9031 Generic Fuse Wire Card 8A and 16A, Universal Rewireable Fuse Wire for Older Switchboards

Card 9031 is a generic fuse wire card with two ratings, 8A and 16A, for rewiring the fuse carriers found in older Australian switchboards. Lighting circuits commonly used the lower rating and power circuits the higher one, but always go by the rating marked on the fuse carrier or switchboard. Keeping a card on hand means a blown fuse doesn't leave you in the dark for long.

How rewireable fuses protect a circuit

A rewireable fuse holds a short length of fuse wire between two terminals. When a fault or overload pushes too much current through the circuit, the wire heats and melts, cutting power before the cables overheat. A blown fuse usually shows as a dead group of lights or power points, and the wire in the carrier will be broken or scorched. Fitting the correct rating matters, as wire that's too heavy won't melt when it should, leaving cables at risk of overheating and fire.

Part details

• Generic fuse wire card, stock code 9031
• Carries 8A and 16A fuse wire
• For rewireable fuse carriers
• Universal part, not tied to one brand

Replacing fuse wire safely

Turn off the main switch before pulling any fuse carrier. Remove the remains of the old wire, thread the correct rating wire around the terminals following the same path and tighten the screws. Never use a heavier rating or any other wire as a substitute. If a fuse blows again straight away, there's a fault on the circuit and a licensed electrician needs to find it. Check your state's rules, and if in doubt, leave switchboard work to an electrician.

Questions about this part

Which rating should I use?

Use the rating marked on the fuse carrier or the switchboard chart. Never fit 16A wire in a carrier marked for 8A. If the markings are missing or unclear, have a licensed electrician check the circuit before replacing the wire.