Light stopped working, rest of house is fine

[marian]

Hi

Its my fisrt post on this forum so id like to say hallo to everyone willing to help with my situation as i cant afford an electrician to come in and have a look at in my house.

So the story is I came in to my bathroom switched the lights on and just moment after light appeard its gone. So i thought its gonna be a switch in a fuse box so went down to have a look at it and i was actually quite surprised that my fuse box looks rather old and there are no switches at all (only the main one) and it looks like that:



red box on the left is 30A, white is 5A and right one wasnt there at all. Now i dont actually know how to at least test it and what could couse the lights gone in whole house. The rest of the house is intact. Dont get me wrong i do have some experience with electric but not with odl thing like that.

My questions are:
1. Are those red and white boxes are actually fuses? If so and any of them (im guessing its the 5A one for lights) broken is it easy to buy and replace them? Where to buy and how to replace them?
2. Could it be the faulty bulb causing light fault in whole house?
3. Could it be light switch in the bathroom?
4. What else if none of the above?

Thanks for looking and Id appreciate any help from you

Thanks in advance

 

[Wiresandthings]

I understand people are on tight budgets etc, but would you mess around with gas if you didn't know what was what?? Same applies to electrics really, it really is best to call someone in who knows what there doing as you may well be able to get it working again but would you know for sure its in a safe condition??

 

[i=p/u]

I'd say the bulb/lamps has taking fuse when blown.. Change fuse and bulb if you can or ask a neighbour ..

 

[onions1066]

I understand people are on tight budgets etc, but would you mess around with gas if you didn't know what was what?? Same applies to electrics really, it really is best to call someone in who knows what there doing as you may well be able to get it working again but would you know for sure its in a safe condition??

I agree with you but if it is just the fuse wire blown you can replace it yourself, any DIY shop will sell the fuse wire, you might be best replacing them with retro fit push in mcb's . But looking at the con unit I would advise you to get your wiring looked at because to be honest it doesn't look too good.

 

[marian]

I understand people are on tight budgets etc, but would you mess around with gas if you didn't know what was what?? Same applies to electrics really, it really is best to call someone in who knows what there doing as you may well be able to get it working again but would you know for sure its in a safe condition??

I thought i mentioned i got some experience, maybe not an expert and would rewire it all myself but im up to changing bulb or fuse and the reason im asking on specialists forum is to make sure that nothing else is causing the problem but "thanks" for advice. Electricians cost loads so i reckon you dont really understand tight budget

I'd say the bulb/lamps has taking fuse when blown.. Change fuse and bulb if you can or ask a neighbour ..

Thank you very much ill try that

I agree with you but if it is just the fuse wire blown you can replace it yourself, any DIY shop will sell the fuse wire, you might be best replacing them with retro fit push in mcb's . But looking at the con unit I would advise you to get your wiring looked at because to be honest it doesn't look too good.

Thank you very much as well. I reckon its that 5A fuse right? Should i buy the same one or could it be a higher rating one? How do i remove them anyway as it seems to sitting really tight in the board. Should i just pull as hard ? Dont wanna break anything to get electrician in the end if anything happens cos cant afford that for like next 2 months and living without a light for like 2 months pretty much sucks isnt it?

 

[dan86]

this is a wind up right?

 

[Guitarist]

Funny how people automatically assume that electricians "cost loads". I can name numerous other trades and professions who charge more than I do per hour, yet it's strange how they seem to have more work than they can handle.
Also, from what you say, your electrical knowledge seems extremely limited to me.

 

[snowhead]

Switch off the main switch, pull the white fuse holder out, you will see if the fuse wire has blown, it won't be in the middle and will be sooted.

Might need a torch?

If it's all the lights, most likely a fuse, if it's only the bathroom light you need to look somewhere other than the fuse board.

 

[Wiresandthings]

Believe me i do understand a tight budget!! What makes you think we charge 'loads'?? We make our living out of problems like yours, and your looking for a service for free. Sure you can change the fuse wire, if it doesn't blow again then happy days, but something made it blow!

 

[Octopus]

I thought i mentioned i got some experience, maybe not an expert and would rewire it all myself but im up to changing bulb or fuse and the reason im asking on specialists forum is to make sure that nothing else is causing the problem but "thanks" for advice. Electricians cost loads so i reckon you dont really understand tight budget

Dont wanna break anything to get electrician in the end if anything happens cos cant afford that for like next 2 months and living without a light for like 2 months pretty much sucks isnt it?

I think you should make a call or 2 and find out. I've replaced fuse wires for nothing in the past.

 

[AndrewMgan1976]

Tight budget or potential dangerous situation, I know what I'd do with my tight budget!

 

[marian]

Funny how people automatically assume that electricians "cost loads". I can name numerous other trades and professions who charge more than I do per hour, yet it's strange how they seem to have more work than they can handle.
Also, from what you say, your electrical knowledge seems extremely limited to me.

Hey just cos something is more expensive doesnt mean that cheaper is not at all but lets dont look into each others wallets ok?
I always though that forum is to help the ones that have no or limited knowlegde, if i knew i wouldnt ask but than would that forum even exist (or the idea of forum)?

Switch off the main switch, pull the white fuse holder out, you will see if the fuse wire has blown, it won't be in the middle and will be sooted.

Might need a torch?

If it's all the lights, most likely a fuse, if it's only the bathroom light you need to look somewhere other than the fuse board.

And this is the fine example of a member who understand whole forum idea To Guitarist: but hey what i know i should call electrician and pay. Maybe people dont call electricians (as i understand you dont have enough work as others got more than you) because its not so difficult that much? changing fuse can do myself but i bet you coming to my house telling me its a fuse youd charge me some money already right and for changing it and than youd tell me it absolutly need rewiring as its dangerous to have it like that so i wouldnt end up on 20 pounds

 

[marian]

Believe me i do understand a tight budget!! What makes you think we charge 'loads'?? We make our living out of problems like yours, and your looking for a service for free. Sure you can change the fuse wire, if it doesn't blow again then happy days, but something made it blow!

im not lookning for free service im not asking you to do the job but to share knowlegde thats all.

if something else blew the fuse ill have to think of some other solution but for it seems like a simlpe job

 

[marian]

I agree with you but if it is just the fuse wire blown you can replace it yourself, any DIY shop will sell the fuse wire, you might be best replacing them with retro fit push in mcb's . But looking at the con unit I would advise you to get your wiring looked at because to be honest it doesn't look too good.

Is that what your talking about?

WYLEX 5 AMP PLUG IN B5 RETROFIT MCB 5A TRIP BREAKER TO REPLACE REWIREABLE FUSE | eBay

 

[Plonker 3]

Knowledge comes with experience. A photo in circumstances doesn't help one bit. We need to use test equipment ( which costs money) a van ( which costs money) what we learned at college ( which costs money ). So maybe now you can understand why we charge money unless you can a electrical contractor who is also a registered charity.

 

[shagbite]

if you're not happy with uk electricians, get one of your mates from LithRomSlovPolia to sort it out.

 

[marian]

Knowledge comes with experience. A photo in circumstances doesn't help one bit. We need to use test equipment ( which costs money) a van ( which costs money) what we learned at college ( which costs money ). So maybe now you can understand why we charge money unless you can a electrical contractor who is also a registered charity.

i understand why you charge money and i dont blame you for that but forum is to share knowledge so if your not willing to do so why you even here? so from now on if any of you is not willing to help with the question asked in first post please dont write its only a mess for any future searching for answers

 

[telectrix]

OK, marian. switch off the switch on the right. pull the white 5A fuse. if it's blown, rewire it. refit and switch on. if it blows again, then phone a spark. if you are west/south west manchester, it's not too far for me to call.

 

[Plonker 3]

The thread may as well be locked then lol

 

[marian]

if you're not happy with uk electricians, get one of your mates from LithRomSlovPolia to sort it out.

i didnt mention im not happy with uk electricians did i?

 

[telectrix]

if, as i said, you are west/south west manchester, i'd call for a fixed fee £45, covering up to 1 hour on site.

 

[Resu]

I always though that forum is to help the ones that have no or limited knowlegde, if i knew i wouldnt ask but than would that forum even exist (or the idea of forum)?

This forum is for qualified electricians to talk to each other. These people have spent thousands of pounds and years of their life to get to the position that they're in and you expect them to share that knowledge for free? If you can't change fuse wire then I'd say your electrical experience is almost non existent, remember just how dangerous electricity can be in the wrong hands!

If you phone around and explain your situation I'm sure someone would be happy to come out and have a quick look without taking the mick price-wise.

Otherwise I suggest you try the screwfix forum...

 

[marian]

I agree with you but if it is just the fuse wire blown you can replace it yourself, any DIY shop will sell the fuse wire, you might be best replacing them with retro fit push in mcb's . But looking at the con unit I would advise you to get your wiring looked at because to be honest it doesn't look too good.

one of those? WYLEX 5 AMP PLUG IN B5 RETROFIT MCB 5A TRIP BREAKER TO REPLACE REWIREABLE FUSE | eBay

 

[GLENNSPARK]

What a set of mugs you all are...
you hand out advice to `sweet sounding maid marian`...(come on guys think about it)....
it`l be some builder someware wanting to know how to wire stuff up...i shyt you not...
go tell this un to get an electrician in....

 

[Guitarist]

Hey just cos something is more expensive doesnt mean that cheaper is not at all but lets dont look into each others wallets ok?
I always though that forum is to help the ones that have no or limited knowlegde, if i knew i wouldnt ask but than would that forum even exist (or the idea of forum)?



And this is the fine example of a member who understand whole forum idea To Guitarist: but hey what i know i should call electrician and pay. Maybe people dont call electricians (as i understand you dont have enough work as others got more than you) because its not so difficult that much? changing fuse can do myself but i bet you coming to my house telling me its a fuse youd charge me some money already right and for changing it and than youd tell me it absolutly need rewiring as its dangerous to have it like that so i wouldnt end up on 20 pounds

Yeah, you're right...being an electrician is "not so difficult that much"....Also, if I told you it was dangerous, then that would be exactly what it is. We don't make up things just for fun you know!

 

[onions1066]

Marian I agree with some of your points but the clue is in the title of the website " electricians forum" the idea of this forum is for electricians to share knowledge between each other not to advice novices how to do our job. If you rang a car garage with a fault on your dash board they would not advise you over the phone how to clear it they would book you in. We all need to make a living Marian and this is ours.

 

[marian]

Marian I agree with some of your points but the clue is in the title of the website " electricians forum" the idea of this forum is for electricians to share knowledge between each other not to advice novices how to do our job. If you rang a car garage with a fault on your dash board they would not advise you over the phone how to clear it they would book you in. We all need to make a living Marian and this is ours.

now i see your points. so there is a way to explain things, nicely. thanks for anyone helping nxt time ill use appropriate forum

 

[onions1066]

now i see your points. so there is a way to explain things, nicely. thanks for anyone helping nxt time ill use appropriate forum

Youve had an offer off telectrix which seems a good one to me he knows his stuff and you know he's experienced because he's as old as god.

 

[onions1066]

And just to add for next time screwfix have a good DIY forum for basic questions .

 

[Octopus]

Youve had an offer off telectrix which seems a good one to me he knows his stuff and you know he's experienced because he's as old as god.

But there are people who don't want help. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink!

 

[telectrix]

Youve had an offer off telectrix which seems a good one to me he knows his stuff and you know he's experienced because he's as old as god.

i'll get you for that , you french onion sellerrr . you. LOL. :hanged:

 

[onions1066]

i'll get you for that , you french onion sellerrr . you. LOL. :hanged:

You got referenced to god in the same sentence, I'd be looking at the positives not the negatives on that one tel.

 

[telectrix]

well, i suppose it's better than having arrived with william the conk.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Hi Marian, the answer has already been given so will just repeat.

From the photo it looks like i see a live terminal visible in the fuse position on the far right, this is dangerous, do not touch it.

Switch off the fusebox, where the switch says "on" you lift up the switch so that it says "off".

The white fuse carriers is grabbed from the top and bottom and pulls directly outwards.

You will then be able to see if the fusewire has melted or not. You need a small flatblade screwdriver to attach the new fusewire to the carrier, its pretty obvious as you will see the remnants of the old wire.

Fusewire can be brought from any diy shop.

Once you have put the fusewire back into the carrier, push the carrier back into the same position making sure its fully home and turn supply back on.

If the lights dont come on or flash on and then off, check the fuse wire again, if it has blown again , call Tel

cheers

BTW being able to switch a fusebox off and replace a fuse is what i expect householders to be able to do - so good luck.

 

[telectrix]

good post. just to add, the fuse carrier only fits 1 way. don't try to force it in upside down.

 

[marian]

Hi Marian, the answer has already been given so will just repeat.

From the photo it looks like i see a live terminal visible in the fuse position on the far right, this is dangerous, do not touch it.

Switch off the fusebox, where the switch says "on" you lift up the switch so that it says "off".

The white fuse carriers is grabbed from the top and bottom and pulls directly outwards.

You will then be able to see if the fusewire has melted or not. You need a small flatblade screwdriver to attach the new fusewire to the carrier, its pretty obvious as you will see the remnants of the old wire.

Fusewire can be brought from any diy shop.

Once you have put the fusewire back into the carrier, push the carrier back into the same position making sure its fully home and turn supply back on.

If the lights dont come on or flash on and then off, check the fuse wire again, if it has blown again , call Tel

cheers

BTW being able to switch a fusebox off and replace a fuse is what i expect householders to be able to do - so good luck.

It is a very well explanation of situation ive got although i asked in the first post what could couse it really not to guide me step by step how to do it. As ive never had to deal with wired fuses (only with those with switches) so thats why i asked how to remove/replace it as i couldnt remove it myslef but again i didnt want to pull it outwards full strenght to not to break whole unit.

Obviously i know to switch off everything before even touching the fuse box i might try to rewire the fuse, just a quick temp solution and in few weeks/months when wallet fills up replace the fuse box as its probably going to be safest way and no i wont be doing it myslef - thats quite obvious as well.

Thanks again to those trying to help - and to the others - oh well you all know what you deserve in real life you bunch of knowing everything "you know what". in the end of the day you're all here to share knowlegde no matter what level of knowing you are. we all learn our whole life, even you even now. but you think charging 45 pounds per hour of work is not much and that could be changing/rewiring fuse only where most of people dont even earn 10pound/h doing much harder job. i agree that i might be on wrong forum as its for specialists only but there is a moderator to tell is my post should or shouldn`t be posted here and i can clearly see he agreed to post it. above all that while registering i had to tell how qualified i am with the option NONE so that also tells me you dont have to be specialist to register and so on post here on this forum - so there was no need to spam here. Next person with same problem will have to read all that not needed infos from you, well done 'specialists'. the way i see it its easier to post a solution than telling me i know nothing and should pay pay pay for something as easy as rewiring fuse

I hope by clicking 'Thanks' on each helpful posts helped gain you some reputation guys, shame there no option to reduce it to others.

 

[Plonker 3]

Cheers, but I think I will survive without a thank you off you. Now don't let the door hit you on your arse on the way out.

 

[i=p/u]

I got £55 per hour on 2 hour job last week.. Best we job yet. And they said that's what the last guy/company got so you get the same.. Full floor in darkness was the fault. I would of been happy with £50..

 

[onions1066]

It is a very well explanation of situation ive got although i asked in the first post what could couse it really not to guide me step by step how to do it. As ive never had to deal with wired fuses (only with those with switches) so thats why i asked how to remove/replace it as i couldnt remove it myslef but again i didnt want to pull it outwards full strenght to not to break whole unit.

Obviously i know to switch off everything before even touching the fuse box i might try to rewire the fuse, just a quick temp solution and in few weeks/months when wallet fills up replace the fuse box as its probably going to be safest way and no i wont be doing it myslef - thats quite obvious as well.

Thanks again to those trying to help - and to the others - oh well you all know what you deserve in real life you bunch of knowing everything "you know what". in the end of the day you're all here to share knowlegde no matter what level of knowing you are. we all learn our whole life, even you even now. but you think charging 45 pounds per hour of work is not much and that could be changing/rewiring fuse only where most of people dont even earn 10pound/h doing much harder job. i agree that i might be on wrong forum as its for specialists only but there is a moderator to tell is my post should or shouldn`t be posted here and i can clearly see he agreed to post it. above all that while registering i had to tell how qualified i am with the option NONE so that also tells me you dont have to be specialist to register and so on post here on this forum - so there was no need to spam here. Next person with same problem will have to read all that not needed infos from you, well done 'specialists'. the way i see it its easier to post a solution than telling me i know nothing and should pay pay pay for something as easy as rewiring fuse

I hope by clicking 'Thanks' on each helpful posts helped gain you some reputation guys, shame there no option to reduce it to others.

That is where you've got us wrong Marian we don't charge £45 an hour, you find me an electrician charging that and I'll post a pic of me in speedo's. my recommendation to you would be change the fuse wire and post back if it works or not. Then you might get some more help off the helpful ones, but no one here is going to recommend you going poking round looking for faults. That is what an electrician is for.

 

[Octopus]

It is a very well explanation of situation ive got although i asked in the first post what could couse it really not to guide me step by step how to do it. As ive never had to deal with wired fuses (only with those with switches) so thats why i asked how to remove/replace it as i couldnt remove it myslef but again i didnt want to pull it outwards full strenght to not to break whole unit.

Obviously i know to switch off everything before even touching the fuse box i might try to rewire the fuse, just a quick temp solution and in few weeks/months when wallet fills up replace the fuse box as its probably going to be safest way and no i wont be doing it myslef - thats quite obvious as well.

Thanks again to those trying to help - and to the others - oh well you all know what you deserve in real life you bunch of knowing everything "you know what". in the end of the day you're all here to share knowlegde no matter what level of knowing you are. we all learn our whole life, even you even now. but you think charging 45 pounds per hour of work is not much and that could be changing/rewiring fuse only where most of people dont even earn 10pound/h doing much harder job. i agree that i might be on wrong forum as its for specialists only but there is a moderator to tell is my post should or shouldn`t be posted here and i can clearly see he agreed to post it. above all that while registering i had to tell how qualified i am with the option NONE so that also tells me you dont have to be specialist to register and so on post here on this forum - so there was no need to spam here. Next person with same problem will have to read all that not needed infos from you, well done 'specialists'. the way i see it its easier to post a solution than telling me i know nothing and should pay pay pay for something as easy as rewiring fuse

I hope by clicking 'Thanks' on each helpful posts helped gain you some reputation guys, shame there no option to reduce it to others.

I doubt VERY much sparks around Manchester charge that much. I can't down my way!

And if you think the hourly rate charged is our "salary" you clearly don't undertand how self employed people have to exist:

No sick pay
No holiday pay
No bank holiday pay
No pensions
Admin out of hours
Admin during unpaid hours.

PLUS all the overheads associated with the trade. Insurance, tools, scheme membership, vehicle, fuel, training, books, ,....

You are an ungrateful person!

 

[plugsandsparks]

It is a very well explanation of situation ive got although i asked in the first post what could couse it really not to guide me step by step how to do it. As ive never had to deal with wired fuses (only with those with switches) so thats why i asked how to remove/replace it as i couldnt remove it myslef but again i didnt want to pull it outwards full strenght to not to break whole unit.

Obviously i know to switch off everything before even touching the fuse box i might try to rewire the fuse, just a quick temp solution and in few weeks/months when wallet fills up replace the fuse box as its probably going to be safest way and no i wont be doing it myslef - thats quite obvious as well.

Thanks again to those trying to help - and to the others - oh well you all know what you deserve in real life you bunch of knowing everything "you know what". in the end of the day you're all here to share knowlegde no matter what level of knowing you are. we all learn our whole life, even you even now. but you think charging 45 pounds per hour of work is not much and that could be changing/rewiring fuse only where most of people dont even earn 10pound/h doing much harder job. i agree that i might be on wrong forum as its for specialists only but there is a moderator to tell is my post should or shouldn`t be posted here and i can clearly see he agreed to post it. above all that while registering i had to tell how qualified i am with the option NONE so that also tells me you dont have to be specialist to register and so on post here on this forum - so there was no need to spam here. Next person with same problem will have to read all that not needed infos from you, well done 'specialists'. the way i see it its easier to post a solution than telling me i know nothing and should pay pay pay for something as easy as rewiring fuse

I hope by clicking 'Thanks' on each helpful posts helped gain you some reputation guys, shame there no option to reduce it to others.

My bad, thought you did not know how to change fusewire in a fusebox, hence the OP.
Anyway, could be any number of possibilities
1. Fault on a light
2. Fault of a lightswitch
3. Bulb blowing took out the fuse
4. Fuse just got tired
5. wiring fault
6. Fusebox fault

you get the idea, replacing the fusewire rules out two of them

 

[shagbite]

marian, please have a good read of post 39 from murdoch. what he says is exactly how it is for many self employed electricians. have a good read and then tell us what you think would be a fair price.

 

[Resu]

where most of people dont even earn 10pound/h doing much harder job.

!!! What jobs are you referring to here?

 

[telectrix]

marian, you seem to have a blinkered view of the world. what harder job earns < £10/hour. perhaps you think digging ditches is harder just because it's perhaps more physically tiring. it's £10/hour because ditch diggers didn't spend 4 years on pocket money training, a pick and shovel does not cost several thousands of pounds, they don't need to run a van, buy all the updates of regulations, do rreams of paperwork each week. GET REAL.

 

[PEG]

I can't take this any more,give me your address and i'll come round,fix it,bring a chicken dinner and if your not satisfied,i'll supplement your electrical needs using my pedal-generator whilst tackling your pile of ironing...:bomb2:

 

[Mr Hehound]

marian, you seem to have a blinkered view of the world. what harder job earns < £10/hour. perhaps you think digging ditches is harder just because it's perhaps more physically tiring. it's £10/hour because ditch diggers didn't spend 4 years on pocket money training, a pick and shovel does not cost several thousands of pounds, they don't need to run a van, buy all the updates of regulations, do rreams of paperwork each week. GET REAL.

I resent this. I recently completed an 18 day course in ditch digging and my training provider
assured me it was £ 4000 well spent as due to the current national lack of ditch diggers I should be able to easily get a salary of £30000.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

I'd say the bulb/lamps has taking fuse when blown.. Change fuse and bulb if you can or ask a neighbour ..

eh?

a BS3036....dont talk twaddle Trevor..

 

[i=p/u]

As says in title, light stopped working, rest of house fine, <<<< plonker/sometimes

 

[eollou88]

Marian no offence but it's people like you that get me considerably mad, you can't afford a electrician because we charge so much, but when you take your Mercedes to the garage you can afford the £900 service. Electricians charge what they charge due to the constant money going out, we pay through our nose to be in this trade, vans, insurance, registration schemes, advertising, training etc . Non of it is free, what do you do for a living I can pretty much bet you earn more then me after paying all your tax. And I run too jobs thats how hard up some of us are just to keep cash flow coming in. Call some1 local or teletri his offered you his service at a bloody good price.