Q1. What is a BS1361 Fuse?
A BS1361 Fuse is a cartridge fuse-link manufactured to comply with British Standard BS 1361, which specifies requirements for fuses used in household consumer units and single-phase electrical installations. It provides reliable overcurrent and short-circuit protection for domestic circuits at 240V a.c.
Q2. What is the difference between a BS1361 Fuse and a BS 88-3 / IEC 60269-3 fuse?
BS 1361 is the traditional British Standard for consumer unit fuses. BS 88-3 and IEC 60269-3 are the current international and British standards that supersede and incorporate BS 1361 requirements. The Lawson Type L is certified to all three standards, making it backward compatible with existing BS 1361 installations while also meeting the latest IEC and BS requirements.
Q3. What is a Consumer Unit Fuse?
A Consumer Unit Fuse is a fuse-link specifically designed for installation in the consumer unit (also known as a fuse board or distribution board) in a domestic or single-phase property. It protects individual circuits — such as lighting, ring main, or cooker circuits — from overload and short-circuit faults.
Q4. What voltage and breaking capacity does the Lawson Type L offer?
The Lawson Type L Consumer Unit Fuse is rated at 240V a.c. with a breaking capacity of 16.5kA — suitable for fault levels commonly found in household and single-phase commercial installations.
Q5. What fuse holder is compatible with the Type L Consumer Unit Fuse?
The Type L BS1361 Fuse is designed to fit into Pullcap Fuse-Holders as well as other suitable fuse holders. Always ensure the fuse holder used is rated and certified for the voltage, current, and fault level of the installation.
Q6. What current ratings are available for the Lawson Type L?
The Type L range covers the current ratings specified under BS 1361, with additional ratings certified to BS 88 also included to meet broader installation requirements. Please download the product information sheet or contact the Lawson Fuses sales team for the complete current rating range.
Q7. What do the BS 1361 colour codes mean?
BS 1361 specifies colour coding for consumer unit fuses to help electricians quickly identify the correct current rating during installation and replacement. The colour corresponds to a specific ampere rating, reducing the risk of incorrect fuse selection on site.
Q8. Is the Lawson Type L Consumer Unit Fuse ASTA certified?
Yes. Lawson Fuses products, including the Type L BS1361 Fuse, are ASTA Certified and comply with the ASTA 20 Authorisation Scheme for low-voltage fuse-links. The company’s operations are independently accredited to ISO 9001, and its test facilities are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
Q9. Can the Type L Consumer Unit Fuse be used in commercial installations?
Yes. While primarily designed for household consumer units, the Type L can also be used in other single-phase installations with fault levels up to 16.5kA, including light commercial premises, small business units, and outbuildings with single-phase supply.
Q10. How do I order the Lawson Type L BS1361 Fuse?
Contact the Lawson Fuses sales team directly or reach out to an authorised sales partner. A full product information sheet with current ratings and part numbers is available to download from the product page.