Fuse boxes and circuit breakers are both designed to prevent electrical fires or shocks in the event of a short circuit or an overload. Although they serve the same purpose, they function in different ways. If you’re a homeowner, you should understand the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse box, and you should know which one your home is equipped with.
How a Fuse Box Works
A fuse is a weak point in an electrical circuit that can stop the flow of power as a safety precaution. It contains a small metal strip that the electrical current flows through. If the current exceeds the metal strip’s limitations, the strip melts, which halts the flow of electricity. This is referred to as a “blown fuse.”
Fuses are located in a metal box that’s typically installed in the basement, utility room, or garage. Most fuse boxes contain six to 12 fuses. If a fuse blows, it needs to be fully replaced to restore power to the circuit.
Fuse boxes started to be phased out in the 1960s. However, some older homes still use fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. Fuse boxes don’t last forever, so if your home has one, it will need to be replaced eventually. Many homeowners choose to replace their fuse box with a circuit breaker because circuit breakers can handle more load.
How a Circuit Breaker Works
A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that stops the flow of electricity in the event of an overload. It contains a metal strip that heats up and bends when too much power flows through it. This causes the switch to open, which interrupts the flow of electricity.
Each circuit in your home has its own breaker. When one trips, only that circuit loses power. A circuit breaker can be reset simply by flipping the switch from “OFF” to “ON.” Like a fuse box, your breaker box is likely located in your garage, basement, or utility room.
Which Option Is Better?
Understanding the pros and cons of each option is important if you’re planning on buying a home or if you need to update your home’s electrical system. Fuse boxes are less expensive to install, and they may last longer than circuit breakers. An old fuse box doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced right away as long as it was installed correctly and any blown fuses have been replaced correctly.
However, most homeowners agree that a circuit breaker is a better option for today’s homes. A tripped breaker is much simpler and quicker to repair than a blown fuse because all you have to do is flip a switch. Circuit breakers generally have a higher capacity than fuse boxes, too, so they’re better able to handle modern appliances.
Circuit breakers and fuse boxes serve the same purpose, but they operate in different ways. Older homes might still be equipped with fuse boxes, but circuit breakers are generally preferable today. If you have any questions or concerns about your home’s electrical system, our team at Mister Sparky is happy to help.