All the lights have blown!

[jodenice]

after the bloke upstairs stomped particularly hard around his kitchen, one of my bulbs in my ceiling lights went. I've just gone into the kitchen, switched the lights on - and everything turned off.

I tried to look at my fuses but they are really old, (there are about 3 big old fuses, one on/off switch and thats it). I tried, yes, turning it off and on but no joy. i've lived here about a year and I've never even thought to look at the fuses before!

all my electricity is working its just the lights. what do I do?

I am stuck can anybody help

thanks!

[stevefish69]

Sounds like the fuse on the lighting circuit has gone (Probably from a bulb blowing)

Are they the old re-wirable type ?

If so, grab some 5 amp fuse wire from your local hardware shop (in the morning) and replace it. If you are un-sure, get someone round who knows what they are doing.

[LCR_Dave]

spot on

[eric pisch]

Originally Posted by stevefish69

Sounds like the fuse on the lighting circuit has gone (Probably from a bulb blowing)

Are they the old re-wirable type ?

If so, grab some 5 amp fuse wire from your local hardware shop (in the morning) and replace it. If you are un-sure, get someone round who knows what they are doing.

If you have this type of fuse system is is highly recomeded that you upgrade to a RCCB unit, should not cost a fortune to do (£150-£200) but it offers a huge increase in house safety.

If its your place ofc

[funkyspider]

You can also buy circuit breaker plugin replacements for the existing fuses which is a cheaper short term alternative if you don't want to get an electrician to replace the entire fuse box - I think it's an electrician only job as I believe it needs a certificate ?

example:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/87979/...lug-In-MCB-3kA

but check the manufacturer of your fuse box to make sure you get the correct ones.

[ukdan]

Originally Posted by funkyspider

You can also buy circuit breaker plugin replacements for the existing fuses which is a cheaper short term alternative if you don't want to get an electrician to replace the entire fuse box - I think it's an electrician only job as I believe it needs a certificate ?

example:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/87979/...lug-In-MCB-3kA

but check the manufacturer of your fuse box to make sure you get the correct ones.

Done this in my old house. Also fitted low energy bulbs which lasted a lot longer. The standard bulbs would only last a few days.

[jodenice]

Originally Posted by funkyspider

You can also buy circuit breaker plugin replacements for the existing fuses which is a cheaper short term alternative if you don't want to get an electrician to replace the entire fuse box - I think it's an electrician only job as I believe it needs a certificate ?

example:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/87979/...lug-In-MCB-3kA

but check the manufacturer of your fuse box to make sure you get the correct ones.

These are what mine are like without the massive switch at the front, massive plugs holding old fuses, I'm going to have to get help from someone I think, what an absolute nightmare. but thanks for the advice.

[Hitby]

we've got the same ones - it's dead easy to change them mate, turn the box off and pull out the fuse, with a small screwdriver, loosen the two screws holding the fuse wire and then just replace it with new - comes in small rolls from most hardware shops. Screw it back in and push it firmly back into the fuse box. Turn it back on, shouldn't take more than 5 minutes

[New Born]

Take a look at this video clip http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-...ional-fuse-box

Sorry, not sure how to put a video in a thread.