Worcester Bosch wires melting

[redd]

Hi

about an hour ago all the lights in my house tripped out. I went to the fuseboard and one switch was down. Flicked it back and it tripped out immediately.

few moments later theres and acrid smell and a little smoke in the room

tracked the smell down to the boiler, took the cover off and was met with this (see photo)😳

have got someone coming out tonight to look at it. In the meantime have turned the power off.

Any idea what would cause this earth wire to melt?

It’s a Worcester Bosch junior 28, has been in about 8 years without any problems

 

[bacon_sandwich]

OK, I cannot see any green or green/yellow cable coming from the service head, black block on right, i also cannot see any device that would be used if your service has an earth rod somewhere in your garden. You have no additional protection for earth faults in your fusebox that we have on more modern installs. So basically its as pointed out probably the only meaningful earth is via the water pipe. This is not good. You need a proper earthing system as nowadays gas and water supplies are quickly being fed via plastic pipes so you may have only a short bit of pipe actually to earth.
There are much better ways of earthing available which will stop further faults melting random earth wires in your house.
Good call to get supplier in to give you an acceptable modern earth for your house.

I do a lot of testing and have a feel for whats going to pass. I would bet that your current install cannot trip the breakers in the required time, this is bad and you may well be at risk.

 

[Murdoch]

Interesting pictures.

No RCD, no suppliers earth (could be a TT supply) but there appear to be green & yellow cables exiting the fuseboard from the top - so is there a TT earth rod outside. You also need to get the installation checked to see if there is any equipotential bonding in place too!

You may not get an earth from the supplier (if it is TT) and you will need a competent spark back.

Your fuseboard needs updating and RCD protection adding - I would recommend a new board with RCBO's

Could be an expensive January for you - but potential life saving money to be spent

Hope this helps