Originally posted by: leckie
Well I think JP put his finger on the reson for 90% of the problems. Rubbish designed cable termination clamps. I was check the termination tightness on a Wylex 804, wooden back plate type, the other day. The tails were absolutely tight and were probably fitted 35-40 years ago. Two screws, all brass, dead solid.
I have also checked hundreds of newer installs of tails terminations installed by guys working for me. I had to continuously explain to the guys that you need to check and double check that the cables are in the cage and not behind it. Surprisingly easy to do so it needs a check. Also, the board is finished and the testing is finished, all the terminations require rechecking. As Geoff was saying when he mentions twisting the connections to his students sockets, any movement can easily loosen or dislodge a connection.
The other favourite is terminations into MCB's. It is very difficult to actually see if cables or the busbar into modern MCB's are actually in the cage. With the cables you can tug test them with your trusty red insulated, Elliot Lucas long nose pliers, and then retighten. It's trickier with the busbar connections to ensure all the prongs are actually in the cage, not behind it if you cannot see the actual connection. This is the case with Hager and Control Gear. Probably with others as well.
So sort the devices out, not wrap up the rubbish in a metal box would be my preferred option.
That feels so good getting that off my chest. Now deep breath in, release, and......... relax!
Ditto that
-------------------------
Regards,
Ebee (M I S P N)
Knotted cables cause Lumpy Lektrik