Elec-trickery!

[Keithy]

As you know, I hate the stuff (in a DIY) context. The hall will get decorated soon, and in there lurks the old doorbell, clinging to the wall like a rabies infected vampire bat, he'll bent on my destruction. The bell wire at the other end is long gone but I don't know if the is still connected to the mains.

How do I safely find out and decommission it? Pic belowImageUploadedByTapatalk1339925233.030947.jpg

[diamond72]

Originally Posted by Keithy

As you know, I hate the stuff (in a DIY) context. The hall will get decorated soon, and in there lurks the old doorbell, clinging to the wall like a rabies infected vampire bat, he'll bent on my destruction. The bell wire at the other end is long gone but I don't know if the is still connected to the mains.

How do I safely find out and decommission it? Pic belowAttachment 146048

Smear the electrodes with anchovy paste and encourage the neighbours Kitteh to lick it off. If his hair stands up, or he squeals, then the bell is still live

Failing that, I don't suppose you possess any form of electrical testing device, you can pick one up fairly cheaply at B&Q.

[Keithy]

I'm off to B&Q shortly, what sort of thing do you mean?

[steveisfrowning]

Laser 3534 Multi Meter/temp Tester - Digital: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike

something like this

[steveisfrowning]

Though possibly not that.

[bobda]

Get one of the cheap screwdrivers with a light in and then touch the exposed cables while pressing the end. If it lights up, it has volts.

Although I'm pretty sure most doorbells use batteries not mains.

[chrishendrix]

Originally Posted by bobda

Get one of the cheap screwdrivers with a light in and then touch the exposed cables while pressing the end. If it lights up, it has volts.

Although I'm pretty sure most doorbells use batteries not mains.

or a transformer, which will probably be located next to your 'consumer unit' or 'fusebox'.
(disclaimer: please don't risk your life based on anything I or anyone else on here posts )

[rosiebear]

Try this

catweazle electrickery - YouTube

[steveisfrowning]

get a man in



Keithyboy seems handy....................too handy

[zulu ferret]

lCatweazle

Have you an RCB supply box, with an isolating transformer that is switchable? Maybe not I guess, as you would of switched it off? Sorry, bit of a silly question but you know me? :

[zulu ferret]

Only 5, 6, 8V at 1A to our bell, iirc?

[kurzon]

Wire looks too thin to me to be mains but do check with a multi-meter all connectors or with a working screwdriver with lamp current tester as suggested above.

If still not sure get a mate/family/neighbour who knows what to do ie can use a multi-meter.

[Keithy]

See what's happened to this site?


Last time I asked, about a telephone wire, V6Hughes said the cut off wire would short in the wall cavity and burn down the house while I slept!

Now I get helpful advice

Thanks guys!

[zulu ferret]

Just get a cheap DVM maybe 2,20,200,1000Vrange or other, then start at the highest if you like, then work down with the missus or someone pressing the button.