Two nights ago I noticed a slight flickering from my fluorescent lamp. Thinking that the filament was about to show its age, I decided to let it black out before replacing a new one. To my dismay, all the fluorescent lamps started to blink simultaneously at around 10 pm last night. Surprisingly the other household appliances were not affected. Even my computer which is particularly sensitive showed no sign of any electricity interruption.
On checking the electric meter at the main panel, we detected a clicking noise whenever the lamps blinked. No burnt smell was detected but still we were afraid if not attended to, a faulty wire could start a fire later on. I flipped off the circuit breaker to disconnect the current.
I wanted to delay until the next day to contact TNB but the night was hot and the mosquitoes were a nuisance. I placed a call to TNB at 15454 but was cut off during my first try. My second call was successful. The telephonist assured me the technicians would visit us later in the night. Within 20 minutes they arrived. To the technicians it was a small matter. To us, it is serious problem. A house on fire is not a laughing matter. It took them a few minutes to replace the cartridge fuse. Thanks to them everything is functioning well now.
The screw connecting the input cable wire to the fuse has became loosen. That had caused the interruption in the flow of electric current and the sparkling sound from the fuse. By night when the current load is at its highest, the heated aluminum wires had caused the rubber insulator to melt. This faulty wiring may cause the fuse to blow and catch fire.
The technicians recommended we changed the amperage rating from 60 to a higher capacity of 100 amperes if our electricity usage is high, to avoid any current overload. A good idea but 60 is just enough for our usage.
On checking the electric meter at the main panel, we detected a clicking noise whenever the lamps blinked. No burnt smell was detected but still we were afraid if not attended to, a faulty wire could start a fire later on. I flipped off the circuit breaker to disconnect the current.
I wanted to delay until the next day to contact TNB but the night was hot and the mosquitoes were a nuisance. I placed a call to TNB at 15454 but was cut off during my first try. My second call was successful. The telephonist assured me the technicians would visit us later in the night. Within 20 minutes they arrived. To the technicians it was a small matter. To us, it is serious problem. A house on fire is not a laughing matter. It took them a few minutes to replace the cartridge fuse. Thanks to them everything is functioning well now.
The screw connecting the input cable wire to the fuse has became loosen. That had caused the interruption in the flow of electric current and the sparkling sound from the fuse. By night when the current load is at its highest, the heated aluminum wires had caused the rubber insulator to melt. This faulty wiring may cause the fuse to blow and catch fire.
The technicians recommended we changed the amperage rating from 60 to a higher capacity of 100 amperes if our electricity usage is high, to avoid any current overload. A good idea but 60 is just enough for our usage.
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