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.
- Use the correct rated fuse wire for the size of the cable in the circuit it protects.
- The 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.
- Put 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.