Hi, I've had a fuse blown on my consumer unit and thought it might be a good idea to replace them with plug-in MCBs. I think I've found the right ones to use, but would appreciate any advice from someone who knows what they're talking about (as I don't).
Although you could replace the fuses with mcb's, it looks like you need 7. It would probably work out cheaper to buy a new consumer unit. If you search around, you can get full units for £50 - £80.
I had it in mind to just replace the 5A ones, as the others are protected by a RCD anyway - is this not a good idea?
Also, I'm not sure about replacing the consumer unit myself ,and reluctant to pay an electrician to do it if the existing unit's ok (it's only 7 years old)
Not the type you have, you could get mcbs for yours if you wanted, and they'd look like:
But I see nothing wrong with leaving it as is, there is nothing wrong with cartridge fuses tbh, and as for the RCD issue, the rcd makes no odds, its job is different from mcbs, and I seriously doubt you want to swap the 5A fuses for MCBs, you'll have to reset the damn thing everytime a lamp fails
As for replaceing the whole lot, I see no reason to, you have RCD protection on your power circuits, and replaceing it is a job for an electrician or a *very* competant DIYer, and no offence to you, but I doubt you have the knowledge and test kit to do it safely
Yes, but MCBs are more likely to 'blow' than a fuse, with a fuse, there might be a rare occasion when a failing lamp takes it out, with a type B mcb, it'll happen just about every time
Ah, I see. I've currently got a blown fuse from a bathroom spotlight, but if there's no real advantage to MCBs I'll just replace the fuse itself. Thanks!
It is a refreshing change to see someone on here ask a question, listen to the varying advice and make a sound judgement themselves based on the advice given.
Another point worth noting, the MCB breaker costs about a fiver, but a replacement cartridge fuse costs a Pound each at BandQ.
It's no big deal flicking an MCB breaker back on after a lamp change, so it may be better to fit an MCB breaker on the lighting circuit, and avoid the cost and hassle of buying of replacement fuses.
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below,
or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Please select a service and enter a location to continue...
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local