On 28 Oct 2003 02:58:44 -0800, Al wrote:

snip

Thanks to everybody for all the responses so far - I'm going to go
through them carefully and have a rethink.
Actually, just buying the insulated screwdrivers started me rethinking
rather seriously.

Of course I was wrong: the electricity company fuse(s) will be in the
green metal box at the top of the supply cable as Lee suggested.

That sounds very much like an old 30A rewireable fuse, which all
Electricity Boards (pre-privatisation) had a programme for removal.
Whilst you may now be fairly happy with what you're doing, I would still
contact your local distribution company and tell them you think you have
an old rewireable main fuse, and could they please inspect and replace
it if necessary.