block in consumer unit:

[anotherAndy]

could anyone identify this block which is in my (night) consumer unit? I've been having some problems recently with my storage heating, and when I pressed on this block a few nights ago it made an odd buzzing sound and the heaters worked again, but now they don't. (so i figure this is the culprit, but I have no idea what it is/does).

consumer unit
close up (a little blurry sorry, i only have my camera phone. )

thanks for any help

[edit]
I've found what it is, but now could anyone explain what it does please? could this block cause the CU to not work?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...gear_Index/CMD_Main/CMD_Controls_6/index.html

 

[jj4091]

A contactor is an electrically operated switch, so yes if it were faulty it could prevent your heaters from working.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It might be faulty, or it might have a loose connection:

when I pressed on this block a few nights ago it made an odd buzzing sound and the heaters worked again, but now they don't.

Loose connections can cause Very Bad Things™ to happen, so you should investigate asap. If you aren't comfortable with the thought of working inside your CU then please get an electrician