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Burned out live cable to main switch inside a 1960s fusebox

The live tail (heavy duty red cable) from the meter to this 1960s fusebox shows signs of overheating and burning out.
We caught it just before it started an electrical fire.

Burned out live cable to main switch inside a 1960s fusebox

Another live tail (heavy duty red cable) we caught just before it started an electrical fire.

Burned out BS3036 fuseholder inside a 1960s fusebox

This white fuseholder body shows signs of heavy overloading, arcing and burning.

The ballast inside this fluorescent light fitting burned out and was caught before it caused a fire

The ballast inside this fluorescent light fitting burned out and was caught before it caused a fire,
although it filled the office it was in with thick smoke.

This ceiling rose (without cover) was found under the insulation in a loft being used as a junction box

This ceiling rose (without cover) was found under the insulation in a loft being used as a junction box.
Not only is it a fire risk, but there is serious risk of electric shock from the exposed live parts.

This terminal block was found under the insulation in a loft

This terminal block was found under the insulation in a loft.
All electrical connections should be inside an enclosure.

Live central heating wiring floating around in the airing cupboard

Live central heating wiring floating around in the the loft of a bungalow.
As there was no earth bonding in this property, there was a risk of all the water pipes becoming live and killing somebody.

Terminal blocks wrapped in tape are not acceptable

Terminal blocks wrapped in tape are not acceptable as protection against electrical fire or shock.
This layout is untidy and form the general standard of workmanship, you can expect to find other problems too.
All electrical connections should be inside an enclosure.

Terminal block wrapped in tape and plastered into the wall

This terminal block was wrapped in tape and plastered into the wall in a kitchen.
Another potential source of death when fitting a cup hook or something that requires drilling a hole in the wall.

Junction box with the earths disconnected to prevent the fuse blowing on a live to earth fault

We found this junction box in a loft with the earths disconnected to prevent the fuse blowing on a live to earth fault.
The fault was in a metal light fitting which meant that the fitting was live when on and a potential source of fatal electric shock.

nails used as cable clips

We found this cable, clipped to the wall with nails when rewiring a kitchen.
nails used as cable clips

On closer examination, the cable was obviously in stress.

Cable damaged by trailing over joists and nailing floorboards down

This cable was damaged because it was fitted by trailing it the over joists and nailing floorboards down.

Rubber insulated cables found under insulation in the loft

The rubber insulated cables above were found under insulation in the loft, still carrying current.
When disturbed, the mostly fell apart, exposing bare & live wires.

Rubber insulated cables bundled together and tied with string

More rubber insulated cables, this time bundled together and tied with string under the upstairs floor.

Rubber insulated cables held down with buckle clips

More rubber insulated cables, this time held down with buckle clips (by some rogue - that's not how it should be done).

a (spaghetti) junction box

A (spaghetti) junction box under the floor at the top of the stairs where all the downstairs lighting cables were.
Note the earth connections wrapped together outside the box (non compliant with the Wiring Regulations).

inside a (spaghetti) junction box

Inside the spaghetti junction. It took some time to sort this out.

A leaking battery from a fire alarm panel

This leaking battery was found inside a fire alarm control panel during routine maintenance.


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