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If you aren’t a professional electrician, you may hear the terms “fuse box” and “circuit breaker” and think of essentially the same thing. Many people still use the term “blow a fuse” when a circuit breaker trips in their house, even though these are two extremely different things.
The difference between the two isn’t minor, however. If your home still has a fuse box rather than one of the modern electrical panels that use circuit breakers (i.e. a “breaker box”), it can have serious consequences for your house and your electrical supply. This is why we want to take time in this blog to discuss the difference between a fuse box and an electrical panel with circuit breakers. This will help you understand why a proper upgrade for electrical panels in Bradfordville is a vital professional service.
Understanding the Fuse Box
A fuse box is an older type of electrical panel that distributes electricity throughout a home. It contains fuses: small devices that provide overcurrent protection. Each fuse has a metal filament inside that melts when too much current flows through it, breaking the circuit and preventing overheating or potential fire hazards.
While fuse boxes were a reliable method of protecting electrical circuits in the past, they come with several downsides:
- Limited Capacity: Older fuse boxes are not designed to handle the power demands of modern homes. With the rise of high-energy appliances and electronics, these outdated systems can easily become overloaded.
- Inconvenience: When a fuse blows, it must be replaced rather than simply reset. This can be frustrating, especially if you don’t have spare fuses on hand.
- Safety Concerns: Some homeowners may attempt to bypass the fuse by using improper replacements, such as inserting a larger fuse or even using makeshift solutions like coins. This can create significant fire hazards.
How a Circuit Breaker Works
A circuit breaker panel, or breaker box, is the modern standard for electrical panels in homes and businesses. Unlike fuses, which must be replaced after they blow, circuit breakers can be reset when they trip. Advantages of circuit breaker panels include:
- Higher Capacity: Modern homes require more electrical power, and breaker panels are designed to accommodate higher amperage.
- Easy Resetting: Instead of replacing a blown fuse, you simply switch a tripped breaker back to the “on” position.
- Better Safety Features: Breaker boxes provide better protection against electrical fires and shocks. Many modern circuit breakers come with additional safety features like Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs), which enhance home safety.
- Code Compliance: Fuse boxes often do not meet current electrical codes, which can cause issues when selling or renovating a home.
Why You Should Upgrade Your Fuse Box
If your home still has a fuse box, it may be time to consider an upgrade. We can replace your outdated fuse box with a modern circuit breaker panel, providing you with a safer and more efficient electrical system.
Upgrading to a circuit breaker panel:
- Reduces the risk of electrical fires
- Ensures your home can handle modern electrical demands
- Provides peace of mind knowing your system meets current electrical codes
- Makes troubleshooting electrical issues easier
Call the Peaden Pros for Professional Electrical Panel Upgrades
Your home’s electrical system is essential for safety and functionality. If you’re still relying on an outdated fuse box, don’t wait until you experience a serious issue to upgrade. The Peaden Pros are here to help with expert electrical panel upgrades and replacements in Bradfordville and beyond.