Thread: German expat dies from electrocution while installing a fan

Originally Posted by baldrick

those pens are banned on industrial sites because if the internals fail , then you could well end up conducting to ground more current than is required to light up some silly indicator

Mate, not having a go but ...



Here ... Wiha 110 - 250V Voltage Tester | Bunnings Warehouse

Personally, I don't use them, I have something akin to ...

^ The screwdriver tester could be dangerous, the other one is ok

Yes, the screwdriver testers are not the best or the safest but they are cheap and readily available in Thailand and are better than nothing if used correctly.

Whatever device one uses to check if something is live, you should also use the correct procedure: First, check the device works (using a known live source, for example), then check the wire(s) you want to work on, then recheck the device still works on the known live source. You cannot just assume the pen/checking device works, get no indication on your device, then work on the cable(s). Your checker might not be working and you could get a nasty, and shocking, surprise. Of course, the electrical dudes on the forum know that already, but I doubt if random expats fitting fans in Chonburi would. Anyway, RIP Herr Expat.

Originally Posted by David48atTD

It seems he hasn't turned the main switch off. Main switch off, everything (should be) off.

If the "safety breaker box" is the translation for an ELCB or circuit breaker for the 'Power' circuit, he turned the wrong circuit as 'usually' the fans are connected through the lighting circuit.

That 'pen' New showed is the basic standard for a 220/240 volt system.

RIP

I've seen circuits on a room by room basis in Thailand rather than split into lighting and power circuits. It's okay for most as long as 2.5 is used throughout, although kitchen and bathrooms have separate rules.
I guess no rcd (critical) and isolated via cb not main consumer switch. However, I have seen the main power supply run through the roof to the consumer unit, which is a real gotcha if you are unaware.
I never use the screwdriver test thingy. If I don't know the wiring, I pull out from the meter on the lampost, such is my trust in Thai electricians.

At 68 he should not have been up in the ceiling - let alone fucking around with the electrics.

Still, probably a fairly quick way to go.

Originally Posted by Neverna

Whatever device one uses to check if something is live, you should also use the correct procedure: Get a Somchai to do it.

FTFY.....

I thought this thread would be interesting but now it's turned into a DIY sparky thread.

Which one of our members will be the next to die I wonder?

Originally Posted by nidhogg

At 68 he should not have been up in the ceiling - let alone fucking around with the electrics.

Still, probably a fairly quick way to go.

given that his dying convulsions have punched in the ceiling with his knees...perhaps not quick enough!

Originally Posted by Neverna

Rule number one: Always check the wires are dead/not live before touching them.

He could have bought a cheap electrical tester for 20 baht that could have prevented his death.

I bought one of those . When I touched a wooden board the light came on !
Touched a cup - the light came on .
Just for fun now ..... touched a cat and the light came on !!

I have my doubts about these 20 baht electrical screwdrivers .

Originally Posted by Wasp

I bought one of those . When I touched a wooden board the light came on !
Touched a cup - the light came on .
Just for fun now ..... touched a cat and the light came on !!

I have my doubts about these 20 baht electrical screwdrivers .

You must be a plumber.

His girlfriend, Ms. Jitta Chalard, 35

Originally Posted by Looper

Gutten effort mein freund

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

I thought this thread would be interesting but now it's turned into a DIY sparky thread.

Which one of our members will be the next to die I wonder?

What a topic that is.

Originally Posted by Takeovers

A volt meter did not.

it would have if you had used it correctly

Originally Posted by baldrick

it would have if you had used it correctly

I have. But admittedly only after using the tester. Measuring between the hot wire and neutral showed nothing. Measuring between hot wire and ground revealed operational voltage.

"He had already cut off the electric at the safety breaker box. "

But the question is what sort of insurance cover did the loverly Miss Jitta have in the event of his unfortunate demise???