RoSPA NI : Electricity and You
Fuse Boxes
What to do when...
...the lights have gone out or your socket outlets have stopped working. A fuse may have blown but where are they? Fuses are usually close to your electricity meter (often under the stairs). Each fuse covers a particular wiring circuit in the house.
First, note which circuit has failed - whether it's the lighting or socket outlets etc. If a lamp fails or an appliance is faulty, this can cause the main fuse to blow. So, before replacing the fuse, remove the lamp or disconnect the appliance from the circuit. If everything has gone off, it may be the residual current device (RCD) that has tripped - see Circuit Breakers.
Next get a torch, pliers, a screwdriver and replacement fuses or fuse wire. Switch off the main switch. This may be on the consumer unit (shown on the drawing below) or on a separate switch box nearby.
Remove the fuse box cover. Inside the lid or adjacent to the fusebox there should be a list of the circuits the fuses control. This will help in checking the fuses.
Power cuts - if your neighbours or nearby street lights are also off supply there may be a power cut in your area. If in doubt call Northern Ireland Electricity at 08457 643 643 (lines open 24 hrs a day).
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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