Will this old switch have asbestos in it?

[HappyHippyDad]

My customer has just moved in and wants to make sure the electrics in the garage are safe. I have only carried out a pre-works visit so far and noticed this old MEM switch.

I believe it to be the isolation switch for all the garage electrics. Will it have a fuse inside it? Also, is this likely to be an asbestos lined fuse?

 

[westward10]

More than likely yes.

 

[littlespark]

Take the cover off and have a look. Possible the asbestos flash pads have been lost over the years.

 

[Flanders]

It will probley have the asbestos flash pads in it think it will have 2 fuse holders

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Thanks everyone. I expect it will be getting replaced, so it's good to know its likely to have the asbestos lining.

I have only had to remove one fuse box before that had asbestos. It's currently hanging up in my shed with a skull and cross bones drawn on it so I recognise any similar in the future. I may do the same with this one. If not, would the local recycle centre take it or would it need to be something more specialised?

 

[westward10]

If it does contain asbestos then this is deemed hazardous waste. What is your company procedures for this.

 

[nicebutdim]

If it does contain asbestos then this is deemed hazardous waste. What is your company procedures for this.

I'm guessing nothing that could be posted on a public forum

 

[James]

Something like this?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

If it does contain asbestos then this is deemed hazardous waste. What is your company procedures for this.

I generally ask you.

 

[littlespark]

If the switch is coming out, then there’s no need to disturb the flash pads. ( if they are still there)
Then it’s just disposal to worry about.

(

 

[nicebutdim]

EBay probably has loads of old fuses with asbestos flash pads for sale, from people thinking they're ideal opportunities for tapping into the antiques market.

I'm not suggesting eBay is a suitable method of disposal

 

[7029 dave]

Looks very much like a 4way MEM had one just like that.

 

[lozarus]

As others have said it wil judt be flash pads if theyre even still there. The unit is a 4 way MEM CU. Speak to a local asbestos company. Im friendly with a few around here. They'll ususlly bag them up and take them away for not much coin at all in accounts of it being such a simple job.

As others have said though ive been sent / bought plenty of this gear (im sad i know) on ebay etc !

 

[timhoward]

Send in the boys!

 

[Penguin]

My customer has just moved in and wants to make sure the electrics in the garage are safe. I have only carried out a pre-works visit so far and noticed this old MEM switch.

I believe it to be the isolation switch for all the garage electrics. Will it have a fuse inside it? Also, is this likely to be an asbestos lined fuse?

View attachment 109937

The age of this ISO was around the time when asbestos was the popular material of use.
If there’s a wire fuse inside it’s more than lightly that they’ll be a small white pad fitted.

From the picture it looks like it’s ready for an update.
Also remember that unless you break Asbestos into fibres and take the obvious precautions with ventilation etc you should be fine.

 

[Avo Mk8]

John Ward has a page on these, and as suggested above, on his there are asbestos flash pads in the (30A only) fuses themselves.

MEM 4 way enclosed grey metal fuse box #2

Completely enclosed four way MEM metal fuse box with cream coloured ceramic rewireable fuses

flameport.com