Changing/fixing a fuse?!!! Help!

The electrics in my house arent working properly- everything is working fine (eg tv, washing machine, plug sockets etc) apart from the lights. So I assume that the fuse has gone in the box.

So obviously, I think Im going to need to change it. How do I do this though? Do I replace the whole thing? Or just the wire?! I have no idea as I never normally need to do anything like this, as my dad used to do everything like that.

Thanks for any help!!! :smile:

Reply 1

samba

its probably just tripped, so you probably just need to just switch it back on. Find the fusebox and make sure all the switches are in the on position :smile:

Reply 2

tbm

Ive just had a look at there arent actually any trip switches there- just the main on/off switch. I have two separate electrical fuse boxes in the house for the storage heaters, I have checked them and they are both still on.

Reply 3

PieMaster

Sounds like you still have the older fuses rather than RCCB's then.

Turn the main power breaker for the fuse box (and any others to be on the safe side) and open the box up.
Locate the fuse for the lights, and pull it out. If you unscrew the side of the bit you pulled out, you will either find a bit of un-shielded wire (which is probably melted) or a bigger version of a normal fuse you'd find in a plug.
If its the wire one, unscrew the grips and put a new bit of wire with the correct rating across, screw it up and put it back.
If its the fuse type, insert a replacement and do the same.

However, this kind of stuff should be done by your landlord; especially since you seem to have an older type of distribution board.