1

I have used an electric shower for years no problems, but all of a sudden my fuse board started buzzing when I use the shower. I replaced the shower with the same size unit and it still makes a buzzing noise.

I have checked all the wires and they are tight and well connected. I changed the old cartridge fuse for an mcb 40amp fuse, and still it makes a buzzing noise.

Is this a sign that my wylex fuse board needs changing?

2 Answers 2

2

Any time you have buzzing coming out of a fuse panel or breaker panel, you need to get a qualified electrician in immediately to find out what's going on.

These things contain large buss bars and depending on your local electrical code, unfused power entry. Any minor loss of connection integrity that causes a loose connection anywhere whether it's inside a breaker, where the breaker/fuse attaches to the buss bars, broken buss bar insulation stand-offs or in the cable connection to the bars can unleash an arc in the 8000-10000 degree F range that burns through metal and instantly sets fire to any wood surrounds that heat gets transmitted into.

The best demonstration of the power of 220V (which did not blow the 50A range fuse) was a cook stove that had a weak spot develop in the element. It glowed bright orange in the break, burst into arc and burnt through the muffin tin my mother threw on it to contain the arc flame. The ion plume reached the ceiling and scorched a 3" dia area black. A water heater pulls enough current to cause such an arc wherever there's a loose connection.

0

It could be a loose connection behind the board. Also, wylex boards used to have a din rail in the board to mount door bell transformers at the end - the rail or door bell transformer could be vibrating.

1
  • 1
    If a door bell transformer buzzes whenever you take a shower, it means that current is passing through that transformer as a result of that shower system being on. That's not a good thing, since a door bell transformer shouldn't have anything to do with an electric shower.
    – Kaz
    Nov 22, 2012 at 1:33

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.