Arcing when inserting mains fuse in consumer unit

ABN

Joined
12 Sep 2005
Messages
202
Reaction score
0
Location
Surrey
Country
United Kingdom
Just changed a faulty wall socket, when I replace the consumer unit fuse (fuse wire type) with the consumer unit switched on I could hear a small amount of arcing as if drawing current. Everything on that fuse circuit was switched of at the wall.



Is this normal due to the natural capacitive / inductive load of the wiring or is it likely to point to a more serious problem.
 
Sponsored Links
Probably something else on that circuit that isn't turned off, like a bathroom fan or something else hard wired. Not really anything to worry about.
 
Is this normal
It's normal if there is a load connected.

What's not normal or safe is shoving a fuse into the fusebox while it's live.
If a fault exists on the circuit, the fusewire will vaporise and burn your hand.
In future, switch off before removing or inserting fuses.
 
Sponsored Links
Thanks for the replies.

I realise its not good practise to insert fuse while power is on and in future will not do so.

90% sure nothing was connected but will check again.But if nothing is still conected or hardwired what could becausing the faint arcing noise? Could not see any visible arcing.
 
90% sure nothing was connected but will check again.But if nothing is still conected or hardwired what could becausing the faint arcing noise? Could not see any visible arcing.
I think it must be down to that other 10% ! As has been said/implied, if absolutely no current were flowing when you re-inserted the fuse, there would be no such sound - so I suspect that there must have been something connected to that circuit.

Kind Regards, John
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

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.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Back
Top