Wall Lights Have Popped

[chrissa1]

When I swithced my lounge wall lights this evening there was a pop and they all went off and won't come back on again. They consist of 2 pairs and one single light on a dimmer switch.

Before I scramble up to check them all, will they have all blown, or just one? TIA.

[MASS1961]

possibly just one and it's broken the circuit

[ladybirder]

Better check your fuse box .... I think. Perhaps a switch has tripped?

[ChuckFickens]

If they've all gone out it's more likely that it's a trip switch in your fusebox that's gone.

[ChuckFickens]

"possibly just one and it's broken the circuit"

It would be a very strange setup to have house lights wired in series!

[EDDIE51]

If you have a modern house with a safety trip on the fusebox then a bulb blowing trips the circuit ( at least it does on ours) You need to go and see if any of the switches have 'flipped' and reset them.

[chrissa1]

Ok, thanks guys.

[ladybirder]

AND LADY!

[chrissa1]

Sorry LB.... Just clambered up a stepladder. The fuses are above the kitchen door. It just appears to have old fuses and the only trip switch thing has "Shower" on it. What do I do?

[humbersloop]

whatever else, don't touch it with wet hands!

[chrissa1]

Gee thanks.

[The Builder]

Chrissa ......... re-wireable fuses...... switch off the box, and pull out the fuses with a white dot on them. It'll be one of those :o)

[ChuckFickens]

Although I bet they've got no fuse wire!

[The Builder]

Ha, Chuck ........... no one's ever got any fuse wire. Please don't "improvise" Chrissa ;o)

[Prudie]

I thought that kind of fuse went out with the ark, Are they still legal in a rented property The Builder? (poor you Chrissa)

[ChuckFickens]

I've got some and I've not got any fuses :)

As TB says, please don't improvise... take a trip to wicks or similar..
http://www.wickes.co....710136/?source=123_74

Or some local shops sell it too.

[The Builder]

Pruders ........... yes, the old "Wylex" fuseboxes are still about on older property. Houseowners can't be compelled to upgrade to the latest regulations.
All that electricians can do is test the whole system. If it still meets the required disconnection times, then it's legal. They are obliged, though, to advise on desirable improvements.

If anyone has one of these units. A cheap way to get over the fusewire thing is to replace the fuse with an MCB (breaker). They fit right in. :o)

[chrissa1]

Ha ha all. Of course I haven't got any fuse wire. There's a Homebase down the road. Luckily, I have an overhead three light fixture which I am using.

I'll get my son to have a look tomorrow. Is it easy enough to re-fuse it?

[The Builder]

Easy ............. 5 amp fuse wire :o)

[ChuckFickens]

Yes, it's pretty self explanatory when you look at the fuse.
http://www.diyhowto.c.../rewireable-fuses.htm

Make sure you use the same gauge/rating of wire when you replace it.

[chrissa1]

Thank you Chuck. That looks very straight forward. Thanks everyone.