Arcing when inserting mains fuse in consumer unit

[ABN]

Just changed a faulty wall socket, when I replace the consumer unit fuse (fuse wire type) with the consumer unit switched on I could hear a small amount of arcing as if drawing current. Everything on that fuse circuit was switched of at the wall.



Is this normal due to the natural capacitive / inductive load of the wiring or is it likely to point to a more serious problem.

 

[magicmushroom666]

Probably something else on that circuit that isn't turned off, like a bathroom fan or something else hard wired. Not really anything to worry about.

 

[AndyPRK]

I suspect something is still connected on that circuit that you don't realise!

 

[flameport]

Is this normal

It's normal if there is a load connected.

What's not normal or safe is shoving a fuse into the fusebox while it's live.
If a fault exists on the circuit, the fusewire will vaporise and burn your hand.
In future, switch off before removing or inserting fuses.

 

[mattylad]

What he^^ said.

 

[ABN]

Thanks for the replies.

I realise its not good practise to insert fuse while power is on and in future will not do so.

90% sure nothing was connected but will check again.But if nothing is still conected or hardwired what could becausing the faint arcing noise? Could not see any visible arcing.

 

[JohnW2]

90% sure nothing was connected but will check again.But if nothing is still conected or hardwired what could becausing the faint arcing noise? Could not see any visible arcing.

I think it must be down to that other 10% ! As has been said/implied, if absolutely no current were flowing when you re-inserted the fuse, there would be no such sound - so I suspect that there must have been something connected to that circuit.

Kind Regards, John