Messages received. I've got access to a multimeter organised and I've looked through RyeVacs guide on using one. Hoping to find time tomorrow to do some tests. Was slightly concerned about testing the voltage with it plugged in to the mains, so the bit about testing the cable resistance was interesting and I'll try that first. If it isn't the power cable,then I'll have to review the video for the bit about testing switches as I didn't grasp that the first time. Thanks so much for the all the assistance so far and I'll let you know the results of the tests - or have more questions tomorrow.