Your first step in changing an electrical fuse is to turn off the main power switch on the fuse board for you safety. This will turn off the power to your entire house but is necessary until you are done changing the fuse.
Next, identify which electrical fuse has blown. Sometimes there will be visible scorch marks around the fuse carriers. This will lead you to the burnt fuse wires. If there are no visible marks, remove the fuse carriers one by one and inspect them for a burnt fuse. The fuse is the wire inside of the porcelain carrier.
Once you have located the wire, replace it with a new fuse with the correct rating fuse. Do not install a fuse larger than what the circuit was designed to be protected with. Here is a generalization of ratings:
- Lighting circuits: generally 5 amp wire
- Socket outlets: Should not exceed a 15 amp rating. 10 amp rating
- Larger appliances will require fuse wire with a heavier rating.
Return the fuse carrier to its slot and turn the power back on. If the fuse blows again, or if it blows on a regular basis, call a trusted licensed electrician to troubleshoot the fault.
