I like the shorter days with dark evenings, does anyone else?
No! I don't like the cold either.
Sorry. I prefer the other way round. Tend to get a touch of SAD due to lack of daylight over the late autumn and winter months.
No I hate them. Also I'm starting to get nervous about Winter and ice. I'm terrified of falling again, had to scrape the car one morning this week before I could go to the pool, that's what started me off.
Not really, and I think there's a case for double summer time.
I quite like snow & ice on the roads as well, anyone can drive on a bone dry road, but snow & ice present a bit of a challenge.
Unfortunately we don't get much snow, or ice, in North Lincolnshire so I have to make the most of it when we do.
don't long the long winter evenings, but the long summer evenings make up for them. A bit later - say November/December I'll have been reading, or watching a film or the like, see it is pitch black out, surely time for bed - and it's probably something like seven o'clock!
I hate the cold and I'm dreading winter again. Dark evenings don't bother me as I rarely go out at night, much prefer a pub lunch
I prefer light evenings... Dread the ice and snow..
I have a bag of grit sitting behind my hedge ready to put on the steps..
Quote from: Scrumpy on September 30, 2023, 08:56:29 AMI prefer light evenings... Dread the ice and snow..
I have a bag of grit sitting behind my hedge ready to put on the steps..
I have a bag of sh*t behind my hedge ready to throw at a naked Megan Merkle in case she's ever dragged by😬
Thanks for reminding me.. Just ordered mine on Prime..
Quote from: Diasi on September 29, 2023, 08:55:45 PMI quite like snow & ice on the roads as well, anyone can drive on a bone dry road, but snow & ice present a bit of a challenge.
Unfortunately we don't get much snow, or ice, in North Lincolnshire so I have to make the most of it when we do.
You should swap with Raven for the winter! 😉
I prefer lighter evenings and sunny mornings. I don't mind the cold, but ice and snow? No ta.
I don't like them at all.
I have to keep adjusting the timer for the outside lights.
Quote from: GrannyMac on September 30, 2023, 09:51:55 AMYou should swap with Raven for the winter! 😉
I prefer lighter evenings and sunny mornings. I don't mind the cold, but ice and snow? No ta.
He's welcome to swap winters with me anytime. :smiley: This was driving home from the pool last winter before my fall.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NjcRWCDc/28577339-1578186032216538-2987476062397087173-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zfDKfL42/50183029-1972929379408866-4499557363065290752-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nX5CRLFq)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bY4xRw2d/25188800-1501936036508205-1376133520895700491-o.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CdHnhY7V)
THEN, There's getting stuck behind huge lorries on the Berridale Braes, I was shaking with fear when I took this pic, as I had nowhere to go if they couldn't get going again and starting sliding back, it was sooooo steep and narrow on that hairpin.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zqf3vbSb/74324499-2509786395723159-498956632928026624-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/hPx9ZR9s/26112271-1522363921132083-644425820895805608-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Beautiful, but scarey
Quote from: JBR on September 30, 2023, 10:25:23 AMI don't like them at all.
I have to keep adjusting the timer for the outside lights.
Our outside lights are programmed to switch on at sunset & off at sunrise, the programme knows what the two times are on any day of the year.
Quote from: Diasi on September 30, 2023, 03:46:42 PMOur outside lights are programmed to switch on at sunset & off at sunrise, the programme knows what the two times are on any day of the year.
Ah, but yours is a 'smart timer'.
Mine's a bit thick.
You can get a dusk to dawn sensor for about £10. If you want them off earlier you could use it in combo with your timer.
I just looked and some bulbs have one built in now.
Or, you could put your house on wheels and add floats, and keep going west so that dawn and dusk never change.
Quote from: klondike on September 30, 2023, 07:28:04 PMYou can get a dusk to dawn sensor for about £10. If you want them off earlier you could use it in combo with your timer.
I just looked and some bulbs have one built in now.
I had thought about that, but unfortunately our seven outside lights all run on three or four separate circuits into the building, so logically I'd have to buy and install three or four light sensors. Even then, the lights on our path are all underneath trees or bushes, so where could I put a sensor that would have a clear view of the sky?
No. More trouble than it's worth, so I'll just keep changing the timer every few weeks!
line of least resistance :upvote: :upvote: :upvote:
If I want I can adjust the times so the lights come on, say, 15 minutes after sunset & go off 15 minutes before sunrise & the programme would remember the settings so it's quite flexible, plus I can override it with voice commands.
Virtually the entire functions of the house are automated.
Quote from: JBR on October 01, 2023, 11:33:35 AMunfortunately our seven outside lights all run on three or four separate circuits into the building, so logically I'd have to buy and install three or four light sensors
So how many timers do you have?
Quote from: klondike on October 01, 2023, 12:23:34 PMSo how many timers do you have?
Just one, so logically I could attach a light sensor near to that. However, it is inside the house, so I'd have to dig out a channel in the plaster in at least two rooms and drill a hole in a window frame, along with all the restoration of the worked areas.
No, much easier to change the timer now and again!
Quote from: JBR on October 01, 2023, 03:27:40 PMJust one, so logically I could attach a light sensor near to that. However, it is inside the house, so I'd have to dig out a channel in the plaster in at least two rooms and drill a hole in a window frame, along with all the restoration of the worked areas.
No, much easier to change the timer now and again!
You could replace the light units with ones that have photocells.
True they wouldn't all come on & go off simultaneously, but near enough.
Quote from: Diasi on October 01, 2023, 04:23:44 PMYou could replace the light units with ones that have photo electric cells.
True they wouldn't all come on & go off simultaneously, but near enough.
Yes, that's possible for the ones around the house (four), but I assume that I'd have to replace all the fittings.
The problem is the ones down the path (three) which I'm not sure about because they are covered by bushes, so might stay turned on during the daytime, at least on a dull day.
I can certainly have a look at what is available. The simplest option would be if there are daylight sensors built into the bulbs or the immediate fittings but, of course, as soon as the light comes on it would turn itself off immediately!
Quote from: JBR on October 01, 2023, 05:31:57 PMYes, that's possible for the ones around the house (four), but I assume that I'd have to replace all the fittings.
The problem is the ones down the path (three) which I'm not sure about because they are covered by bushes, so might stay turned on during the daytime, at least on a dull day.
I can certainly have a look at what is available. The simplest option would be if there are daylight sensors built into the bulbs or the immediate fittings but, of course, as soon as the light comes on it would turn itself off immediately!
Photocell light units are made to ignore the light from the bulbs.
Quote from: Diasi on October 01, 2023, 05:37:28 PMPhotoelectric light units are made to ignore the light from the bulbs.
Yes, I'll have to look into those. As I said, if they are quick and easy to attach, and work reliably, it would save me a regular little job!
Quote from: JBR on October 01, 2023, 05:41:05 PMYes, I'll have to look into those. As I said, if they are quick and easy to attach, and work reliably, it would save me a regular little job!
They do these in B22 bayonet fittings as well.
https://tinyurl.com/bd82swvb
Quote from: Diasi on October 01, 2023, 05:45:35 PMThey do these in B22 bayonet fittings as well.
https://tinyurl.com/bd82swvb
Wow! That looks ideal. I can certainly send for one and try it out. Thanks.
Quote from: JBR on October 01, 2023, 05:52:39 PMWow! That looks ideal. I can certainly send for one and try it out. Thanks.
Yes, trying one first is sensible.
You need to checkout that timeswitch too. If it is linking lights on more than one lighting circuit it contravenes the regulations and could be dangerous if it makes a circuit that is turned off at the consumer unit live. It must do that if it controls lights on different circuits as you said it does.
Quote from: klondike on October 01, 2023, 06:39:38 PMYou need to checkout that timeswitch too. If it is linking lights on more than one lighting circuit it contravenes the regulations and could be dangerous if it makes a circuit that is turned off at the consumer unit live. It must do that if it controls lights on different circuits as you said it does.
Well spotted, I'd assumed he'd got three circuits split off from one consumer unit MCB.
He said multiple circuits but as there is only the one time switch I doubt that there are. If somebody has bodged it though it could be a problem.
If there are a lot of bulbs involved I'd still install the one sensor in the timeswitch output as it would be cheaper and they are obviously designed to be installed outside so would be waterproofed. Bulbs are easier though.
Quote from: klondike on October 01, 2023, 06:58:24 PMHe said multiple circuits but as there is only the one time switch I doubt that there are. If somebody has bodged it though it could be a problem.
If there are a lot of bulbs involved I'd still install the one sensor in the timeswitch output as it would be cheaper and they are obviously designed to be installed outside so would be waterproofed. Bulbs are easier though.
The more I think about it he probably has a lighting circuit with spurs coming off it, like ring main circuits often have.
But it certainly needs to be checked to make sure it complies with regulation 314.4.
If they all run off one timer then they have been made a single circuit and only one dawn to dusk sensor is required. I can't see it being anything else but the wording of multiple circuits and the supposed need to drill holes through walls raised a bit of a red flag for me. It should be a very simple job.
No problem. All seven outside lights come from the same lighting circuit (and circuit breaker) on the consumer unit. It is just that the cable from each group of lights enters the building in different places, and I'm not sure where exactly they travel within the building.
I know that the three path lights enter at one point, three others at another, and a single other at one other point.
I'm sure they must all connect together somewhere before the timer switch, although I'm not sure where. Presumably in the loft. When we first bought the house, we had the electrics (and other things) checked over and confirmed as safe.
Bulbs it is then.... :grin:
Quote from: JBR on October 01, 2023, 07:34:03 PMNo problem. All seven outside lights come from the same lighting circuit (and circuit breaker) on the consumer unit. It is just that the cable from each group of lights enters the building in different places, and I'm not sure where exactly they travel within the building.
I know that the three path lights enter at one point, three others at another, and a single other at one other point.
I'm sure they must all connect together somewhere before the timer switch, although I'm not sure where. Presumably in the loft. When we first bought the house, we had the electrics (and other things) checked over and confirmed as safe.
I imagine it will be a junction box with a feed from the consumer unit going in & the three cables for the groups of lights coming out.
It's not electrically unsafe & will satisfy the isolation requirement of regulation 314.4.
Anyway I'm pleased you mentioned it as I've been watching some YouTube videos about fault finding nightmares such as shared neutrals which is an absolute killer that can lurk undetected for decades.
Quote from: Diasi on September 29, 2023, 08:04:03 PMI like the shorter days with dark evenings, does anyone else?
I'm with you Phil, over here the days in mid-winter are similar to northern England, but generally colder.
I prefer the 'privacy of winter' as I grow older I find.
Quote from: Diasi on October 01, 2023, 08:10:26 PMI imagine it will be a junction box with a feed from the consumer unit going in & the three cables for the groups of lights coming out.
It's not electrically unsafe & will satisfy the isolation requirement of regulation 314.4.
Anyway I'm pleased you mentioned it as I've been watching some YouTube videos about fault finding nightmares such as shared neutrals which is an absolute killer that can lurk undetected for decades.
I'm not sure exactly what shared neutrals are, though it sounds interesting.
I might have a look on YouTube myself.
October 01, 2023, 09:18:36 PMQuote from: Cassandra on October 01, 2023, 08:54:38 PMI'm with you Phil, over here the days in mid-winter are similar to northern England, but generally colder.
I prefer the 'privacy of winter' as I grow older I find.
I have relatives in New Hampshire, and when I see some of their pictures in winter I can say without fear of contraception that they get a lot more snow than we do.
Quote from: Cassandra on October 01, 2023, 08:54:38 PMI prefer the 'privacy of winter' as I grow older I find.
That's a thoughtful way of expressing it. One of yours or are you quoting?
Quote from: Cassandra on October 01, 2023, 08:54:38 PMI prefer the 'privacy of winter' as I grow older I find.
'The privacy of winter'... With all your 'trusty' friends..
JBR, a cracking 'Hilda Baker' there :grin: :grin: :grin:
:grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
Quote from: Alex on October 02, 2023, 09:56:44 AMJBR, a cracking 'Hilda Baker' there :grin: :grin: :grin:
👍
Quote from: JBR on October 01, 2023, 09:16:51 PMI'm not sure exactly what shared neutrals are, though it sounds interesting.
I might have a look on YouTube myself.
It's a common mistake made by DIYers, normally when they decide to add another light & another switch somewhere.
Basically, to save running a full set of wires, they use the neutral from a different circuit from the one they're changing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr6Z_bBiy5g
Quote from: Diasi on October 02, 2023, 10:49:50 AMIt's a common mistake made by DIYers, normally when they decide to add another light & another switch somewhere.
Basically, to save running a full set of wires, they use the neutral from a different circuit from the one they're changing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr6Z_bBiy5g
Thanks. That explains quite clearly and simply what a 'shared neutral' means.
Unfortunately, it sometimes isn't completely clear whether there is one in the property, so to be on the safe side (I hope), I always turn off the appropriate circuit breaker before I work on anything - our bedroom light, for example, where there are several wires of the same colour in the ceiling rose.
Actually, when I did change the hanging basket connections, I took a photo first of which wire went where and made sure they went back in the same place and grouping.
The house hasn't blown up yet.
Quote from: dextrous63 on October 01, 2023, 10:04:22 PMThat's a thoughtful way of expressing it. One of yours or are you quoting?
Definitely home grown :smiley:
JBR - you mentioned circuit breakers. If your consumer unit is fitted with RCD trips there won't be a shared neutral - they will cause RCDs to trip as the current flowing through live and neutral needs to match on the circuit and it won't if the neutral from a different circuit is being used.
Quote from: klondike on October 02, 2023, 01:53:32 PMJBR - you mentioned circuit breakers. If your consumer unit is fitted with RCD trips there won't be a shared neutral - they will cause RCDs to trip as the current flowing through live and neutral needs to match on the circuit and it won't if the neutral from a different circuit is being used.
Yes, RCDs included.
Just waiting for my bulb to arrive. Of course, they'll take some time to grow, especially in this weather.
OH! Hang on.
Quote from: klondike on October 02, 2023, 01:53:32 PMJBR - you mentioned circuit breakers. If your consumer unit is fitted with RCD trips there won't be a shared neutral - they will cause RCDs to trip as the current flowing through live and neutral needs to match on the circuit and it won't if the neutral from a different circuit is being used.
Quite right.
It was the discussion about his circuits that reminded me to have a look on YouTube where Delroy & Artisan post videos of some humdinger installations & fault finding.
I find them well worth watching.
My three lamps arrived yesterday. I have struggled to put them up, on account of the fittings not having been opened for some time. I'm pleased to say that they all work correctly, and I hope they continue to do so.
As they are relatively cheap, I have ordered another three for the path.
The seventh lamp fitting is high up on the corner of the house and Marge won't allow me to climb up on a ladder (it is on a steep slope as well), as she thinks that it is bound to slip away and I'll fall and break my neck.
So I'll have to leave that one alone, at least for now.
Marge is very probably in the right
Quote from: Michael Rolls on October 05, 2023, 03:45:24 PMMarge is very probably in the right
Without doubt. Marge is ALWAYS right!
I know that, because that's what she tells me.
I know the feeling :grin: :grin: :grin:
Quote from: JBR on October 05, 2023, 12:11:46 PMMy three lamps arrived yesterday. I have struggled to put them up, on account of the fittings not having been opened for some time. I'm pleased to say that they all work correctly, and I hope they continue to do so.
As they are relatively cheap, I have ordered another three for the path.
The seventh lamp fitting is high up on the corner of the house and Marge won't allow me to climb up on a ladder (it is on a steep slope as well), as she thinks that it is bound to slip away and I'll fall and break my neck.
So I'll have to leave that one alone, at least for now.
I had the same problem so I bought a couple of ladder accessories that will level the feet of the ladder & prevent any slippage.
I also bought some ladder wheels so that the ladder scoots up the wall without getting stuck in any of the pointing gaps between the bricks.
It has made ladder work far easier & safer.
I'm pleased that they work satisfactorily.
Quote from: JBR on October 05, 2023, 12:11:46 PMMy three lamps arrived yesterday. I have struggled to put them up, on account of the fittings not having been opened for some time. I'm pleased to say that they all work correctly, and I hope they continue to do so.
As they are relatively cheap, I have ordered another three for the path.
The seventh lamp fitting is high up on the corner of the house and Marge won't allow me to climb up on a ladder (it is on a steep slope as well), as she thinks that it is bound to slip away and I'll fall and break my neck.
So I'll have to leave that one alone, at least for now.
Your wife is a nurse? As is my daughter. She tells me fall from ladders, chairs, steps etc., are the cause of so many accidents in older people. Marge is worth listening to.
Quote from: GrannyMac on October 06, 2023, 08:22:52 AMYour wife is a nurse? As is my daughter. She tells me fall from ladders, chairs, steps etc., are the cause of so many accidents in older people. Marge is worth listening to.
No, she's a retired Radiographer (then taught it at university), but she, and your daughter, are both quite correct.
If I want this doing, there's a general company which we have used before: 'Odd Jobs for You' or something like that.
They can change a bulb, but I worry that they might drop the fitting housing. Can't cost much.
If I couldn't change the bulb I'd be wondering if it was worth having. Leave it as it is and when the bulb blows tough.
Quote from: klondike on October 06, 2023, 10:59:32 AMIf I couldn't change the bulb I'd be wondering if it was worth having. Leave it as it is and when the bulb blows tough.
Yes, that's the easiest option, and it will also save me a few quid.
I can't see anybody coming out to do any one-off job regardless how small for less than £80 these days.
I was wondering if a call to Help the Aged might be a good idea..
They have volunteers in all areas 'I'm sure'.. Well, I don't know really.. I don't even know if there is still a 'Help the Aged'.. I was just sayin'..
Help the Aged and Age Concern amalgamated some time ago, and come under the banner of Age UK. Lots of local branches and councils do have lists of handy people, tradesmen etc. Perhaps worth a look. I'm a member of our local Age UK.
We are really fortunate, we know an old fashioned handyman/decorator. He's put up fencing, replaced our loo, demolished and took away our shed, built a new gate etc. he also knows electricians, roofers etc, who are trusted.
I've got boiler cover with Domestic & General, I pay a fiver a month but I've never used it because they charge a £99 call out fee ! Luckily a fella I used to work with does small jobs and services the boiler for me - not included in D & G plan.
Anway he came this morning and says I need a '2 port motorized valve' replacing and it's a big job, only £80 odd for the part but about 4 hours labour ! So I rang D & G and an engineer is coming tomorrow, now do I tell him word for word what my plumber friend has said or pay dumb ? THe firm is in Knowsley.
say nowt