Can't remove blown fuse from fused connection unit

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Hi all,

Sorry if this sort of query has been addressed before/recently - it may be that I'm using the wrong terms but I couldn't find an answer when searching.

I'm trying to replace the fuse for my fridge/freezer as it tripped the circuit breaker last night. It uses one of these switches with the fuse built in:

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The problem is when I turn the screw to loosen the little fuse holder, it turns so far then there's a sort of click and it moves back again. It won't loosen past this point, which isn't quite enough to pry the cover off.

Any tips on how to get it out?
 
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I'm trying to replace the fuse for my fridge/freezer as it tripped the circuit breaker last night. It uses one of these switches with the fuse built in:
TTC has advised you how to get the fuse out - they can be troublesome at times, but perseverance (coupled with a suitable 'prying out tool'!) usually works in the end! However, I wonder why you want to get the fuse out - if it's just so that you can 'isolate' the fridge/freezer pending repair or replacement, removing the fuse will not really do anything more than switching off the switch on the FCU (or are you concerned about it being knocked back on?).

Kind Regards, John
 
However, I wonder why you want to get the fuse out - if it's just so that you can 'isolate' the fridge/freezer pending repair or replacement, removing the fuse will not really do anything more than switching off the switch on the FCU
It will actually do less, as MK FCU's are of course DP - sounds like he actually wants to replace the fuse though.

I find getting them back in more troublesome, you have to give it a really hard push at the same time as tightening the screw
 
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Thanks for responses. I did have a go at prying it out, but was concerned the fairly fragile feeling plastic would snap. I'll give that another bash.

John, I was going to try replacing the fuse first before looking in to repair of the fridge/freezer. Do you think that's a waste of time?
 
Thanks for responses. I did have a go at prying it out, but was concerned the fairly fragile feeling plastic would snap. I'll give that another bash.
Unfortunately, there's not really any other option. It's actually pretty touch stuff but, if it breaks, it breaks!
John, I was going to try replacing the fuse first before looking in to repair of the fridge/freezer. Do you think that's a waste of time?
What sort of 'breaker' was it that tripped - an MCB or a RCD (usually wider, and with test button)? If the former, it's not impossible that the fuse blew at the same time the MCB tripped, although I wouldn't put any money on it. Furthermore, if the appliance has developed a fault which caused both an MCB to trip and a fuse to blow, it's very likely that a replacement fuse would immediately blow (and the MCB trip) again! If it were an RCD that tripped, it fairly unlikley that the fuse would have blown - but one never knows, so I guess there would be no harm in trying!

Kind Regards, John
 
It was the RCD, so that doesn't sound too promising...

It's only 30p wasted if it doesn't work so may as well give that a go before looking at other possible causes.
 
It will actually do less, as MK FCU's are of course DP
I was assuming that switch would already be off, and was saying that removing the fuse as well would achieve 'nothing more' than had already been achieved with the switch.
I find getting them back in more troublesome, you have to give it a really hard push at the same time as tightening the screw
Indeed. I don't much like them - not even the appearance (since I'm used to switches being 'vertically central :) ). The MK grid fuse modules can be equally problematical - I recently very nearly got to the point of taking a 'destructive' approach to one of them!

Kind Regards, John
 
It was the RCD, so that doesn't sound too promising... It's only 30p wasted if it doesn't work so may as well give that a go before looking at other possible causes.
As you say, nothing lost by trying. Since it was an RCD that tripped, it's fairly unlikley that a fuse will have blown - but, even if it has, the fault that caused the RCD to trip will presumably still be there, in which case it would probably trip again (and maybe the new fuse would also blow) as soon as you replaced the fuse!

Kind Regards, John
 
Got it out by prying a bit more, amazing how much more forceful you're comfortable being once you know that is what is required...

Much to my joy the new fuse seems to have resolved the problem. Thanks all for your advice.
 
Got it out by prying a bit more, amazing how much more forceful you're comfortable being once you know that is what is required...
Well done - I told you that perseverance usually triumphs!
Much to my joy the new fuse seems to have resolved the problem. Thanks all for your advice.
Sorry to be the messenger, but replacing a blown fuse very rarely "resolves the problem". With very few exceptions, fuses only blow for a good reason - and you've not yet identified or been able to address 'the reason' in this case. You may just be lucky, and will be able to put the fuse's blown down to 'just one of those things' - but I'm sorry to say that it wouldn't surprise me at all if the problem shows itself again!

Kind Regards, John
 
Yes I should have said, "for now" there, I know there could well still be an underlying issue but I just mean to say everything is working again for the time being.

I've a short term lease and will inform my landlady after she returns from holiday - after that it'll be somebody else's problem so hopefully it just keeps my milk cool until then!
 
Yes I should have said, "for now" there, I know there could well still be an underlying issue but I just mean to say everything is working again for the time being. ... I've a short term lease and will inform my landlady after she returns from holiday - after that it'll be somebody else's problem so hopefully it just keeps my milk cool until then!
Fair enough!

Kind Regards, John
 

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