9032 Generic Fuse Wire Card with 8A, 16A, 20A and 30A Wire, Universal Electrical Part for Rewireable Fuse Carriers

With four ratings on one card, 9032 covers the common fuse wire sizes found in older Australian switchboards: 8A, 16A, 20A and 30A. It's a generic, universal product for rewiring the fuse carriers that pull out of the board. Each circuit has its own rating, usually marked on the carrier or the board, and that's the only size that should go in it. Having all four on hand means you're not caught short when a fuse blows.

How fuse wire protects older wiring

Before circuit breakers became standard, every circuit in the switchboard was protected by a carrier holding a short length of fuse wire. The wire is sized to melt at a set current, so a short circuit or overload breaks it and cuts power before the cabling overheats. A blown fuse shows as lights or power points going dead on one circuit, with a broken or blackened wire visible in the carrier once it's pulled. Fitting wire heavier than the circuit is rated for removes that protection and creates a real fire risk.

Part details

• Generic fuse wire card, stock code 9032
• Four ratings on one card: 8A, 16A, 20A and 30A
• For rewireable fuse carriers in older switchboards
• Universal product, not tied to one brand

Rewiring a fuse carrier safely

Switch off the main switch before pulling any fuse carrier from the board. Clear out the old wire, then run the new length between the two terminal screws along the same path, without stretching or nicking it, and tighten both screws. Only ever use the rating marked for that circuit. If the fuse blows again straight away, stop and call a licensed electrician to find the fault, and check your state's rules on who may do switchboard work.

Questions about this part

Which rating goes in which fuse?

Use the rating printed on the fuse carrier or the switchboard label for that circuit. The card carries 8A, 16A, 20A and 30A wire so you have the common sizes in one place, but never fit a higher rating than the circuit is marked for.

Should I upgrade to circuit breakers?

Many owners of older homes have a licensed electrician replace rewireable fuses with circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs). It's a job for an electrician, and they can advise what suits your switchboard and wiring.