main fuse

sully872000 · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:02 pm Post Subject: main fuse

how do i remove the main fuse near the consumer unit?has anyone done it before?how dangerous can it be?

RobFurn · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:07 pm Post Subject:

Your not allowed to. Its not your property. Its the property of the Distribution network operator (the lecky board) you need to call them out to remove it (legally)

steve1811uk · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:25 pm Post Subject:

Call your electricity supplier and tell them that you want an isolator fitted between the meter and your consumer unit. Then there should be no need for you to remove the main fuse. I did that (phoned EDF energy) and they are coming to fit the isolator in 3 weeks time..at no charge ! Steve.

RobFurn · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:31 pm Post Subject:

Quote:

Call your electricity supplier and tell them that you want an isolator fitted between the meter and your consumer unit. Then there should be no need for you to remove the main fuse. I did that (phoned EDF energy) and they are coming to fit the isolator in 3 weeks time..at no charge

Really didnt they question why you wanted an isolator fitted.

bernardgreen · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:57 pm Post Subject: Re: main fuse

sully872000 wrote:

how do i remove the main fuse near the consumer unit?has anyone done it before?how dangerous can it be?

How dangerous. On a modern one not very

But on an old main fuse holder it can be quite dangerous

( after years of not being disturbed they can be corroded in and take one heck of a tug to remove )

If the fuse falls apart as you tug it out then [1] you have no electricity and [2] a difficult explanation to the supplier.

But if the socket falls apart because only the fuse was holding it together then you could have very big bang.......1000 amps of bang...... messy

That is why sometime the supply people wear full visor face masks before removing them.

RF Lighting · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:42 pm Post Subject:

For what purpose are you wanting to remove it?

If you do not know the proper procedure then are you sure it is safe for you to do whatever you intend?

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plugwash · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:52 pm Post Subject:

as bernad says provided its modern (plastic bodied), in good condition (no cracking or anything) has no signficant current flowing through it (e.g. consumer unit main swtich off) and you are carefull to only touch the plastic body when your pulling it then its not very dangerous (your still not supposed to do it mind).

if on the other hand its an old type or in poor condition or carrying significant current it could be very very nasty.

ultimately you aren't supposed to pull it but we can't stop you and the electricity suppliers don't generally bother too much about it but if you do decide to work on the supplies to your consumer unit(s) you must be extremely carefull and testing before poweron is stronly reccomended. RE-INSERTING A LARGE (60-100A) FUSE AGAINST A FAULT IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS!

ricicle · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:55 pm Post Subject:

If you don't know how dangerous it COULD be then you shouldn't be doing it at all!!

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