Damon Mcknight
Changing a fuse is a simple procedure that can be carried out at home. Fuses are protective devices that cut off the current if a circuit is overloaded or faulty, safeguarding your property against electrical surges. In Australia, the fuse box is typically located at the front or side of a house, in basements, utility rooms, or garages. Before attempting to repair a blown fuse, it is important to turn off the main power switch to prevent any potential electrocution. The blown fuse can then be identified by the switch in the off position or a visibly damaged fuse. Once identified, the fuse can be replaced with one of the same size, amperage, and type.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a fuse | A protective device that cuts off the current if a circuit overloads or if there is a fault |
| Where to find a fuse | In your mains fuse box/consumer unit, in a fused connection unit, or in a plug/extension lead |
| How to identify a blown fuse | Look for a blackened or discoloured fuse, a melted piece of metal, or a switch in the "off" position |
| What to do before changing a fuse | Turn off all electrical devices in the affected area, including light switches |
| How to change a fuse | Remove the blown fuse and replace it with a new fuse of the same size, amperage, and type |
| What to do after changing a fuse | Restore power to the fuse box by flipping the main power switch |
| What to do if the power doesn't come back | Call a qualified electrician to diagnose the problem |
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What You'll Learn
How to locate a fuse box
Before attempting to repair a blown fuse, it is important to locate the fuse box within your home. The electrical panel, also known as the fuse box or circuit breaker box, is crucial to the electrical system in any building, distributing power and protecting wiring from overloads or short circuits.
The first step to locating your fuse box is to check common areas where it is typically located. In most homes, the panel is found at the front or side of a house, in basements, utility rooms, or garages. However, it's important to note that the panel's placement can vary depending on the age and design of your house. For instance, if you live in an apartment, the fuse box could be located in a communal area such as the basement or ground floor, and may require a specific key to access.
If you are unsure where your fuse box is located, it is advisable to ask your neighbours, as it is usually located in the same spot in each unit. You can also try following the wires from the pole on the street to the box, as the fuse box will often have a large cable or pipe running out of the top or bottom.
Once you have located the electrical panel, it is important to familiarise yourself with its layout and labelling. The fuse box will typically be a metal or plastic box, about the size of a shoebox, with fuses that look like bottle caps and have an amp rating written on the side.
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Identify a blown fuse
Identifying a blown fuse is a relatively straightforward process. Firstly, locate the fuse box. In a house, this is typically found in the garage, basement, or utility room. In a car, the fuse box is usually located in the driver's side footwell, underneath the dashboard, or under the hood.
Once you've located the fuse box, start by checking the electrical panel to see if any of the switches have tripped or are in the "off" position. If so, flip them back to the "on" position. If the problem persists, it's time to physically inspect the fuses.
Look for any fuses that have a broken filament or appear blackened or discoloured in the middle. A blown fuse may also exhibit slight warping or melting of its plastic case. These are clear signs that the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.
In some cases, a blown fuse may not exhibit any visual signs of damage. In these instances, you can use a multimeter to test the fuse. Set the multimeter to perform a continuity test and touch the probes to the tiny bare metal patches on top of the fuse. If the multimeter beeps, the fuse is intact.
Identifying a blown fuse is an important step in maintaining the proper functioning of your electrical systems, whether in your home or vehicle.
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How to remove a fuse
To remove a fuse, you will need to locate your fuse box and identify the blown fuse. The fuse box is usually located in the kitchen, garage, or laundry area of your home. It is typically a metal box with a hinged lid, and inside you will see a series of switches or knobs, with a layout diagram either on the inside of the box or on the inside of the lid. Once you have located the fuse box, you will need to identify the blown fuse. A blown fuse will usually be obvious, as it will look damaged or burnt.
Before you begin, ensure that you turn off all electrical appliances and lights in your home. This is important for safety reasons and will also help you identify which fuse has blown. If you are unsure which fuse has blown, you can turn everything off at the fuse box and then turn each fuse back on one by one until you find the one that is causing the issue.
Once you have identified the blown fuse, it's time to remove it. Start by turning off the appropriate switch or knob in the fuse box. This will cut the power to that particular fuse, making it safe to handle. If the fuse is not already blown, you will need to use a fuse puller or a pair of pliers to remove it. You can usually find a fuse puller attached to the inside of the fuse box lid.
Gently grip the fuse with the fuse puller or pliers and pull it straight out. Do not touch the metal parts of the fuse with your fingers, as it may be hot or damaged. If the fuse is damaged or blown, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase replacement fuses from hardware stores and electrical suppliers. Make sure you replace the fuse with one that has the same amperage rating as the one you are removing.
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Replacing a fuse
Fuses are a protective device that cuts off the current if a circuit overloads or if there is a fault. They are designed to prevent potential damage to wiring or appliances. A blown fuse can usually be identified by a discoloured fuse or a melted piece of metal. If your fuse box is labelled, you may be able to identify which fuse has blown based on what part of your home lost power.
Before attempting to replace a fuse, it is important to locate the fuse box within the home and turn off the main power switch to prevent any potential electrocution.
Once you have located the blown fuse, you can remove it. Unscrew the damaged fuse and replace it with a fuse of the exact same size, amperage, and type. Screw in the new fuse in the same location.
If your fuse box has cartridge-type fuses, you will need to buy a new one from an electrical store. If it has rewirable fuses, remove the old fuse wire, making a note of how it is positioned. Replace with a new wire of the correct amperage, winding it around the screws at both ends.
If your home has a modern fuse box, also known as a consumer unit or circuit breaker, there is no need to change any physical fuses as the breaker switches fill their role. Instead, locate the circuit breaker, which is likely to be near your electricity meter, and identify the breaker switch in the "off" position, indicating a tripped circuit. Before resetting the breaker, identify and address the source of the issue, for instance, unplugging unnecessary appliances from the circuit. Once the overload is rectified, reset the breaker by moving it to the "on" position.
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Safety precautions
When changing a fuse, there are several safety precautions that should be taken to prevent injury or damage to equipment. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow:
Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the power is switched off before attempting to replace a fuse. Turn off all electrical equipment connected to the fuse. If you are unsure, turn off the device that triggered the blown fuse and any nearby appliances, as items in close proximity are typically connected to the same fuse. Additionally, if you are working on a car, make sure the car is off, and the keys are removed from the ignition. For extra precaution, you can disconnect the battery, especially if your car has a push-button start system.
Before replacing the fuse, identify the correct type and amperage required. Fuses are colour-coded and often have a number written on them, making it easier to identify a suitable replacement. It is important to use an identical replacement fuse with the same amperage to ensure it functions correctly. If you have an older fuse box, you may need to check the rating of the blown fuse and wrap the new fuse wire accordingly.
When replacing the fuse, use needle-nose tweezers or small pliers to remove the blown fuse carefully. Ensure that the new fuse fits properly in the fuse holder, and there is no corrosion present. If the fuse holder is corroded, clean it before inserting the new fuse.
Lastly, remember that electricity can be dangerous. If you are unsure or uncomfortable at any point, it is always best to consult a qualified electrician. Safety should always be the top priority when working with electrical systems.
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