Stewart Electrical Group electrician working on a residential switchboard

    Ceramic Fuse Boards

    What is a ceramic fuse board?

    A ceramic fuse board is an older type of switchboard that protects each circuit with a rewireable fuse: a length of fuse wire held in a ceramic carrier. When too much current flows, the wire melts and the circuit goes off. They were standard for decades but offer less protection than modern circuit breakers and safety switches, which is why they are commonly replaced.

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    Many older Sydney homes still have a ceramic fuse board. It may work, but it was designed for a very different level of household demand.

    This page explains how these boards work, their limits and what an upgrade involves.

    01 / Detail

    How a rewireable fuse works

    Each circuit passes through a fuse carrier containing a piece of wire. If the current exceeds what the wire is rated for, the wire melts and breaks the circuit. Restoring power means replacing the wire.

    02 / Detail

    The limitations

    Fuse wire can be replaced with the wrong rating, which removes the protection it is meant to give. Rewireable fuses also do not detect earth leakage, which is what a safety switch does to reduce the risk of electric shock.

    03 / Detail

    How to recognise one

    Look for white ceramic carriers that pull out of the board, often with a small window or wire visible. Modern boards have switch-style circuit breakers instead.

    04 / Detail

    What an upgrade involves

    An upgrade replaces the fuses with circuit breakers and adds safety switch protection. The existing wiring is tested as each circuit is reconnected.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Related questions, answered.

    Is a ceramic fuse board illegal?

    Existing boards are not automatically illegal, but they do not meet current standards for new work, and many owners choose to upgrade.

    Can I replace fuse wire myself?

    We recommend calling an electrician, particularly if a fuse keeps blowing, as that points to a fault or overload.

    Does a fuse board affect home insurance?

    Some insurers ask about the switchboard. Check with your insurer.

    Will upgrading the board fix my wiring?

    Not by itself, but testing during the upgrade identifies wiring issues.

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    03 / Recent Projects

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    Stewart Electrical Group team carrying out electrical work

    05 / Our Standards

    The standards we bring to every job.

    Precision Workmanship

    Careful installation, thorough testing and a considered finish.

    Clear Communication

    The scope and next steps are explained in plain language.

    Transparent Quoting

    A clear written quote sets out the agreed work before it begins.

    Respect for Your Space

    Work areas are treated carefully and left clean at handover.

    Talk to an Electrician

    Still running on fuses?

    Send us a photo of your board and we will explain the options.