Last Friday or Saturday night, 3am, reading book, bedside light went off. Eventually found the right bulb, change it, no difference. After much swearing and trying to move the bedside table, check the fuse box and one was down, flicked it up and all was ok. Sunday night after volunteering at St Barnabas all day. Sat down and about 9pm, a big bang and everything went off. tried to flick the fuse back up, and sparks were appearing. So only 1 light socket working in the kitchen, no other lights, garage door stuck down, no heat, no hot water no kitchen appliances. No panic - well a bit !, Rang electrician who had been here (upstairs in loft) and left a message. The next morning I was able to flick the fuse and just get the garage doors open, then it went off. Went into garage, all 3 freezers off, and fridge and microwave and lights, this continued down into greenhouse and shed etc.
I rang the chap again, and he said he would be up later. He was - thoroughly bad tempered, and he said I don't know what is wrong, but I will change this fuse over to the one beside it. But don't ring me tonight if it goes off, because there is nothing I can do. As he drove off, it all went off again. So I did ring, and he said, I will ring you in the morning to tell you when I am coming. Wednesday morning, I rang him, after a very dark and cold Tuesday. He said, I'm busy, I shall be with you next Monday. But todays Wednesday, I replied, and more or less finished the call.
Last week, I noticed a new neighbour had 2 electrician vans and had remembered the name. So I rang them. Somebody will be with you in the hour. By now my blood pressure was off the gauge and I slumped to the floor. 10 mins later 'phone rang. Hallo, I am Martin, I will be with you in 30 mins, don't worry sweetheart, I will sort it.
He was here from 10.30 to 4.30 and went everywhere in the house. He found some wiring that is out of date, and other things that are wrong, but couldn't find the current fault, but after much detective work, declared it wouldn't go again. I paid him, and off he went, but not before, he has arranged to come back on 24th June, 2 men, 3 days, and replace the old fuse box, take out something very big and redundant in the cupboard, and run all new stuff from the house to the garage. £1,800, but less if the take less time.
So today, I have been trying to clear out, soggy food It is disgusting. I have thawed one little freezer out, there was so much ice, it was probably the cause of the problem
Sadly, last night the man was coming to measure up for my new ( windows taped up) greenhouse, so I have had to put him off. No money for toys and playthings now.
But the positive sides are, I shall know I am safe, and have the certificate, and it could have happened in the winter.
I feel nervous now I press any switches
Calamity Jane, my Mum and Dad used to call me.
regards, Mrs Bouquet.
PS: I didn't realise how much I use this tap-top until it didn't work, oh, the withdrawals.