Is circuit safe with just fuse/mcb removed...?

[Magic Man]

Wanted to change some light fittings, is removing the fuse for the lighting circuit alone safe (given that the neutral is still connected) as opposed to switching off at the main switch? - I've done this in the past without issue but just wanted to know the general concensus.

Same with other circuits, e.g. if I wanted to isolate supply to garage?

...switch at the main requires better half and son to be without tv, ps3, computer etc. for an hour or so...

Thanks.

 

[LoveRocket]

In reality, yes.
By the book, no.

 

[ColJack]

in reality.. NO..!!!!

if you by chance happen to have a borrowed neutral and split the 2 at the light, you've then got a neutral in one hand with 230V on it and a neutral in the other hand at 0V.. this is not good as you can imagine..


if you have to do any electrical work and don't have DP breakers then you need to turn it off at the nearest DP isolator, which in a house is usually the maun switch inthe CU..

 

[LoveRocket]

Fair point re borrowed neutrals if you have multiple lighting circuits (ie upstairs and downstairs) - so pull all the lighting fuses, not just the one for the circuit you're working on.

(Although a fiver says that if he's got rewireable fuses then he's only got one lighting circuit)

 

[Magic Man]

(Although a fiver says that if he's got rewireable fuses then he's only got one lighting circuit)

You win the fiver... Actually got a plug in mcb replacement but it's currently still a rewireable...

Okay, thanks for the replies guys. Will probably play it safe so they'll have to go without the electrics whilst it's being done.

 

[Lectrician]

Although even if you pull the lighting fuses you still run the risk of borrowed neutrals fro elsewhere - the classic being someone adding wall lights, picking up the Sw Live from the centre lights switch, and then a neutral from the socket. (ok, so this means the socket circuits is less safe, but you get the picture).

 

[OwainDIYer]

Or of course the L and N could be reversed at the main and the whole house connected with the wrong polarity.

Big Red Switch it is.

 

[TicklyT]

...And maybe popping an RCD (if fitted) by accidentally earthing a neutral, potentially plunging the whole household into darkness halfway through an episode of corrie, and whilst you are balanced atop a step ladder.

(Cue loud wailing noise from wife and kids, a loud crash as you step off the ladder and put one foot straight into the toolbox you left on the floor. Shortly afterwards there's a trip to A&E to remove the screwdriver that ended up lodged where the sun don't shine, then a supper of tongue pie and cold shoulder to round off your evening)

 

[LoveRocket]

And of course after turning off the main isolator, don't forget to don your nuclear radiation suit lest a thermonuclear device detonates nearby. Then there's also the risk that a piano might fall on your head.......