Fuse wire blows when a bulb goes.

moneysavingexpert79

I use GU10 halogen bulbs in 2 light fittings in my house, consisting of 7 bulbs in total. When one blows, the fuse wire of the lighting circuit blows, which is a complete pain as I have to rewire it every month or so. I have changed the switches, and both fittings, but the same problem happens even after doing this.

Can someone tell me what the problem is please?

fto

Your probably overloading the circuit.If your using fuse wire, chances are you need a rewire....if not a new consumer unit.

moneysavingexpert79

How much does this cost? Would it be worth my while to sign up to British Gas or some similar scheme and get it done cheaper? Can I fit a new consumer unit myself or do I need a qualified pro?

zax47

Have a search here, there are any number of threads about Consumer Unit changes.

Must be done by a "pro" (like me), estimate £350-450 for typical 3 bed semi.

A lighting circuit protected by a 5A fuse can take 1150W of lighting. Halogens are renowned for taking out fuses/tripping breakers when they blow.

shown73

When you say, "rewire," I presume you still have the old type fuses. I took mine out and replaced them with circuit breakers from a diy shop. Straight swap, no problem, so you just need to reset the breaker when it goes. Different ratings for power and lighting circuits, of course.

moneysavingexpert79

shown73 wrote: »

When you say, "rewire," I presume you still have the old type fuses. I took mine out and replaced them with circuit breakers from a diy shop. Straight swap, no problem, so you just need to reset the breaker when it goes. Different ratings for power and lighting circuits, of course.

Much appreciated, that sounds like the more economical option. I am guessing if I go into B&Q and ask for "Circuit breakers for fuse boxes" they'll know what I'm talking about?

zax47

Plug-in circuit breakers are generally not a "one type fits all" affair. Only a few manufacturers (like Wylex) make them to fit their old fuse boxes. What you have will dictate what you can buy/use. Avoid the DIY sheds for this sort of thing - use a proper electrical wholesaler.

Wylex Plug-in MCBs

baldelectrician

Others have missed the point

I reckon you are buying non branded lamps as they will cause a rewirable fuse to blow

2 suggestions,

Buy Philips, Osram or Sylania lamps and replace them with 35W GU10 instead of 50W GU10. Decent makes of lamp give better light and will probably give a better light output than the cheap 'supermarket' (or DIY store) lamps you probably have

fto

Tbh, you should really have the electrics inspected. If you have rewireable fuses, chances are you need the earthing bringing upto date also.

27col

I'm inclined to agree with baldelectrician.about the bulbs. I have had halogen bulbs for many years and have only ever had 2 go out. In any event replace them with 35w lamps. I did and found that the light level was perfectly usable at the lower wattage. If you can put up a picture of the CU, we can soon tell you if it can have MCB's fitted.