What is this? Garage Electrics.

Rhys_91 · 12 Jul 2020

I'm not understanding the electrics in my detached garage.

When I switch the main switch off on the CU in the house, it does not turn the power off to the garage.

Instead there is a small box with an on/off switch at the entrance to the garage Is this a mini CU I.e will there be fuses if the cover was removed? It doesn't look like there is a section for gaining access to any fuses.

Thanks.

AndyPRK · 12 Jul 2020

I think it has one fuse in it.

Called a switch fuse

delmel · 12 Jul 2020

pretty sure that is an isloator switch only from memory they were rated at 45 and 63 amp options.

EFLImpudence · 12 Jul 2020

Is there not a similar thing at the house end, possibly near the meter?

JohnD · 12 Jul 2020

I think you can open the front by turning the switch upwards to "off" and removing the screw. The face is designed so it will not open when the switch is "on"

The size varies with power rating, that one looks to me like 30Amp but I may be wrong.

I think you'll find a white ceramic "china" rewirable fuseholder and connection block inside.

Don't touch anything unless you have previously isolated the supply.

the china parts are occasionally cracked and may come apart when touched.

RF Lighting · 12 Jul 2020

There is also a risk of asbestos flashguards within those fuse boxes.

JohnD · 13 Jul 2020

Rhys_91 said:
When I switch the main switch off on the CU in the house, it does not turn the power off to the garage.

Please show us the electricity meter, and the cables coming from it, and where they go.

Rhys_91 · 15 Jul 2020

Main unit attached. I believe the smaller box below will turn off the garage below.

I did take the screw off and open up the one in the garage - there was indeed fuses in there. 2 x 15amp. It looks like one is for the single socket at the front of the garage and one to 2 x double sockets at the back.

Oddly, I have a washing machine and dryer plugged into the sockets at the back (not both machines into the double socket, I've just given each machine its own double socket). This would draw circa 20amps combined when the washer is heating and dry on, yet never blown a fuse...

Rhys_91 · 15 Jul 2020

Main unit

JohnD · 15 Jul 2020

Rhys_91 said:
When I switch the main switch off on the CU in the house, it does not turn the power off to the garage.

looking at your photos, it is incorrectly and unsafely wired. There should be a clearly labelled main switch capable of turning off the entire installation (for example, in an emergency or for maintenance).

Ask around for a local electrician who is a member of a "competent person" scheme.

Your old CU is round about 40 years old and overdue for replacement. I don't recommend opening it yourself because, when opened, that model has accessible live parts, even when the main switch is "off"

At the very least you should have a main switch fitted. It need not be very expensive.

JohnD · 15 Jul 2020

JohnD said:
Please show us the electricity meter, and the cables coming from it, and where they go.

please do that.

winston1 · 15 Jul 2020

Rhys_91 said:
This would draw circa 20amps combined when the washer is heating and dry on, yet never blown a fuse...

The fuse rating is the maximum continuous current. A 15A fuse won't blow at 15.1A and not at 20A for a long time.

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What is this? Garage Electrics.

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