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Overhead Fuses | Ballarat Electrician | Hudelec Ballarat

Cam Octopus • August 26, 2024

Understanding Overhead Fuses and Electrical Faults

Overhead fuses, often referred to as the 'point of attachment' in electrical systems, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of power distribution to residential and commercial properties. These fuses are located where the power lines connect to a building, serving as a critical component for protecting electrical circuits from overloads or short circuits. When an overhead fuse becomes faulty, it can lead to significant electrical issues, prompting power distributors like Powercor to disconnect power until the fault is rectified and the fuse box is replaced. Understanding the common causes of these faults can help property owners take preventive measures and address potential issues promptly.



One of the primary causes of faults in overhead fuses is a loose connection. When connections are not secure, they can create resistance in the electrical circuit, which in turn generates heat. Over time, this heat can cause the fuse to deteriorate, potentially leading to a breakdown or even a fire hazard. Regular inspections and maintenance by qualified electricians can help detect and tighten any loose connections, thereby reducing the risk of overheating and subsequent fuse failure. It's essential to address these issues early to prevent more severe electrical problems and ensure the safety of the property's occupants.


Another common cause of overhead fuse faults is the presence of pests, such as ants or other vermin. These small creatures can infiltrate the fuse box, creating unexpected pathways from active to neutral wires. This can result in a short circuit, which not only disrupts the electrical supply but can also cause significant damage to the fuse and surrounding electrical infrastructure. For instance, ants can swarm within the fuse box, and as they bridge the gap between live components, they create a conductive path that may lead to a short circuit. In some cases, this can cause the fuse to melt, as observed when discarded fuses are often found to be filled with ants. Regular pest control and ensuring the integrity of the fuse box enclosure can help mitigate this risk.

To prevent these issues, property owners should regularly inspect their overhead fuse boxes and engage qualified professionals to perform any necessary maintenance. Keeping the fuse box clean, secure, and free from pests is essential for preventing electrical faults. Additionally, it is advisable to have a licensed electrician check for any signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or other potential hazards that could lead to a fault. By being proactive about maintenance and aware of the potential causes of overhead fuse faults, property owners can help ensure a safe and reliable electrical supply, avoiding unnecessary power outages and costly repairs.

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Safety Switches / Switchboard Upgrades

By Jamie Hudson • January 27, 2023
The dreaded term ‘switchboard upgrade’ can strike fear into any home owner. Thoughts such as ‘this is going to cost me an arm and a leg!’ and ‘it’s been fine for 30 years so why change now?’ often spring to mind. But the installation of safety switches can save you so much more than money. Can you put a price on the life of your loved ones? Put simply, a safety switch (or residual current device) provides us and our loved ones with protection from electrocution. In the event of an electric shock, they will cut the power supply before fibrillation of the heart normally occurs. I like to think of safety switches in the same way I think of the air bags in your car. Chances are you’ve never had to use the airbags in your car, but it’s nice knowing that they’re there. If you or your loved ones have ever been unfortunate enough to need to use the airbags in your car then you will be thankful for them. There once was a time when airbags in cars didn’t exist, but after they were invented, their safety benefits became obvious, and they quickly became mandatory in all new cars. The same is true of safety switches, they are now mandatory on all new electrical installations in your home. Safety switches offer a last line of defence, ideally, we want to reduce the risk of this happening all together which is why it is so important to have a qualified and vigilant electrician inspect your wiring and appliances to ensure that they are safe for use. During the switchboard upgrade process, we do exactly that. Our qualified electricians test all cabling inside of your home to make sure that it’s up to current safety standards, we test all of your power points, lights and appliances for correct operation and that they have an adequate protective earthing conductor. We rectify any faults that are found and only once all of these tests are complete, we can install the new safety switches. All switchboards are tested and confirmed to be safe by an independent electrical inspector prior to being re energised and handed back over to you along with a certificate of electrical safety. Bringing your switchboard back in line with current Electrical Safety Standards. To book an assessment of the switchboard or wiring in your home, call Jamie on 044 835 3203 or email jamie@hudelecballarat.com.au
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