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.

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

⚠️ SAFETY FIRST

Rule #1: Electricity kills. If you are nervous or something looks melted—STOP.

Rule #2: Never use a thicker wire “just to stop it blowing.” That is how house fires start.

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 the 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.

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.

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.

Switchboard Upgrades in Christchurch

Need a Hand?

I’m Sam from Easy Electrical in Woolston.