > don't buy the idea that wiggly cable could easily find a live unless it's a dodgy toaster. I suggest you take your Dualit apart and see all the places a springing around USB cable can short out, even with the timer off and the slot up. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692932&v=e car4play692931 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 08:36:07 +0000 Nothing but pure Assam tea for breakfast here. I don't care what the cost per teabag is. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692931&v=e car4play692930 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 07:56:37 +0000 >> And Yorkshire Tea Nope. Which? says:- Best Buy & Great Value: Sainsbury’s Red Label – 75% £1.40 for 80 bags (56p per 100g, 2p per tea bag) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692930&v=e car4play692929 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:12:31 +0000 Nah that's what the meek inherit http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692929&v=e car4play692928 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:13:32 +0000 That should catch the earth as well! http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692928&v=e car4play692927 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:07:11 +0000 Oh OK, I'll put a saucer under it... http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692927&v=e car4play692926 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:31:20 +0000 >..is it a risk-averse thing? If you don't switch off at the socket electrons can leak from around the plug pins. That's why sockets have a shutter that closes over the L and N holes when the plug is removed. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692926&v=e car4play692925 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:58:34 +0000 toaster in our new rental had non working central elements. Replaced same day by letting agent but replacement only accepts sliced bread. Consequently we cannot put in our day old baguettes to make morning tostadas…old bread, toasted, rub in fresh garlic clove, top with freshly mashed tomato. I like that breakfast, plus toast with local honey. And Yorkshire Tea http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692925&v=e car4play692924 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:23:39 +0000 "we can see the water" And the limescale? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692924&v=e car4play692923 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:06:34 +0000 Not something which I see as important, is it a risk-averse thing? http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692923&v=e car4play692922 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:59:04 +0000 I've seen kettles for £250 and they do nothing a cheapo from Tescos can't do. Again, Nice glass kettle from "George" last time was £19.99. we can see the water level, so just put in enough.. A mate fills his to the max... http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=692922&v=e