Weird fuse deployment

[kingeri]

I was doing an EICR today on a bog standard terraced house, and as part of that was checking the fuse ratings in the boiler FCU etc. (always do this as often people can't be bothered to swap out the 13amp fuse). Anyway, found the boiler FCU was fitted with a 1amp fuse, a spur for a built-in computer desk area on the landing was fitted with a 7amp fuse, and a lighting spur in the loft was fitted with a 2amp fuse. The FCU on the landing for the towel rail in the bathroom was fitted with a 10amp fuse. Nothing actually wrong with the ratings as such, but I did find it decidedly non-standard. Anyone else seen this kind of thing?

 

[kingeri]

Lol, thanks Kate.

 

[kingeri]

If you read back, you did indeed seem to turn rather unpleasant for seemingly (to me at least) no reason.

Where?

Posts 6 and 7. Whilst not directly offensive, they have a tone that would turn milk sour. But, it's all water under the bridge now.

So, anyway, have you ever seen the fuses I mentioned?

 

[44ALLAN]

Ok third party stepping in from neutral side.

44allan u mention csa's first.

I think ops original statement/question is just whether anyone has come across non standard/uncommon fuses being used.

Hi Kate

Yes I did mention csa's of the cables in response to his opening post about fuse sizes.
Please read it again and tell me if you find any problems with the fuse sizes he mentioned and the circuits they were protecting.

Would you give advice on fuse sizes without knowing the csa of the cables they were protecting?
I wouldn't hence my question that has been blown...................blah blah

 

[44ALLAN]

Posts 6 and 7. Whilst not directly offensive, they have a tone that would turn milk sour. But, it's all water under the bridge now.

You'll find that was in response to post 3 by dizzy about the ccc of a paperclip in which i responded...........how thick is it?
Wasn't even talking to you mate hence my 'selective reading' tic (tongue in cheek) post
Nevamind though its obvious I misunderstood your post/question about fuse sizes so apologies if I've offended.

 

[Sintra]

Thank god for that all friends again

 

[kingeri]

allan,

I know I misunderstood your How Thick question.

Maybe we are both thick.

No offence caused my man, and I hope I haven't offended you either.

Was probably a boring subject anyway. At least you replied!!!! I am grateful for that!

 

[HandySparks]

Maybe the original electrician was just over thinking it a bit. The 'odd' sizes are readily available:

Plug Top Fuses - BS1362

 

[Engineer54]

For many years, only the 3A and 13A fuses were available. Then came the 5A and 10A, then it seems all sorts of ratings became available. Even seen 15A rating. Now whether any of these ratings other than the original 3A and 13A are officially BS recognised, i don't know?

I do know that only the 3A and 13A were ever shown in BS7671/Regs time/current tables...

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Lady said the fuses have never been changed since installation. Just don't really see the point of using anything other than 3 or 13! Or occasionally 5. Sorry if nobody cares, just wondered if anyone could explain why this might have been done. It's almost as though someone has tried to match the fuse rating as closely as possible to the current draw expected.

- - - Updated - - -



How thick was what?

so....where would you maybe use a 5A then?...

 

[Kate]

Hi Kate

Yes I did mention csa's of the cables in response to his opening post about fuse sizes.
Please read it again and tell me if you find any problems with the fuse sizes he mentioned and the circuits they were protecting.

Would you give advice on fuse sizes without knowing the csa of the cables they were protecting?
I wouldn't hence my question that has been blown...................blah blah

I dont think there are issues with fuse sizes. And yea many things need considering to decide on fuse sizes.

I think this whole thread blew some fuses

I took the original post as a bit or boredom and conversation about uncommon fuses used rather than for advise.

maybe im con-fused???

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Ok third party stepping in from neutral side.

44allan u mention csa's first.

I think ops original statement/question is just whether anyone has come across non standard/uncommon fuses being used.

introducing fused neutrals....
hmm...well i must say i expected better from you Kate...i really did..

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

so....where would you maybe use a 5A then?...

5A and 10A fuses are mainly used in plug tops for IT equipment aren't they? I have used a 5a fuse in a house though when I have been short of a 3A fuse

 

[Knobhead]

For many years, only the 3A and 13A fuses were available. Then came the 5A and 10A, then it seems all sorts of ratings became available. Even seen 15A rating. Now whether any of these ratings other than the original 3A and 13A are officially BS recognised, i don't know?

I do know that only the 3A and 13A were ever shown in BS7671/Regs time/current tables...

1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 & 13A have been available from my days as an apprentice. All to BS1362.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Pretty much case closed, job done with that post Tony, time to move on to the next mis-understood blown out of proportion thread!

 

[Tuttle]

so....where would you maybe use a 5A then?...

I had a Saturday job in a TV shop when I was at school, about 30 years ago. One of my jobs was to fit plug tops to new TVs. I was told to fit 5A fuses for colour TVs and 3A fuses for B&W TVs. Apparently, 3A fuses for colour TVs had a habit of blowing.

So in answer to your question, I use 5A fuses in 30 year old colour TVs :teeth_smile: