Charles wrote:

"Charles Bishop" wrote in message
...

While working in an older unit, I was helping to track down which fuse
controlled which circuit. The fuses were in a closet, in two separate fuse
boxes. These were the screw in/screw out fuses.

There were several porcelein fuse holders and each contained 2-4 fuses. I
unscrewed one fuse and noticed that the ceiling light in the bedroom went
out. However, when I unscrewed the other fuse in the porcelein fuse holder
(there were two) the same light went out. The same thing happened for the
light in the closet.


Why would two fuses control the same light?


The fuses are wired in series. Strange!

Maybe some know-nothing who wired the place put fuses in BOTH the hot
and neutral leads? That'd put them in series, but without a common
connection between them.

Someone with a voltmeter and a little knowledge could sort things out
pretty quickly.



The porcelein fuse holders were a 4" square block for those that held two
fuses. Wires went into the back or sides of the fuse holder.

Oh, also, the wiring looks to be 12 or 14 ga (cloth covered, older wire so
it's hard to tell), and the fuses are all 30A. I'm assuming I should
mention this to the owner and mention that he should get the correct sized
fuses in?

I'm assuming that's what's in there now are standard glass fuses. If so,
I'd strongly suggest to the owner that after ascertaining the gauge of
the wire (by direct measurement or comparison with known gauge wire)
that he/she installs appropriate size non-removable adaptors and
"Fusestat" non-interchangable fuses.


Yes, sounds like a fire just waiting to happen.



Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight.