Red neon light blown on HW boiler switch - safe/unsafe?

adhara

This happened a few days ago, all I remember is walking past and thinking "Huh, must have switched it off..." and the next day, wondered why we had so much hot water! Since then it's been turned off (not on purpose, we just turn the boiler on for a few hours for washing up).

Is it important to get the light replaced asap?
Is it ok to use the boiler until we get an electrician in? I assume it's best not to DIY??

My google-fu says it's pretty serious - fuse blown/circuit's tripped etc, but the switch looked and felt normal except the light (not hot to touch or anything), and we haven't done anything different leading up to the light breaking, y'know?

This is a rented flat, so getting a professional will take a few days anyway. Help!

EDIT: I don't know what kind of boiler we have, but it might be immersion? it's definitely not gas powered, it's all electric.

I_have_spoken

IMHO it's not critical, it's just like a blown light bulb. If there was a serious problem the fuse/circuit breaker would go.

Quiet_Spark

The neon indicator is just that, an indicator that you have the power switched on.

It doesn't matter whether the neon works or not as far as electrical functionality goes, all it means safety wise is you'll have to look at the switch position before working on the boiler as you won't be able to tell whether the power is on or not at a quick glance.

muckybutt

adhara wrote: »

Is it important to get the light replaced asap?
Is it ok to use the boiler until we get an electrician in? I assume it's best not to DIY??

My google-fu says it's pretty serious - fuse blown/circuit's tripped etc, but the switch looked and felt normal except the light (not hot to touch or anything), and we haven't done anything different leading up to the light breaking, y'know?

Calm down dear ( in the voice of Michael Winner ) and Don't panic ( in the voice of Corporal Jones ) spring to mind.
Unfortunately not many neon indicators can be replaced - some can !
It isn't essential that you get it replaced neither is it serious or a fire hazard. You might find you tend to leave the switch on longer than usual as you have already found out.

Just mention it to your landlord or do it as a diy job IF you feel competent to do so. All you need is a switch similar to the one that is there - available from most diy sheds, turn the electricity off, make a note or take a photo of where all the wires go, disconnect the switch and reconnect the new one making sure the terminals are tight.

Shouldn't cost anymore than a few quid for a fused spur and you could change it in less than 10 mins.

adhara

Whew! I'm almost glad it was just an overreaction, instead of it being serious!

My first thought was exactly as you all said: it's just a light, nothing to be alarmed about, but a quick google on how to replace it ended up with horror stories about potential electrocution and broken circuit breakers!

Thank you