I still can't believe how many times I'm called out to a problem concerning an older style fusebox. Wrongly rated fuse wire installed causing excess heat to build up and eventually burn out the live conductor, or worse still silver foil wrapped around the whole fuse carrier leaving a potentially deadly fire hazard. Tonight was no exception, after visiting the property, where the client had reported a burning smell coming from under the stairs it seems the incoming neutral conductor had burnt about 6" and completely taken out the neutral bar, the result was that the family has to go without power or lighting until Monday morning until a new consumer unit can be installed. The problem might not have been so bad had a residual current device had been installed, but as usual the only thing that was installed at the time was undersized main meter tails
The client had a very well kept house and a lovely family which he obviously cares about very much. Why then, if this is the case would he leave a potential fire hazard in the house. After explaining the issues and showing the client the benefits of a new consumer unit he agreed that should he have been told about the hazards earlier he would have done something about it. A lesson for a great many people perhaps, if you're pried or concerned about the state of repair of your fuse box give your local office a call, we will arrange for one of our highly qualified engineers to call at your convenience and inspect your existing fusebox. Safety shouldn't be left to chance.
