Why you need to upgrade the ceramic fuses in your switchboard
Published on: 13 Mar 2024
Are you still using old-style fuses in your home? Ceramic fuses were once commonly used in houses to protect against electrical faults, but as technology has improved, there are now safer and more reliable options available.
Old-fashioned fuses provide protection by breaking the circuit when there’s too much current, but they fail to detect smaller currents that can still be life threatening. Upgrading your fuses to current standards will make your home safer and more suited to today’s electrical devices.
Thinking about making a change? Our level 2 electricians at Valour Services adapt to your unique needs, ensuring quality and value. Schedule a consultation today to see how we can tailor our services for you, promising satisfaction and peace of mind.
Need an experienced Level 2 electrician? Contact Valour Services for reliable and skilled electrical solutions.
What is a ceramic fuse?
Ceramic fuses are an early form of electrical protection for homes. They have a fuse wire fixed between two screws inside a ceramic holder, which plugs into your switchboard. These fuses guard against short circuits, offering basic overload protection.
How do I know if my switchboard has ceramic fuses?
Ceramic fuses use a wire stretched between two screws, held within a ceramic holder. They are white or off-white in colour, have a slight sheen and are rectangular in shape.
5 Reasons why you need to upgrade from ceramic fuses
Risk of electrocution
Ceramic fuses and circuit breakers won’t always operate in the case of a fault. They are designed to operate under major fault conditions, such as short circuits. A modern electrical safety switch will ‘trip’ within milliseconds of a person coming into contact with a live cable or when detecting earth leakage. These residual current devices (safety switches) provide far superior protection for the home and family.
Risk of electrical fires and arc flashes
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) offer more advanced protection than traditional ceramic fuses. They are designed to prevent dangerous situations including earth leakage, electrical arcs and excessive heat. They operate instantly to prevent electrocution and electrical fires. Some of the latest models even come equipped with predictive technology, constantly monitoring the electrical installation for early signs of potential issues, allowing for preemptive action to avert problems.
Nuisance tripping
If your home uses fuses, it might be hard to notice if your electrical system is struggling. Often, the only hint is fuses frequently blowing, which indicates your system is overloaded. In such cases, it’s wise to get your switchboard checked. Upgrading your electrical protection devices will ensure your system is safe and up to date.
Legal compliance
Ceramic fuses are no longer considered adequate electrical protection. Combined overload and earth leakage protection is the minimum acceptable protection for electrical circuits in residential installations (AS/NZS 3000:2018). It’s strongly advised to consider upgrading your electrical protection to enhance safety and compliance.
Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your upgrade options.
More power
The power demand of modern households is much greater than those of past decades. Solar inverters, EV chargers, battery storage, pool heaters and AC units are now common household devices.
If you still have old-fashioned ceramic fuses, it might be a sign that your system isn’t equipped for the increased demands. To ensure your home is safe and ready to handle the extra load, consult with a licensed electrician for a professional assessment of your switchboard.
What are the benefits of upgrading my ceramic fuses?
Replacing your ceramic fuses goes beyond overload protection. Upgrading your electrical system with Residual Current Breakers with Over-current protection (RCBO) will provide overload, short circuit and earth-leakage protection. Additionally, Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD) mitigate the risk of electrical fires caused by electrical arcs. In short, these devices will protect you and your household from electrical damage, electrical fires and electric shock.
Here are some key advantages of making this upgrade:
Eliminates the need for fuse wire changes
Upgrading to safety switches removes the risk associated when a fuse blows, especially under urgent conditions.
Reduces risk of electrical fires
Modern circuit protection significantly lowers the chances of electrical fires.
Protects sensitive electronics
The more consistent and stable circuit protection offered by modern protection helps safeguard sensitive electronic appliances from damaging power fluctuations.
Prevents unsafe makeshift solutions
The upgrade deters dangerous practices like tampering with the fuse box or using an incorrectly rated fuse wire, which pose significant risks.
Enhances electric shock protection
With modern electrical protection options, the risk of electric shocks is minimised through faster and more sensitive operation.
By upgrading to a system that incorporates modern safety switches (RCBOs), Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) and surge protectors, you’re future-proofing your home. It’s important to note that a combination of electrical protection, including surge protectors, protect appliances and most importantly, people.
What is the cost of upgrading to safety switches?
The cost of upgrading from ceramic fuses varies depending on the extent of the upgrade required. For a basic upgrade, which typically involves installing safety switches(RCBOs) on essential circuits, you can expect the work to take between 2-4 hours.
However, for a more comprehensive upgrade, which might include a full switchboard upgrade to accommodate modern safety switches(RCBOs), surge protectors and Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) the work could extend to 6-10 hours. The duration reflects the complexity of the upgrade, including the replacement of old ceramic fuses, rewiring and ensuring the new system complies with current electrical standards for safety and efficiency.
If you’re planning to upgrade your old ceramic fuses or if your new home build has significant power demands, Valour Services is ready to assist. Schedule a consultation here.
How do I replace the ceramic fuses in my switchboard?
Upgrading to modern electrical protection is highly recommended for increased safety and reliability. If you find yourself needing to replace a fuse wire in a pinch, it’s crucial the process is done correctly to ensure safety.
Before you start, make sure any electrical equipment that might have caused the fuse to trip is unplugged. This is a critical first step to ensure your safety and prevent any further electrical issues.
When changing fuse wire, it’s essential to use the correct rating specific to the circuit you’re working on. This information is typically found on the fuse holder or nearby on the switchboard. Using a fuse wire with the wrong fuse rating can lead to significant risks, including damage to your electrical installation wiring.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Unplug the problematic electrical device.
- Turn off the main power switch in the fuse box to ensure a safe working environment.
- Determine and use the correct rated fuse wire for the circuit, based on the markings on your switchboard.
- Avoid using an oversize fuse wire to prevent potential damage to your electrical installation and reduce the risk of fire.
- Install the new, correctly rewired fuse into its holder.
- Once securely in place, turn the main power switch back on.
Remember, while ceramic fuse replacement can temporarily solve your problem, transitioning to modern circuit breakers, safety switches, RCBOs, and AFDDs are a more effective and safer long-term solution.
Why you need to upgrade to Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
If your property is still equipped with outdated ceramic fuses, it’s crucial to modernise your electrical system. The current electrical standards and regulations in residential settings no longer support the use of ceramic fuses. Unlike ceramic fuses, which require a replacement of the fuse wire after a blowout, safety switches offer re-useabilty. Once the fault from the circuit is removed, the safety switch can be simply reset.
Safety switches (RCBOs) are reusable and feature easy reset functions, eliminating frequent component replacements. They detect and isolate electrical faults early, minimising power outages and enhancing appliance safety. These devices also significantly lower the risk of electrical fires and arc flashes, offering a convenient solution without the need for professional intervention, making them a practical upgrade from traditional ceramic fuses.
Transparent Pricing: Solid Service, No Surprises
We believe that transparency is essential in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our upfront pricing ensures that the quoted price covers the full scope of work with no hidden costs. Additionally, we are adaptable to any requests or alterations you may have during the course of your project.
To see how our upfront pricing policy aligns with your specific project, contact us for a free consultation and detailed quote. We aim to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional value.
Why Choose Valour Services?
When it comes to delivering your electrical project, we want you to have the best experience possible. We will:
- Take the time to understand your specific requirements
- Tailor a solution for you
- Deliver quality workmanship
- Provide exceptional value
- Be available for questions, after service and warranty
Choose Valour Services, your trusted partner for exceptional service.
