I have been told by a plumber who repaired my boiler that I have reverse polarity in the downstairs ring main. This became apparent when the boiler wouldn't work when reconnected to the downstairs ring main (I had it connected upstairs prior to the repair). The 15mm water pipes have a weak current both upstairs and downstairs when the downstairs ringmain is on. If I disconnect the fuse for the downstairs ring main, the pipes are not live. Could anyone please shed light on this issue for me?

anant, December 2008

people often get killed from this kill the power right away!!

hk, January 2009

Your pipes are dangerous - call an electrician immediately.

The pipes do not have current they have voltage - coming from the downstairs ring main. If you touch the voltage then current may flow through your body and electrocute you.

You should really take the fuse out and leave it out until the problem is resolved.

Peccavi, December 2008