Get Fused
It’s important to understand the different types of fuse boxes. Here are a few ways to know what type your home has:- A traditional fuse box has disposable fuses that protect the circuit from overloading. Turning off a circuit actually involves removing the fuse. If the fuse itself blows or burns out, it will need to be replaced.
- Breaker panels are in more modern homes, but are sometimes still called fuse boxes. Instead of using an actual fuse, circuits can be turned off or on by simply flipping a switch. Breaker panels are also set to automatically trip the circuit in the event of a power surge. Breakers can easily be reset following an outage.
Parts
Let’s take a look at the parts of a fuse box you need to be familiar with.- The main switch allows you to turn off power for your entire home.
- Residual current devices will cause the circuit to trip in the event of a power surge or other potential hazard.
- The fuses are lined up side by side. You can identify a blown fuse if it appears melted or scorched. Fuses are easy to replace, but make sure you use an exact duplicate. Like with all electrical work, though, we recommend hiring a professional to ensure the work is performed safely. Common types of fuses: Type-T Type-S Cartridge
- Circuit breakers are the beauty of breaker panels. They should be clearly labeled with on/off switches. When a breaker trips, it will flip halfway between off and on. To restart it, turn it all the way off, and then back on.