- What is a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
- Can anyone do a switched/ unswitched fused spur replacement ?
- How many sockets are allowed on a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
- How do I use a fused spur switch?
- What is a switched fused spur without flex outlet?
- Can I have a switched fused spur in a bathroom?
- Does a washing machine need a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
- What is the maximum load of a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
- How to fit/ replace/ change a switched/ unswitched fused spur
How to do a damaged switched/ unswitched fused spur replacement / fitting?
A damaged switched/ unswitched fused spur is often caused by overloading or a loose connection in the plug. Do not plug any appliances back in without solving this problem first or it will happen again.
You should never take risks with the electrical safety. Before you start any type of electrical work, follow these safety precautions:
- Switch off the main power at the consumer unit / fuse box. Isolate the circuit you plan to work on by removing the circuit fuse.
- Or switch off the breaker and lock it if you can – put a note on the unit to advise you’re working on the circuit.
- Check the circuit is dead with a switched/ unswitched fused spur tester or voltage tester / meter for lighting circuits.
- Unscrew the switched/ unswitched fused spur faceplate and pull the faceplate forward
- Loosen the screws at the terminals and free the wires
- Cut back the cores and strip the ends
- Cover the earth core wiring with an extra length of green and yellow wire sleeving if it’s exposed
- Earth the metal back boxes
- Fit the new faceplate
- Test it
What is a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
Fused spurs are the electrical switches that contain an individual fuse such as an electrical component that protects against shocks and electrical fires. This is done by breaking the connection in the event of excessive current. Fuses fall within the broader category of electrical components and are called circuit breakers, which all have a very similar function.
Fused spurs should not be confused with the residual current device (RCD) sockets. The RCD Sockets are built to automatically switch off the live current.
Non-switched or unswitched fused spurs do not have any manual button. Fused non-switched spurs are normally used with devices such as freezers or security lights that need to operate continuously, with no need for users to be able to turn off the current in most circumstances.
Can anyone do a switched/ unswitched fused spur replacement / fitting?
You can put either a 3,5 or 13 amp fuse in the fuse holder depending on the power consumption of the appliance that you want to protect.
How many sockets are allowed on a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
You can have one unfused spur per socket-outlet on a ring main or one fused spur per socket-outlet.
How do I use a fused spur switch?
Fused spurs are used as a replacement of conventional plug sockets with higher power, higher voltage electrical devices. In a domestic setting, typical uses include ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, boilers, thermostats, and refrigerators. Electrical systems for use in bathrooms, such as heaters, can also feature fused spurs.
What is a switched fused spur without flex outlet?
A switched FCU is generally used for appliances where being able to turn them off manually can be a great benefit. A good example of this is an electric heater.
Can I have a switched fused spur in a bathroom?
No, they are not permitted in any zone of a bathroom.
Does a washing machine need a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
A Fused Spur Switch is commonly used for powerful electrical appliances, such as washing machines and dish washers that need to be installed without a plug.
What is the maximum load of a switched/ unswitched fused spur?
Fused spurs are connected to the ring circuit through a fused connection unit, the fuse of which must not exceed 13A.
How to add new switched/ unswitched fused spur?
Fitting a fused connection unit is a fairly easy task if you have some basic electrical knowledge and the correct tools for the job.
Please follow the below steps:
- Turn off the power
- Fit Back Box
- Run Electrical Cables
- Open the existing socket
- Remove some blanks from the back box
- Once stripped run the cable from the existing socket, through the trucking to the FCU back box
- Connect up the wire at the existing socket
- Next cut another length of cable and run this from the fused connection unit back box out to where the new socket will be placed.
- Connected all the wires to the correct terminals on the back of the FCU face plate
- Screw the face plate to the back box.
- Screw the face plate to the back box.
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