Consumer Unit Fuse vs. Plug Fuse...

Nemo

I had a spotlight explode this morning, which took out the 5A fuse. I went to the DIY shop for a replacement cartridge fuse, but they didn't have any.

I called round to my neighbour to ask if he had a spare. He thought I could just use a plug style fuse. He looked in his fuse box, which is the same as mine, and found that it had a plug fuse in it, even though he said he'd not been in the fuse box for years.

Will I need to change it for a proper cartridge fuse, or will it be ok?

Thanks.

ic

I've personally don't see how a standard plug fuse could fit in a fuse box, however I'm only familiar with modern one's with MCBs. Could you replace your fuse with one of these: http://www.screwfix.co.uk/prods/48030/Electrical/Consumer-Units/Wylex-MCBs-Incomers/Wylex-6A-SP-Type-B-Plug-In-MCB-3kA Will save you having to hunt for spares next time.

martin_the_sparky

Yes you do need to change it to a proper cartridge fuse - you will find them at your local electrical wholesalers only - the time it takes to blow the plug top one is 5 times more than the correct one - you are only putting yourself at risk by having the wrong one in. - Why not ask at the wholesalers if there is a replacemnt plug in type mcb to replace your cartridge fuses with. Just take consummer unit manufacturers name with you or a clear photo.

Hope this helps.