Electrical

ELECTRICAL

Before attempting any investigation or repair of a light fitting or light switch, turn off the mains and remove the relevant fuse or MCB. Switching off the switch that operates the light is not an adequate safeguard.

If laying cable in your loft, ensure the cable is laid above any insulation so that the insulation does not hide it from view if it is an otherwise uncovered area. If the insulation is of the loose polystyrene type in small balls, make sure the cable is clear of the polystyrene as it can damage the cable sheathing because of the polystyrene's chemical composition.

If installing lights in ceilings, place the holes between the joists and if there is more than one light to be fitted, run them between the same joists. The entire exercise will be much tidier and easier to complete as the cabling can then run between the joists if required.

If extending a length of a cable, always use a cable connector, the smallest being the small plastic type. Do not simply tie two ends of wire together as this could overheat and start a fire.

Kinks or bends in telephone cable so that you lay it tidily between clips, pull it through a dry cloth held tightly in one hand while pulling it through with your other hand. By keeping it under tension it will straighten out much more easily when clipped.