Continuity Tester

[bonners]

Hi Gang,
The 20amp fuse has blown twice in my Economy 7 fusebox. This particular fuse socket is showing signs of overheating. I have inspected the wires in the Storage Heater connection box and they appear to be ok.
Does this mean I will have to buy a new fuse box or is there some way I can find the problem? I expect you experts have guessed I am a complete novice at this. Also how do I use a continuity tester please. Many thanks in anticipation.

 

[tonyelectric]

The fact that the fuse keeps blowing and that as a consequence the box is becoming burnt is an indication of a fault somewhere on that circuit, probably not actually in or with the fusebox although this will have to be replaced if the contact shoes have annealed (softened, lost springiness which in itself will cause issues if the fuse was badly fitted) or the insulation has degraded.

As you are a novice i would suggest getting a spark in to look, we have various test instruments to pinpoint the fault and changing a fusebox is not a job for a beginner.

 

[tonyelectric]

On your second point, your continuity tester will have two probes, you touch one on one point of the circuit you are testing (ie one blade of a fuse carrier) and the other on the second point, depending on the type you will either get a light or beep from the unit and possibly a reading in ohms showing the resistance of the circuit

 

[bernardgreen]

depending on the type you will either get a light or beep from the unit and possibly a reading in ohms showing the resistance of the circuit

Or you may get a big cloud of smoke if there is still a mains supply on the circuit you are testing.

Test for dead BEFORE testing for continuity otherwise life of tester may become dis-continuous.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Might not do the guy holding it much good either...

 

[bonners]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the info. I'll take your advice.I don't think my wife wants to become a widow just yet.
Cheers and HAPPY XMAS