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cfv
22nd June 2007, 09:11 PM
I have very old porcelain fuse wedges in the distribution box. Some of which have broken while replacing the fuse wire. They are 4cm from edge of connector to edge of connector.

I have looked at replacing them with the HPM plug in circuit breakers. But my fuse wedges must be very old as they are shorter than the connectors on the back of the plug in circuit breakers.

1) Are these fuse wedges discontinued or are they available as parts from electrical suppliers?
2) Are there plug in circuit breakers for this size?

If the answers are no then I guess I am up for replacing the DB.

journeyman Mick
23rd June 2007, 12:03 AM
Only guessing, but I reckon the answer to both will be no. We had smaller porcelain fuses in our place back in the 70s and there were no replacement fuses that size then.

Mick

Ashore
23rd June 2007, 12:11 AM
Mate if your board is that old get a lecko in and up grade , you need an earth leakage unit as well for safety (if you haven't got one ) so bite the bullet and get the board safe :2tsup:

peter_sm
23rd June 2007, 07:03 PM
I agree with Ashore.

One thing I bit the bullet and paid for without hesitation was main power board upgrade. I even got the mains power to the house upgraded from the old 30A to newer 60A as part of the deal.

Main advantages are that we now have all new setup, along with safety switch and 40A power circuit to the garage to a sub board.

cfv
24th June 2007, 03:27 PM
Thanks for the comments.

Upgrade it is.

Looks like there is an earth leakage unit that was fitted at some stage. But the whole board is a mess with 4 meters, couple of "mains" power switch, earth leakage and the porcelain fuse board. Does not look like there is a water heater type control as was in a previous house I lived in. I guess that this is because of water heater is the old in the roof gravity system. Looks like I might upgrade that as well.

Babytoolman
24th June 2007, 09:12 PM
CFV,
I just had the same issue and i had to upgrade cost me $1100 to get it done but am very happy. No power trips now.