If you’ve ever had to deal with electrical issues in your home, you’ve probably dealt with either a fuse box or circuit breakers. Some people use fuses and circuit breakers almost interchangeably, but while they do serve similar purposes, there are key differences between them. Let’s take a look at those differences and what they might mean for your home.
What is a Fuse Box?
A fuse box is a metal box that contains fuses, or small metal strips that are connected to your home’s electrical circuits. When a fuse becomes overloaded from the electrical current passing through it, the metal strip melts and stops the flow of electricity. This is known as a “blown” fuse, and it is intended to prevent damage that can be caused by an overloaded circuit. A blown fuse needs to be replaced by a new fuse that matches the amperage rating on a fuse box.
Fuse boxes used to be more common than they are now, but you might still have one if you live in an older home. It will likely be in your basement, garage, or utility room. Look for a small metal box with a handle in the front. You should see a row of fuses if you open the box.
If you have a fuse box in your home, it’s important to know how to use it. Always replace blown fuses with new ones with the proper amperage, and never try to repair a blown fuse as that is too dangerous. If you’re not comfortable replacing a fuse yourself, contact us at Mister Sparky and ask about our fuse replacement services.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is a switch that “trips” or opens to stop the flow of electricity through a circuit if it is in danger of overloading. It is made up of a bi-metal strip that heats up and expands when too much current flows through it. When it expands to a certain point, it opens the switch and breaks the circuit, stopping the flow of electricity.
Like a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker is intended to prevent electrical fires and other problems that can be caused by an overload or short circuit. However, a tripped circuit breaker is much easier to fix than a blown fuse. While a blown fuse needs to be replaced, a tripped circuit breaker only needs to be reset. To reset a tripped breaker, first locate your electrical panel. This can usually be found in your basement, garage, or utility room much like where a fuse box is found. When you open the panel, you should see a circuit breaker for each circuit in your home. A tripped circuit breaker will have a switch in an “off” position. Simply switch it to “on” to reset the breaker.
If you lose power to only part of your home, the culprit is usually a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Replacing the fuse or resetting the breaker usually solves the problem and restores power. If your fuses blow or your circuit breakers trip often, you might have a problem with your home’s wiring. Contact us at Mister Sparky in Sarasota, FL if this is the case. We’ll be happy to take a look at your home’s wiring and find the reason for your electricity troubles.