Rewiring fuses
If you live in an older home your switchboard may still have (semi-enclosed) rewireable fuses.
These fuses are ceramic plug-in units on the switchboard. They have a length of fuse wire connected between two screws on the contacts of a fuse holder and operate in an overload or short-circuit current.
From time-to-time these fuses can blow and the following steps must be used to safely replace the wire.
- Switch the power off from the appliance being used and unplug it.
- Turn off the power
at the main switch
on the switchboard.
Even if you have a safety switch installed, which automatically turns the power off in the event of a fault you must always turn the power off at the main switch on the switchboard. - Use the correctly
rated fuse wire for
the size of the cable
in the circuit it
protects.
The required fuse rating is generally stamped on the outside of each fuse holder or marked on the switchboard near the fuse base.
Never use an oversize fuse wire as it can cause damage to the electrical installation wiring, or start a fire risking lives and property. - Insert the correctly rewired fuse into its holder, and turn on the main power switch.
- If the fuse blows again with the electrical equipment unplugged, the fault may be in another electrical appliance or a fault in the wiring. You should then call a licensed electrical contractor..
Ensure any damaged or faulty electrical appliance is checked and repaired only by a licensed electrical contractor or authorised repairer.
If you don’t have a safety switch, consider getting one installed, because they can save your life and property.
Remember only safety switches save lives. Circuit breakers and surge protectors protect appliances not people.
Last updated 21 July 2009
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