How to Fix a Blown Fuse in Your Christchurch Home (And When to Stop)

Is your power out? Did the lights just die?

If you live in an older Christchurch suburb – like Woolston, St Albans, or Somerfield – you are probably staring at an old porcelain fuse board right now.

I fix these weekly. While I’m happy to come out, you can legally fix this yourself in NZ if you follow the correct safety steps.

Follow this “No BS” guide to get your power back safely.

⚠️ Quick Safety Checklist

Before you start, check these three things. If you can’t tick them all, STOP.

• I have turned off the Main Switch.
• The fuse carrier is cool to the touch (not hot).
• I have the correct Amp rating wire (5A, 10A, or 15A).

Why Did It Blow?

Fuses don’t just blow for fun. They blow to protect the wire in your walls from melting. Common causes in Christchurch homes include:

• Overloading: Too many heaters or appliances on one plug circuit.
• Faulty Appliances: An old toaster or kettle with a short circuit.
• Degraded Wiring: Insulation breaking down in older 1950s-70s homes.

🛑 STOP IF YOU SEE THESE SIGNS

Do not attempt a DIY fix if you notice:

• Burning smell: Like melting plastic.
• Sparking: Visible flashes when you touch a switch or holder.
• Buzzing: A crackling sound coming from the board.
• Warmth: The fuse board feels hot to the touch.

These are emergency signals. Call a professional immediately.

⚠️ SAFETY FIRST

Step 1: Unplug the Culprit

Before touching the board, turn off and unplug the last appliance you used (heater, toaster, etc).

• Why? If the appliance is faulty, a new fuse will just blow again immediately.

Step 2: Kill the Power

Go to your fuse board.

1. Find the MAIN SWITCH.
2. Flip it to OFF.

Crucial: Do not pull any fuses out until that Main Switch is off.

Step 3: Find the Blown Fuse

Pull the porcelain fuse carriers out one by one. Look for the broken wire.

• Good sign: The thin wire is snapped in the middle.
• BAD SIGN: The carrier is hot, black, or smells like burning plastic.

If you see a bad sign, DO NOT fix it. Leave it out and call us.

Don’t Have Fuse Wire?

You can buy a card of fuse wire for under $10 at most supermarkets (check the hardware aisle at New World or Woolworths), Mitre 10, or Bunnings. Some petrol stations also stock them.

Step 4: Replace the Wire

Only do this if you have the correct fuse wire handy.

1. Remove old burnt wire strands.
2. Thread new wire through the tunnel.
3. Wrap clockwise around screws and tighten.

Check the Rating:

• Lighting: Use 5 Amp wire.
• Power Points: Use 10 Amp or 15 Amp wire.

Reference: See WorkSafe NZ guidelines on homeowner electrical work.

Step 5: Test It

1. Push the carrier back in.
2. Turn the Main Switch ON.
3. If it “pops” again immediately—STOP. You have a short circuit. Call a sparky.

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Why Does This Keep Happening?

If you are reading this, your switchboard is likely 40+ years old.

The Honest Truth: Porcelain fuses protect the wiring, but they do not protect YOU. They offer zero protection against electric shock.

The Solution: A Switchboard Upgrade with RCD Protection – Modern boards cut power in 0.03 seconds if they detect a shock risk. No more rewiring in the dark—just flip a switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fix multiple blown fuses at once? – Yes, but if multiple fuses blow simultaneously, it usually indicates a major surge or fault. Check your appliances first.

Where can I buy the correct fuse wire? – Most local supermarkets, Bunnings, or Mitre 10 stock standard fuse wire cards.

How long do rewireable fuses last? – The wire itself lasts indefinitely until it blows, but the porcelain carriers become brittle over time. If they are cracking or loose, they need replacing.

Need a Hand?

I’m Sam from Easy Electrical. I’m based in Woolston but help homeowners across all of Christchurch upgrade their old boards to meet modern safety standards.