Wiring Size

[JohnD]

I like 1.5mm as standard, 1mm looks cheap to me.

If you can post a pic of your consumer unit (fusebox) we can tell you how to change the circuit to 5A.

If you can't post a pic, please describe it, say what make it is, and what colour (this last bit is not a joke) and what is printed by the main switch.

 

[ron99]

white box............bout 10" wide x 6" high

Makers name WYLEX

Cat No 604/N

total load not to exceed 60amps.

ta

 

[JohnD]

like this

you will need a 5A fuseholder and shield. The plastic shield will probably be white, and the fuseholder wil have 2 white spots on it. Your old 30A fuse will have a red shield and two red dots. the 5A fuseholder will not fit the red shield.

Have you got one?

If not, put your email addres in you profile and make it visible, I will email you. I can send you one if you give me the P&P

Or you can buy one locally, they are very cheap. The range is called "Wylex Standard"

 

[securespark]

You sure it's not a ring main, off which the lights have been wired?

 

[scousespark]

Before you change the fuse, check nothing else is running on the circuit.
As secure has said it's possible you have lights running from your downstairs ring. I have assumed you have proved the fuse is labelled correctly.

 

[ron99]

Thanx for all the advise

Its the same as the one in the picture (WYLEX)
Behind the small white cover (printed on it) its says 4th from left downstairs lights, and its got a 30amp fuse in it (red dots).

how would i know if its wired into the downstairs ring main?

The consumer unit looks a bit ancient, and i was thinking of updating it to latest model, ( whats the best advise on a unit you can offer if i decide to get a spark in to change it) would want something to cut the current if say the dog chews through a cable, or decides to eat a wall socket (english bull terrier, they do mad things).

what would i expect to pay on latest model supplied and fitted?

thanx again

 

[ron99]

not proved if its labelled wrong yet.

didnt want to mess last night as it was getting dark, in work now but when i get in later will pull the fuse and check lights downstairs dont work.

would be a bit naughty if the unit fuse positions was labelled wrong.

would really appreciatte advise on a new unit

thanx

 

[scousespark]

If you are thinking of a CU change, a spark will check what's running off that breaker. If you want to check it yourself it'll be trial and error.Switch off the main switch and pull the fuse. When you switch back on check that it's only the lights which are not working.

As for a CU, look for Crabtree, Hager, Wylex. Let the spark supply, but tell him you want decent quality. Prices will depend on how much work is involved. Without seeing your installation it's impossible to quote.

 

[ron99]

the unit is labelled wrong, No 4 read downstairs lights, should have read downstairs ring....(wrote in pen)
No 6 labelled lights and protected correctly with 5amp

so sorry for time wasting gents.

Thanx

 

[JohnD]

We love a happy ending