by ericmark »
Thu Nov 18, 2021 11:15 am
Son did same, Cillit Bang and the switch was gone. Likely fault is between switch and fuse box, but current to blow a 15 amp rewire-able fuse is quite high, so could be any junction between the fuse and switch.
I would guess if 15 amp likely originally the immersion heater, did same with my old house, gas boiler fitted so hot water direct from boiler, cistern removed, and the immersion heater supply was turned into extra sockets, so look where the immersion heater would have been see if socket there.
I would also say time for upgrade, today RCD and SPD are standard in most consumer units (type tested distribution unit which replaces the fuse box) the RCD detects imbalance and in the main will trip before you get damage as you have had.
And the surge protection device (SPD) we are told stops the new LED bulbs blowing due to thunder storms and the like, personally not convinced they are required, but LED bulbs are expensive so personally not taking a chance, I fitted a SPD.
At the moment you can still get the MCB to fit the old fuse boards, around £11 each so they trip faster so less damage but main point is you can just flick back on. Personally I would say waste of money as may as well replace whole box, but not everyone can afford that.
They are an easy DIY fit, one screw and cover left off the board, should cut a hole in cover, but easy to smash, note do turn off mains before fitting parts are live behind the base which needs changing.