I also wondered why there had been no blown fuse. There is no fuse at all in this system - the electrician said that he wouldn’t expect there to be and that if there is an overload or short, then the relays would simply fail (I may not be explaining this bit properly). I thought this was a little strange but another acquaintance (a distant, retired relative) agreed with this. I’m still not totally convinced, but what do I know….
Indeed, if there is no fuse, crap will fail. That's kinda the point of the fuse. More specifically, it'll help protect the wiring which may be running through walls, behind plaster, etc.
Even if the relays would fail from the excess current (which doesn't sound like a good measure to me, considering the collateral damage that may ensue), there's the real possibility that the relay manufacturer could change the production method and they could function well beyond their rated capacity (they are not a safety device).
Now, it may be custom in your location that these things are not supplied with a fuse or breaker but it wouldn't be the first time bad practices become custom.
I guess I’ll just have to join the throw-away culture which I hate so much
It's annoying. The internet has made it incredibly easy to find parts these days but it seems manufacturers are discontinuing parts at an accelerating rate. A couple of months ago it was the hinges on my oven (I was finally able to locate compatible parts at not-cheap prices), last month it was my relatively new electric chainsaw (wear part) - ended up buying a new one. Now, my steam cleaner hose has a hole in it. I'm going for a repair on that one since I have had no luck at all locating the part.
