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LaMorte Blog

Fuses vs. Breakers

1/24/2019

11 Comments

 
Picture
If you have a fuse box in your house that looks anything like the picture to the left, I would recommend you have it upgraded to a breaker box. 

There are several reasons I say this:

1.It is old.
2.I can almost guarantee it is overloaded. Any house nowadays requires more circuits than the old fuses boxes hold.
3.It will increase your resale value.
4.Some homeowners insurance companies raise your rate, or even cancel your policy, 
if you have one. (it just happened to a customer of mine recently)
5.They are a known fire hazard, because people oversize the fuses, and the wires can get very hot, without blowing the fuse.
6.It is somewhat difficult to tell if a fuse is blown, compared to a breaker.
7.There is no room for new circuits, whereas a new panel could have 42 spots
(yours likely has less than 12).
8.When a breaker trips, you don't need to run out to the store and buy a new one. 
9.Looking at the face of the fuse panel, you can not tell what is the proper fuse size. The cover needs to be removed to determine wire size.
10.Changing fuses can occasionally be hazardous. I have been shocked when inserting a fuse, because it was wired backwards.


Picture
When your fuse panel is upgraded to a circuit breaker panel, it will look like the picture to the left.

When a circuit trips, due to overloading, or a short circuit, you simply find the breaker that is in the Middle position, turn it all the way off, and then back on again.

If it immediately trips again, I would call an electrician to locate the problem.
11 Comments
professional electrician link
11/11/2020 08:24:56 pm

Modern structure or buildings use breaker box. We can really see how the electrical industry is improving by conducting further discoveries that will enhance our energy supply in safest way possible. Always refer to your electrician for things like this, remember do not DIY.

Reply
Nigel link
12/12/2020 01:34:04 am

This blog is awesome! I didn't know that upgrading my fuse box to a breaker box is this very important and this convenient.

Reply
why choose us link
4/27/2022 09:46:11 pm

Consider the position also, since it is a terminal port, it could be targeted by thieves if you put it outside.

Reply
EEAP team link
5/3/2022 10:27:28 pm

How about the panel? People needs to know what are these things to have knowledge about how to deal with these risky areas in our homes.

Reply
Bianco Electric link
1/6/2023 12:20:27 pm

Thanks for sharing this piece, really informative and helpful. I'd be using this for my upcoming post in biancoelectric.com. I really like the fact that you share the value and importance of our role as electrician helping every household be safe.

Reply
Jim Thomas link
4/27/2023 05:15:39 am

Your article on the differences between fuses and breakers was very informative and helpful. As you explained, while both serve similar functions, breakers offer several advantages over fuses, including convenience and safety. Your article provided clear explanations and examples, making it a valuable resource for homeowners and anyone seeking to better understand their home's electrical system. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this topic.

Reply
Victoria Addington link
5/17/2023 07:22:40 am

I liked it the most when you shared that a breaker box can improve your resale value. My friend wants their building to have breaker boxes. I should advise him to hire a commercial electrician that is licensed and insured.

Reply
Jim Thomas link
5/17/2023 08:46:44 pm

I came across your blog post titled "Fuses vs. Breakers" and wanted to express my appreciation for the informative comparison you provided. Understanding the differences between fuses and breakers is essential for homeowners and individuals who want to ensure the safety and functionality of their electrical systems.

Your article offers a clear explanation of the purpose and function of both fuses and breakers. By highlighting their distinct characteristics, such as response time and resetability, you help readers grasp the advantages and limitations of each option.

I particularly found it helpful that you discussed the historical context of fuses and the evolution of circuit breakers. This historical perspective adds depth to the comparison and helps readers understand the rationale behind the development of circuit breakers as a more modern and convenient alternative to fuses.

Additionally, I appreciate the emphasis you placed on the importance of matching the appropriate ampacity rating when selecting either fuses or breakers. This crucial detail ensures the protection and integrity of the electrical system, preventing potential hazards such as overloaded circuits or equipment damage.

One suggestion I have is to include some practical examples or case studies that illustrate situations where fuses or breakers would be more suitable. This could help readers relate the information to real-life scenarios and make more informed decisions when choosing between the two options.

Overall, your blog post serves as a valuable educational resource, shedding light on the differences between fuses and breakers. By providing a comprehensive comparison, you empower readers to make informed choices regarding their electrical systems.

Reply
Eli Richardson link
7/3/2023 01:45:27 pm

I visited my aunt's helped and noticed that her house has a fuse box because its electrical system failed, and we had to look for the box. I'm grateful that you talked about the fire hazards of having a fuse box because my aunt wouldn't believe me. I'll email your post to my aunt right now to ensure she gets it replaced quickly.

Reply
Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps link
12/4/2024 03:26:57 am

Upgrading from a fuse box to a modern breaker panel is an excellent decision for the safety and functionality of your home. As you mentioned, it can reduce fire hazards and increase convenience, but it's also important to ensure that other aspects of your home, such as the chimney, are in top condition. At Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps in Fairfax, VA, we provide thorough chimney sweep services to ensure your fireplace and chimney are safe and efficient. Just as upgrading your electrical panel improves safety, regular chimney maintenance helps prevent fire risks and ensures a smooth, worry-free heating experience for your home.

Reply
Best Public Adjuster in Marco Island Florida - Shoreline Public Adjusters link
4/3/2025 09:58:09 am

Great breakdown of the differences between fuses and breakers! Upgrading to a breaker box not only boosts safety but also makes your electrical system way more convenient. Definitely worth the investment!

Reply



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    Here we, the owner's, of LaMorte Electric Heating and Cooling share the many strange and scary things that we see out in the world of construction. 

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LaMorte Electric was founded by Brian LaMorte  to provide quality electrical and HVAC contracting services to Ithaca, Tompkins County and the surrounding areas. Brian is a highly skilled and licensed electrician in the City of Ithaca. We specialize in everything from electrical repairs, to generator sales/installs, to car charger installs, to furnace and air conditioner sales, installs and repairs. 

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