Flickering lights

[con1_uk]

Hi,

My whole downstairs lights tripped, when I turn them back on they randomly flicker, mostly gu10 Led spots, no wiring had been touched prior, help please...

 

[Taylortwocities]

What exactly is the device that “tripped”?

Lights themselves do not have a tripping facility…

 

[con1_uk]

The switch in the fuse box,

 

[Taylortwocities]

That’s not really “exactly”. I’m not being difficult, but need more info.

Fuseboxes only have fuses in them.

I’ll assume it’s a consumer unit then.
Is the ‘switch’ an MCB, an RCBO or an RCD? What rating is it? Post a photo if you don’t know.

 

[con1_uk]

Sorry. It's on the none rcd side
The breaker is a B6 made by proteus

 

[Taylortwocities]

Ah Proteus, such a quality make. Not.

As all lights are affected, I would start at the consumer unit end.
If you have an upstairs lighting MCB, you could try moving the wire from the downstairs to the upstairs MCB. That would eliminate the MCB as the cause of the problem.
Note: turn off the main switch and check that power is really off before taking the cover off the CU.
If you are uncomfortable about doing this then you’ll need an electrician.

 

[eveares]

Have you tried turning off and on a few time the affected MCB? Also check that all the connections are tight inside your consumer unit.

 

[con1_uk]

Hello,

I switched everything off in the CU then had a look round, the MCB with the affected lights had a charred live cable so I have cut it and stripped it back again but no joy. I will go and buy a new B6 MCB today. Is it just a case of switching everything off in the CU to replace it?

 

[Taylortwocities]

As I suggested quite a few day’s ago:
Try that connected in to the other lighting MCB.
Then you’ll know if the MCB is actually faulty.
Turn off the MAIN SWITCH in the consumer unit. And use safe isolation procedures to MAKE SURE power is fully isolated before putting your fingers in there.
Even with the main switch off there are still live parts.

 

[con1_uk]

Cheers, will the other MCB hold and run both sets of lights or should I remove the original ones first?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Best to take the original out first, just in case./

 

[con1_uk]

Super. Ta. Can I replace with any manufacturers b6 mcb?

 

[Taylortwocities]

No. Firstly it may not fit as the busbar connections are different, and also the unit will have been type tested and wont comply,

You know, I've got a Porsche, I wonder if brake pads for a Fiat will be OK.

Find out if the ~MCB is faulty first.

EDIT always buy new. CEF still sell Proteearse, I believe
https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/brands/36014-proteus

 

[con1_uk]

Right, I have all the info I need now to make a start. I will isolate the power in the CU and also in the outside box with the meter in it. If these lights work on the other B6 can I reconnect the original lights and have both upstairs and downstairs on the same MCB? I have mostly Gu10 leds and other low energy bulbs in my gaff? Thanks for your help so far.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Not really a good idea. The regulations imply you should still have some lights working if one MCB trips.