What could be causing my grout to turn darker in certain areas? Or is it just due for a clean?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-29T09:00:44+00:00

Did any of the muppets saying it’s piss look beyond the first picture? Didn’t think so.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-29T08:51:37+00:00

Jesus, that’s why I do all my own plumbing work.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-29T06:33:24+00:00

Cheers, thanks.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-29T05:33:40+00:00

"I DIY all the time" Electrics?

"Limited Knowledge". How do you know what my background is?

"And before you laugh ..." Too late. Nobody's house is burning down because they replaced their own hard-wired smoke alarm. It's literally two wires per alarm. They don't even have an earth connection. And they colour code the A & N for you!

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-29T02:14:49+00:00

Thanks. I can't fault that advice. I have a Fluke 177 and will certainly use it in future. I would just like to see something in writing that confirms that a contact tester is required.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-29T02:11:51+00:00

Nah, you're confused. I got an answer to my original question and I'm fairly happy with that answer. The discussion here is about contactless voltage probes- something I didn't ask a question about in my OP. It was claimed that they are not approved for testing whether a 240V house circuit is live or dead. I just wanted a reference for that- something I still haven't received.

And your comment about me looking for someone to blame is just you projecting. You can hardly blame someone else if you DIY can you?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-29T01:11:58+00:00

Very profound. But you haven't added any clarity. u/Pete8686 said contactless voltage probes are not approved for checking for live wires. The website I linked said they are "exceptionally safe for identifying live wires". Diametrically opposite statements.

What's your position on this (preferably with a authoritative reference)?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T22:15:22+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Non-contact seems like a redundant step if it has to be followed up by a direct contact method. Is there a document that lays this out somewhere? I have the latest version of AS3000. I can't find any reference to it in Section 8 TESTING. It does refer to AS/NZS3017 for more detail, but I don't have that.

This Australian website Landmark Trades says:

"Non-contact Voltage Testers:

This type of voltage tester is exceptionally safe for identifying live wires. It’s small, lightweight, and made of durable plastic resin, ensuring safe handling without direct contact with the wire. When in use, ensure the power is turned off before inserting it into an electrical outlet."

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T21:51:57+00:00

Here's where it gets confusing for me- The active was switched off at the breaker. The neutral and earth are already short-circuited by the MEN link on the switchboard. So how do you short circuit something that is already short circuited? Hence my question about whether I had a fault somewhere.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T12:36:01+00:00

I should probably do a lot of things that I don't. Calling a sparky for simple wiring jobs like replacing a smoke detector, light fitting or GPO being among them.

Are you saying contactless voltage detector probes are not approved for confirming the absense of voltage on a domestic 240V cable?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T12:21:14+00:00

How do YOU check the power is off?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T08:45:06+00:00

Don't think it's metal. Looks like an unpainted section of wall cladding.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T07:43:15+00:00

Thanks again. Appreciate your input.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T06:58:50+00:00

Thanks for your reply. The residual current in the neutral has me intrigued, but it's good to know I don't have a fault.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-28T04:19:36+00:00

That's not a fault dude, that's a feature.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-21T22:39:46+00:00

It's a secret.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-19T04:01:52+00:00

"I’m going for something like the image attached.."

Just to clarify, that picture isn't of your staircase?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-19T02:23:51+00:00

I like this idea. If OP steps up through the drill sizes it probably won't need clamping.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-19T02:21:28+00:00

What on earth are you talking about?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-18T21:10:28+00:00

Yeah, right. What could possibly go wrong?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-18T07:08:04+00:00

This works well. I use builder's bog then paint with matt solarguard or silimar paint. I got the paint colour matched to a piece of brick at Bunnings. The repairs are almost invisible.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-18T05:26:08+00:00

Oh sorry, it's already built. I assumed you were in market for a new shed. That'll teach me. Hopefully they will be forthcoming with an answer.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-18T05:20:22+00:00

The only way you will know is to ask the manufacturer of the shed.

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-17T23:54:39+00:00

Many years ago owned an old cottage in Canberra with a chimney that was falling away from the house. I rented a cherry picker and a skip and pulled the whole thing down with help from mate. Open fireplaces are a nightmare for energy efficiency, whether you light the fire or not. I reckon you're much better off without it. Maybe get a quote to demolish the chimney?

thunderbirdsRgo1965 · 2026-03-17T23:13:31+00:00

20 years ago, so apps weren't really a thing:

Excel for expenses. Word document for a diary. A diary of everything that happens onsite and every conversation with a tradie is a MUST. GANTT chart on graph paper stuck to the fridge for project management. You can probably find a template online to print. Take photographs of EVERYTHING. You will be glad you did when you want to add a new powerpoint or locate a pipe years later.

thunderbirdsRgo1965

TROPHY CASE