Circuit breakers and the fuses in a fuse box are both safety mechanisms. If an electrical demand in your home is too great for the circuit to handle, a circuit breaker flips off, effectively shutting down power to that circuit until you can resolve the problem. Similarly, a fuse shuts an overload down by melting and severing the electrical connection to the circuit to prevent damage to your system.
The two types of safety mechanisms differ in several key ways, but chiefly, you can reset a circuit breaker time and time again without issues. If a fuse blows, you have to replace it with a new one. “Blown fuse” means that an electric overload has broken the wire inside the fuse that connects your electrical supply to your household circuit.
Find out more about the differences between a circuit breaker and a fuse box below. Call us at Mister Sparky to update and/or replace your electrical wiring.
1. Fuses and Circuit Breakers: The Old and the New
An old-fashioned fuse box can be safe and efficient, but older wiring, loose connections, and circuit overloads can compromise this antiquated electrical panel. In general, if your home dates to the mid-1960s, it probably has a circuit breaker box instead.
A fuse box that has not been recently updated may pose a fire hazard, and it may not deliver enough electricity to run a contemporary household. Electronic equipment and large-capacity appliances can easily blow fuses.
2. Power Supply
A fuse box does not have as much capacity as a circuit breaker panel. Originally designed to handle households with minimal electrical needs, it is no longer adequate for contemporary homes.
A small household fuse box may have a maximum capacity of 60 amps with only a few fuses powering the entire system. Most contemporary homes have a 150-amp or 200-amp electrical panel. The number of circuit breakers reflects the number of circuits in the system, typically at least 20. Unlike an average fuse box, a circuit breaker panel can handle more than one 220v outlet for larger electric appliances, plus multiple 110v circuits to cover all the home’s electric needs.
3. Convenience
Changing a fuse is not as convenient as flipping a switch. To fix a broken fuse, you must replace it with a new one. You should turn off the household power supply to change the fuse safely, putting your family in the dark.
A circuit breaker does not require a replacement until years of reliable use. In most cases, you can safely flip the breaker back on without cutting the power to your entire household.
4. Should You Maintain or Upgrade?
Given that your older home has a higher electrical demand than it likely did when it was built, it is a good idea to upgrade to a circuit breaker box. Although a fuse box may be a quaint historical feature of a home, demands that exceed its capacity can be dangerous. If your fuses regularly blow, you are overtaxing your fuse box. The resulting sparks or power surges present a fire hazard.
Circuit breakers are safer than fuses because they can route more power without overloading. However, if your circuit breakers flip frequently, shutting off power to parts of your home, you should consider upgrading to a new panel with the capacity you need. Touch base with Mister Sparky for advice and professional help.
5. Affordability
The cost of replacing a fuse is around $10 or less. To replace a circuit breaker, expect to pay up to $15, plus labor. Consider, though, that a circuit breaker will last far longer than a fuse. It will withstand many power surges before you need to have it replaced. A fuse, on the other hand, requires replacement every time it switches off the power. You will likely be spending much more on fuses in the long run.
6. Safety
When you change a fuse, you risk getting an electric shock. Be sure to turn off the power to your home before you unscrew the blown fuse. With a circuit breaker, you don’t always need to turn off all power. You simply flip the sealed breaker back to an “on” position.
Circuit breaker panels have additional safety features that fuse boxes lack. For example, you can use ground fault circuit interrupter outlets with an appropriate circuit breaker. These types of components turn off power in specific circumstances to protect you from electric shocks.
Conclusion
At Mister Sparky of Ocala, we can help you navigate an electric upgrade for a smooth transition. Find out how to meet your household power demands safely and affordably by getting in touch today.
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