Old cut out fuses

[Adam Smith]

Evening all,

I am looking to get hold of a 40 amp cut out fuse to replace an existing 60 amp to provide adequate protection to a supply cable. I bought a BS1361:1971 fuse thinking it would be the correct fit (22mm diameter) but it turns out its about 2mm too wide to fit in the carrier. The fuse carrier and head do look very old so was wondering if fuses that are slightly thinner than the standard cutout fuses are still available and if so, where I get hold of one?

I was thinking of running 16mm tails to a wylex switch fuse and downrating there if I have no joy with the main fuse, but I've not factored that in to the price and would like to avoid taking a hit on that one. Also there is the worry of getting on the wrong side of the DNO if they catch wind of me tampering with their equipment (although it looks like they last set foot in there in the 60's!)

Thank you

 

[Octopus]

Are you planning to change the DNO fuse?

 

[davesparks]

You cannot use a DNOs service fuse as protection for any part of the installation.

If the cutout is really that old then there is a strong chance they will be changing it for a new one at some point and then it will almost certainly be upgraded to either a 80 or 100 amp fuse.

 

[Knobhead]

This could get interesting, Who’s got the popcorn?

 

[Pete999]

This could get interesting, Who’s got the popcorn?

I got some but it's for Christmas or so she says

 

[R G]

Thats it , Tellys going off , six pack firmly planted , now bring on the entertainment...

 

[davesparks]

Thinking about it I do have one or two of those old narrower cutout fuses kicking around somewhere.
I've 'rescued' them from old cutouts when the DNO have been moving them on jobs.

You never know when you might need such an item

 

[shanky887614]

i havent got my tin hat on but i got aa ushanka lol

file it down it will be fine

 

[snowhead]

This could get interesting, Who’s got the popcorn?

Not me.

But I'll wait around and see the fireworks.

 

[PEG]

Why are you down-grading the fusing? (Revels and mineral water to hand...)

 

[Adam Smith]

Supply is only 6mm...

 

[davesparks]

Supply is only 6mm...

If you are talking about the incoming side then how do you know, and why does that matter?
DNOs have different rules and current ratings for their cables than we do for ours so that is probably just fine as it is.

And if the cutout is really that old then the cable is likely to be imperial rather than metric

 

[Knobhead]

How do you know the supply is 6mm?

 

[telectrix]

sod the popcorn. i need alcohol in large quantities. booze don'e stick between the teeth.

 

[PEG]

It will be imperial fabric covered coarse strand gear,i'm waiting,at present,for my DNO to upgrade my own. They did one for me at a neighbours and ended up jointing half-way up the drive. Installed 1937,cast door on the BILL switchfuse for lighting,conveniently swinging down to a rubbed bare spot on above mentioned tails...

 

[TJ Anderson]

Evening all,

I am looking to get hold of a 40 amp cut out fuse to replace an existing 60 amp to provide adequate protection to a supply cable. I bought a BS1361:1971 fuse thinking it would be the correct fit (22mm diameter) but it turns out its about 2mm too wide to fit in the carrier. The fuse carrier and head do look very old so was wondering if fuses that are slightly thinner than the standard cutout fuses are still available and if so, where I get hold of one?

I was thinking of running 16mm tails to a wylex switch fuse and downrating there if I have no joy with the main fuse, but I've not factored that in to the price and would like to avoid taking a hit on that one. Also there is the worry of getting on the wrong side of the DNO if they catch wind of me tampering with their equipment (although it looks like they last set foot in there in the 60's!)

Thank you

Obviously the DNO's equipment is just that, The DNO's, so leave it alone. Fit a switch fuse, take the hit on the price and put it down to experience.

 

[7029 dave]

40amp cut out fuse, never seen one lowest ive seen 30amp.WPD fit 80amp know in my area, that Is the norm for domestic supply.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

i havent got my tin hat on but i got aa ushanka lol

file it down it will be fine

I wanted to say that !

 

[Deleted member 26818]

How long are these tails going to be?

 

[shanky887614]

I wanted to say that !

you got one as well.

ill be the muppet on site with schneider written on there clothes wearing one around brum lol

 

[test electrical]

Ring the bloody DNO and tell them that supply tails or in a unsafe state. They will put a new cutout and 20mm tails in. No charge for an domestic building if the install is old enough and they will also change the meter to a smart meter if you live in the right area and have the right DNO. So if you or mad then you can put what ever size of fuse you like in. Or ring them and and ask to talk to an engineer and ask them?

 

[uksparks]

20mm? You sure about that? I have never come cross 20mm, well other than where espmeone has joined two 10mm together, the last I knew it went 10mm, 16mm, 25mm, 35mm

 

[PEG]

...let's keep shouting "clear",and givin' this thread 200 joules...My service head has two 30A rewireables,in a Bill assembly...it just sits there,like that sea mine,in "Hot-Fuzz" :icon12:

 

[test electrical]

...let's keep shouting "clear",and givin' this thread 200 joules...My service head has two 30A rewireables,in a Bill assembly...it just sits there,like that sea mine,in "Hot-Fuzz" :icon12:

Sorry 25mm tails they don't do 16mm,s any more it was late and all that popcorn when to my head

 

[VoltzElectrical]

Why hasn't anyone asked 'are you an ELECTRICIAN' yet?

When I was at college, we were taught the difference between BS 7671, and EASQR or whatever it is now.

Only our responsibility AFTER the meter.

So, my advice to the OP, call the DNO, and at least ASK the question.

 

[PEG]

DNO out to upgrade mine,in the morning...surly gentleman inspected today,could'nt get a smile out of him,tried to involve him in a bit of neutral-fuse-banter,and he said "It'll have been linked out..." no,i replied,it's fused,"How do you know?" he replied....long pause..."X-ray machine?" i quipped...not a glimmer...Anyway,he put a seal on it,which is the first time it's had one in forty years :icon12: