Any electricians out there?

[Ell-enn]

Last night the bulb in the bathroom light blew and all upstairs lights went out - replaced the bulb but still no joy. Fuse in fusebox had blown (it's the old type with fuse wire). Got some 5 amp fuse wire from neighbour this morning and replaced in fuse. Still no upstairs lights .....

 

Any ideas ?

[rebel11]

Please be very careful - best to get a qualified electrican to fix the problem

 

http://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Fuse-in-a-Wylex-Standard-Fuse-Box

[url=http://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Fuse-in-a-Wylex-Standard-Fuse-Box][/url]

[Ell-enn]

Thanks Rebel, I've already replaced the fuse wire but the upstairs lights still won't come on

[postggj]

have you checked that the overload did not blow all the bulbs

 

it sounds like you are pulling to many amps through that fuse. they are designed to blow before the wiring heats up and catches fire. perhaps it is time to check the wiring. you might have a loose connection somewhere. does the wire coming out of that fuse get hot. if it does that is an indication that you are pulling to many amps for the wire/fuse size. try putting in a new fuse and then leaving the lights off altogether. does it still blow? how many lights are you talking about and what else is on the same fuse? check every outlet when it blows, or you take it out to find out exactly what is on that circuit.

 

i would suspect that over the years,

A. the wiring is starting to get old, and

B. you have added devices to the circuit and it is overloaded.

 

i am no electrician but i would consider getting that fuse box replaced with proper circuit breakers

call in a sparks to be sure on an old house

Edited July 1, 2012 by squaddie

[rebel11]

Please be very careful - best to get a qualified electrican to fix the problem

 

http://www.handymanknowhow.co.uk/electrics/fixing%20simple%20faults.htm

[Ell-enn]

Hi, there are 4 ceiling lights on that fuse - 2 bedroom, 1 landing and 1 bathroom. Could it be the bathroom light fitting that's caused the problem ?

[postggj]

only a sparks with a circuit tester would be able to diagnose the problem

 

the fault could be anyware on that circuit

 

a mouse could have chewed on a wire in the wall cavity for example besides an equipment fault

 

you realy do need to get in a professional for peace of mind

[Ell-enn]

OK, will do (better have a few more lines on the lottery lol).

 

Many thanks for all replies.

[Ell-enn]

Damn, thought I'd sorted it - checked the other three bulbs and they'd all blown - changed them but still no lights, grrrr. Will get someome to check bathroom light fitting tomorrow. Why do these things always happen when you can least afford it!

[labrat]

with us it turned out to be someone had wired a socket into the light ciruit this blew causing issues

[Ell-enn]

I don't think that can be the case here, I've been in the house for 17 years and it's the first time this has happened with the upstairs lights - I tend to think there's something wrong with the bathroom light fitting - it's always been a bit temperamental, last night just switched it on and bang!

[MARTIN3030]

Sounds like that could be the problem.

The older bakealite holders maybe.

Have you changed ratings of any lamps ?

[rebel11]

I did send a PM for someone to advise, but they haven't turned up as yet. But it does look like your on the right lines.

[MARTIN3030]

Its all pointing to bathroom light fitting.

Maybe condensation or else lampholder.Easy fix and not expensive.

First would disconnect it then try other lights its a process of elimination but seems there is the fault.

[MARTIN3030]

Would also suggest getting new rcd carriers to replace the old fuse links.Much safer and no more messing with fusewire.

They are available for most of the older fuseboxes and are not expensive-simply swap over.

[ckelly20]

Defiantly sounds like the bathroom light. Good news is if its localised to that area then it shouldn't be too much to fix

[Conniff]

All this advice, there is a very simple way to check, get a friend to stick their finger up it, if they are thrown through the window, the light socket is ok and you check elswhere.

 

Of course, you will require another friend if you are going to check another socket.

[Ell-enn]

All this advice, there is a very simple way to check, get a friend to stick their finger up it, if they are thrown through the window, the light socket is ok and you check elswhere.

 

Of course, you will require another friend if you are going to check another socket.

 

I just love your sense of humour

 

All fixed now, replaced the bathroom light fitting

[zydeco]

All this advice, there is a very simple way to check, get a friend to stick their finger up it, if they are thrown through the window, the light socket is ok and you check elsewhere.

sounds like party time. plenty of alcohol and the last friend standing wins.

[freakyleaky]

All this advice, there is a very simple way to check, get a friend to stick their finger up it, if they are thrown through the window, the light socket is ok and you check elswhere.

 

Of course, you will require another friend if you are going to check another socket.

 

I just love your sense of humour

 

He wasn't joking though!!!

[Conniff]

If you can find someone daft enough to do it, I want to be there to see the look on their face