Horizon Power :: Meter Box Overview

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Customer fuses

Usually white in colour, these provide overcurrent protection and operate only in response to an electrical overload or short-circuit. A licensed electrical contractor installs these fuses. If a fuse continues to blow, you should immediately call an electrical contractor.

Black Fuses

The black fuses in your meter box provide overcurrent installation protection and are the responsibility of Horizon Power. For single-phase installations, there will only be one black fuse. Three-phase installations will have three black fuses.

The Main Switch

This is installed by a licensed electrical contractor and provides complete electrical isolation of your home. This switch is your responsibility and any problems should be immediately referred to a licensed electrical contractor.

Circuit breakers

These are a series of switches that provide similar overload protection as fuses. When the switch is in the "up" position, it is on and electricity can flow. When the switch is in the "down" position, it is off and electricity cannot flow. To reset the circuit breaker, simply move the switch to the "up" position and power should be restored. If it continues to trip off, call a licensed electrical contractor immediately.

How to wire a fuse

White fuses usually have a number of different amperage ratings, eg. lighting is 8 or 10 amps, power is 16 or 20 amps. These ratings are clearly shown on each fuse holder.

Important: The fuse wire MUST NOT exceed the rating as shown on the fuse holder, eg. DO NOT put 16 amps on an 8 amp fuse. Customer fuses protect against overcurrent, fire or shock. If the power goes off, check your fuses. Follow these steps to restore power:

Turn off the main switch.
Pull out one fuse at a time, checking that the fuse wire is still intact (apply slight tension on fuse wire to ensure wire is not broken).
If wire is broken, replace with same amperage fuse wire in a similar manner.
Replace fuse and turn main switch on.
If fuse continues to blow, call a licensed electrical contractor immediately.

Locking Your Meter Box

If you wish to lock your meter enclosure, you may, provided that:

An approved lock is used for which Horizon Power has a master key; and
The enclosure door is fitted with a viewing window.