What is that fuse? Can someone identify

[ProDave]

Totally random picture thanks to google of a typical DNO supply head The fuse in this one is in the left hand bit where the red wire comes out, but there are many many different variants on this so yours may not have been the same as this.

 

[Andy™]

The whole point of a consumer unit is to provide circuit protection so no circuit can be overloaded, the protective device will trip first. Clearly that did not not happen.

doesn't need to be overloaded or fault current to start a fire

 

[ProDave]

doesn't need to be overloaded or fault current to start a fire

Indeed faulty component or faulty assembly, but those that make the rules thought they would solve the problem by putting it in a tin box to contain a fire, rather than improving the components or assembly to prevent a fire. As I have said before.

 

[binky]

doesn't need to be overloaded or fault current to start a fire

It would be interesting to know what brand the board was. Not that it necessarily would be the equipment at fault, any loose connection could start a fire.

 

[UNG]

Looking at the pictures of the devastation surrounding the consumer units and then seeing the pictures of the remains of the internals of the consumer units if the fire had started in one of them I would have expected far more damage to the consumer unit internal devices than there actually is.
Again if there had been any overheating or sustained overload on the consumer units from past experience I would have thought there would have been an acrid smell from the plastic components for a period prior to the fire
My question would be was there a smart meter installed so many of these seem to poorly fitted with loose terminals being quite common and tails not correctly stripped back to allow the conductor to be fully inserted in the terminals

With regard to the fire investigation when I looked into the fire stats around 2016 - 17 there did not appear to be any breakdown to component level of cause in the DNO / consumers distribution equipment in domestic premises.
To suggest it was an issue with a consumer unit in this situation when it doesn't look like any of the covers have been removed for me is a lazy assumption not based on any actual investigation

 

[mort2376]

While we understand what may have caused this, it's all speculation. People far more qualified will be needed to give a definitive answer.

All I hope is that if anyone was in the property when this happened that they all got out safely.

Whilst not a good situation, bricks and mortar can be replaced, a person can't.