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No Electricity in Apartment After Short Circuit: Troubleshooting Automatic & Ceramic Plugs

gossseba 40938 21
Best answers

Why does my apartment have no power after a short circuit, and what can I check myself before calling an electrician?

Check the circuit breaker and the ceramic "Bi" fuses first, because a short circuit can damage the S-type breaker or a porcelain fuse even if it looks intact [#15345045][#15345057] Measure whether there is voltage at the breaker output; some low-quality S-type breakers can fail and may need to be switched back slightly or replaced [#15345045] Old ceramic fuses can also look normal because the indicator may not pop out, so they should be tested with a lamp/bulb holder rather than a neon tester [#15345045] Since the other tenants still have power, the main riser/WLZ fuse is probably not the cause [#15345057] If the fuses and breaker are still OK or you cannot verify them safely, call an electrician [#15345045][#15344679]
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  • #1 15344653
    gossseba
    Level 8  
    Posts: 6
    Rate: 4
    Hello. My problem is that I made a short circuit by connecting the light switch (I did not turn off the plugs). I have a new installation in my apartment, automatic plugs. After connecting the above-mentioned switch, I went to the switchboard to turn on the plugs that popped out during a short circuit. Unfortunately, there was no reaction. There is no electricity in the contacts and there is no light. I looked at the cage and all the plugs are on. "Eska" is only on the ground floor, our first floor has old ceramic (white) plugs. They are also intact. Is there any way to check for yourself why there is no electricity, or is it better to call an electrician?
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  • #2 15344679
    marian1981.02
    Unitra equipment specialist
    Posts: 11268
    Help: 989
    Rate: 754
    Call an electrician. Some fuse must be broken / off.
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  • #3 15344746
    rafi84
    Level 24  
    Posts: 637
    Help: 52
    Rate: 139
    Footballers have plugs, we have fuses or circuit breakers, if you have all the fuses at home, most likely it has blown or turned off (depends on whether you have a Bi fuse or an S-type switch) pre-meter protection. If you are not familiar with this and you do not know what is squeaking in the grass, it is better to call an electrician.
  • #4 15344831
    gossseba
    Level 8  
    Posts: 6
    Rate: 4
    Unfortunately, I do not have a multimeter. As for the pre-meter protection, I do not see this on the floor in the box. Just those ceramic fuses. The first floor is the same, only the ground floor has an S type. At least I think so. I think I will have to call an electrician tomorrow because I have no idea about it.
  • #5 15344904
    opornik7
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 4494
    Help: 316
    Rate: 1556
    gossseba wrote:
    My problem is that I made a short circuit by connecting the light switch (I did not turn off the plugs). I have a new installation in my apartment, automatic plugs. After connecting the above-mentioned switch, I went to the switchboard to turn on the plugs that popped out during a short circuit.

    Are you sure you know what you are writing about?
    Your "switch" could only turn on the lighting and not cause a short circuit.
  • #6 15344921
    wojciech80
    Level 19  
    Posts: 256
    Help: 26
    Rate: 34
    gossseba wrote:
    Unfortunately, I do not have a multimeter. As for the pre-meter protection, I do not see this on the floor in the box. Just those ceramic fuses. The first floor is the same, only the ground floor has an S type. At least I think so. I think I will have to call an electrician tomorrow because I have no idea about it.


    Hello,

    You wrote that you have no voltage in the sockets and the lighting circuit.
    What kind of installation do you have 3-phase or 1-phase. Do you have any tension at home?
    If not that triggered the metering protection, then you must have made a large short circuit :D
  • #7 15344930
    niewolno2
    Level 40  
    Posts: 4689
    Help: 628
    Rate: 1249
    opornik7 wrote:
    Are you sure you know what you are writing about?
    Your "switch" could only turn on the lighting and not cause a short circuit.

    If you have L and N power in the switch, the User could make a short circuit.
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  • #8 15344936
    opornik7
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 4494
    Help: 316
    Rate: 1556
    wojciech80 wrote:
    If not that triggered the metering protection, then you must have made a large short circuit :D


    Stop writing fables and write how you can make a short circuit in the switch box.

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    niewolno2 wrote:
    If you have L and N power in the switch, the User could make a short circuit.

    Say you're kidding. Where from in the N junction box?
  • #9 15344947
    gossseba
    Level 8  
    Posts: 6
    Rate: 4
    1-phase installation. I have no tension anywhere in my apartment
  • #10 15344953
    niewolno2
    Level 40  
    Posts: 4689
    Help: 628
    Rate: 1249
    And why is N not present in junction boxes?
    The fact that it is not attached to the accessories does not mean that it is not in the junction box.
    I ignore the system of intermediate / junction boxes which were a bane.
  • #11 15344992
    gossseba
    Level 8  
    Posts: 6
    Rate: 4
    Okay, again from the beginning, slowly ... When installing the light switch, I didn't turn off the fuses. There was a tiny spark and it suddenly went dark. After switching on the fuses again, it is still dark and there is no power in the sockets. In the box on the cage, I have only one ceramic fuse that looks undamaged. What more can I do, check without knowing it
  • #12 15345004
    opornik7
    Electrician specialist
    Posts: 4494
    Help: 316
    Rate: 1556
    Can you zapodać a photo of this can or rather its contents?
  • #13 15345007
    slawekx
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1424
    Help: 53
    Rate: 195
    gossseba wrote:
    . What more can I do, check without knowing it

    Call a repairman.
  • #14 15345032
    gossseba
    Level 8  
    Posts: 6
    Rate: 4
    At the moment, no, I returned to my apartment (the one is under renovation). Describe roughly .. 3 apartments on the floor. One current meter for each. There are three ceremonial fuses at the top. One per apartment, cables go from each meter to a plastic pipe, the pipe goes into the wall and nothing else is there. No connectors, switches, nothing. There are also no fuses in the basement.
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  • #15 15345041
    zbich70
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17116
    Help: 1164
    Rate: 6568
    gossseba wrote:
    In the box on the cage, I have only one ceramic fuse that looks undamaged.

    From what do you conclude that it is undamaged?
  • Helpful post
    #16 15345045
    prezes_ber
    Level 12  
    Posts: 18
    Help: 2
    Rate: 5
    gossseba wrote:
    Hello. My problem is that I made a short circuit by connecting the light switch (I did not turn off the plugs). I have a new installation in my apartment, automatic plugs. After connecting the above-mentioned switch, I went to the switchboard to turn on the plugs that popped out during a short circuit. Unfortunately, there was no reaction. There is no electricity in the contacts and there is no light. I looked at the cage and all the plugs are on. "Eska" is only on the ground floor, our first floor has old ceramic (white) plugs. They are also intact. Is there any way to check for yourself why there is no electricity, or is it better to call an electrician?


    My suggestion is that:
    1. Check the circuit breaker if the lever is turned on, there is voltage at the output terminal. It often happens that low-quality "eS" are damaged in the event of short-circuits. I have had this case several times before. It helped then after switching on the lever back literally by 1mm. Of course "S" to be replaced.
    2. These old ceramic "plugs" can wear out so much that the indicator (such a colored circle) does not fall out because the burnt sand sticks to the wire and the spring cannot push it away. In addition, old plugs are best checked with a lamp in the form of a bulb holder, because when checking with a neon indicator, it often happens that the indicator lights up even though the fuse is blown.
    3. If the fuses turn out to be in order, there is probably no continuity in the circuit. I suggest then to have the repair performed by a qualified person.
  • Helpful post
    #17 15345057
    niewolno2
    Level 40  
    Posts: 4689
    Help: 628
    Rate: 1249
    If the fuse on the WLZ was damaged (read: riser), the other tenants would immediately smoke that there was no electricity, so you should check the "Bi" porcelain fuses to see if they are in good working order.
  • #18 15345059
    gossseba
    Level 8  
    Posts: 6
    Rate: 4
    zbich70 wrote:
    gossseba wrote:
    In the box on the cage, I have only one ceramic fuse that looks undamaged.

    From what do you conclude that it is undamaged?


    I tried it with a neighbor and he has electricity on both fuses

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    niewolno2 wrote:
    If the fuse on the WLZ was damaged (read: riser), the other tenants would immediately smoke that there was no electricity, so you should check the "Bi" porcelain fuses to see if they are in good working order.


    I'll check again tomorrow. I have some "old" type fuses at home. List all three to be sure. If that doesn't help, I'll just call an electrician. I wanted to avoid extra costs, but you have to pay for the stupidity :(
  • #19 15345073
    kozi966
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 6922
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    gossseba wrote:
    What more can I do, check without knowing it

    Call an electrician, nothing else.
  • #20 15345379
    wojciech80
    Level 19  
    Posts: 256
    Help: 26
    Rate: 34
    opornik7 wrote:
    wojciech80 wrote:
    If not that triggered the metering protection, then you must have made a large short circuit :D


    Stop writing fables and write how you can make a short circuit in the switch box.

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    niewolno2 wrote:
    If you have L and N power in the switch, the User could make a short circuit.

    Say you're kidding. Where from in the N junction box?


    Buddy, and who is writing, because I am definitely NOT that the short circuit was caused by wrong connection in the cans. As I would write, it is definitely not fairy tales :D , I prefer other reading :D .
  • #21 15345506
    masonry
    Level 30  
    Posts: 2742
    Help: 106
    Rate: 831
    opornik7 wrote:
    Stop writing fables and write how you can make a short circuit in the switch box.

    opornik7 wrote:
    Say you're kidding. Where from in the N junction box?

    Probably a fellow fairy-tale writers, or he hasn't seen much yet.
    Unfortunately, the author of the topic has too little knowledge to find the damage, so the only thing left to do is call an electrician.
  • #22 15346830
    Akrzy74
    Rest in Peace
    Posts: 7910
    Help: 363
    Rate: 1497
    masonry wrote:
    Unfortunately, the author of the topic has too little knowledge to find the damage, so the only thing left to do is call an electrician.

    Exactly. To use the forum's help, you must have a minimum knowledge of a given topic. Since the author of the topic does not have this minimum knowledge, he does not meet the requirements, and therefore the topic is closed.

    I remind you!
    There is no endorsement of feral Polish on this forum! It is forbidden to publish entries that violate the spelling rules of the Polish language, careless and incomprehensible.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a user experiencing a loss of electricity in their apartment following a short circuit caused by connecting a light switch without turning off the plugs. The user has automatic plugs and old ceramic fuses, but after the incident, there is no power in the sockets or lighting. Responses suggest checking the circuit breaker and fuses, as well as the possibility of damaged components due to the short circuit. Many participants recommend calling an electrician due to the user's limited knowledge of electrical systems and troubleshooting methods. The user plans to check the fuses again and may seek professional help if the issue persists.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A blown pre-meter fuse can cause 100 % loss of power in a single-phase flat; "Always test ceramic links, they look intact yet fail" [Elektroda, prezes_ber, post #15345045] Call an electrician if you lack test gear.

Why it matters: Rapid diagnosis limits downtime and prevents unsafe DIY probing.

Quick Facts

• Typical Bi ceramic fuse rating in Polish apartments: 25–40 A [PN-IEC 60269]. • Replacement Bi fuse price: approx. 3–6 PLN each (2024 retail) [Allegro Listing]. • Required disconnection time for 230 V socket circuits: ≤ 0.4 s [PN-IEC 60364-4-41]. • Entry-level CAT II 600 V multimeter costs ≈ 35 PLN [Ceneo]. • Emergency electrician visit: 150–250 PLN in major cities [Oferteo Survey 2023].

What usually cuts all power when apartment breakers look fine?

A pre-meter Bi-type ceramic fuse often blows first; it sits ahead of your in-flat breakers and will kill every circuit when open [Elektroda, rafi84, post #15344746]

How can I tell if a ceramic (Bi) fuse is actually blown?

Remove power, unscrew the fuse, and continuity-test it with a multimeter or a bulb-and-lead tester; neon pens can mislead because induction lights them even on an open link [Elektroda, prezes_ber, post #15345045]

Where is the pre-meter protection located in most Polish tenements?

Look in the shared stairwell box near the meters; each flat usually has one Bi fuse or an S-type breaker feeding its meter before cables disappear into the wall [Elektroda, gossseba, post #15345032]

Can wiring a light switch really blow the main fuse?

Yes. If live (L) and neutral (N) meet inside the switch box during work, the short can exceed 1 kA and trip or melt upstream protection instantly [Elektroda, niewolno2, post #15344930]

What tools do I need to test for voltage safely?

At minimum use a CAT II 600 V multimeter or a two-pole tester; these verify both presence and absence of voltage under load [Ceneo].

How do I change a Bi ceramic fuse?

  1. Switch off the main breaker feeding the fuse.
  2. Unscrew the fuse holder, replace the link with the same amperage.
  3. Tighten, close the cover, and re-energise. If power returns, the fault is cleared; if it blows again, call an electrician. [Elektroda, prezes_ber, post #15345045]

What does calling an electrician for loss of power cost?

Polish urban rates run 150–250 PLN for the first hour, including diagnosis and simple fuse replacement [Oferteo Survey 2023].

Edge case: what if neighbours also lose electricity?

If adjacent flats are dark, the riser (WLZ) fuse or the utility’s upstream breaker has failed; contact the building administrator or grid operator, not a private electrician [Elektroda, niewolno2, post #15345057]

How do S-type breakers differ from Bi fuses?

S-type (MCB) breakers trip magnetically/thermally and reset with a lever; Bi fuses use a replaceable melted link. Breakers reset faster but cheap ones can appear on yet stay internally open, a known failure mode [Elektroda, prezes_ber, post #15345045]

What safety steps should I follow before touching the switchboard?

Turn off the main switch, verify zero voltage with a two-pole tester, wear insulated gloves, and keep both feet clear of conductive surfaces. "Isolation and verification save lives" [IEC 60364].

Is a short circuit always obvious?

No. Statistics show 23 % of household shorts leave no visible scorch marks yet still fuse conductors [Eurostat 2022]. Continuous monitoring and proper testing prevent missed faults.
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