Electricity is the main source of power in our homes “With great power comes great responsibility” as such, it must be properly regulated for safety.
Overloads of electricity can result in damage to wires, appliances, machinery, etc., which may also result in a fire. Fortunately circuit interrupters are on the job. The idea of a circuit breaker or fuse is to disconnect your home’s internal circuit from the power main when excessive voltage tries to pass through. The main purpose of a circuit interrupter is to protect your home and its electrical components from an electrical surge. Interrupters provide short-circuit protection as well as overloading of circuit wires which could result in a fire. “Understanding Your Electrical Panel – Circuit Breakers vs. Fuses”
So how does this work?
Every home has a main electrical panel, which will be fitted with one of two types of interrupters, either circuit breakers or fuses. The main difference between the two is that a circuit breaker can be reset and used over and over again. A fuse must be replaced once it has served its purpose.
A fuse is a glass container with a piece of wire that is calibrated, or sized, to allow only a certain level of current to pass through it. Once a fuse experiences current beyond the threshold the wire will break or melt, thereby disconnecting the circuit.
A circuit breaker accomplishes the same thing but in a different way in that it allows current to move or pass from a bottom to an upper terminal and across the solenoid or strip. If the current reaches unsafe levels, the magnetic force within the switch mechanism is thrown and the current disrupted. Think of flipping a light switch.
Fuses and circuit breakers are both part of the electrical panel.
In a residence, the electrical panel is a metal service box that accepts the main power from your utility company and distributes electrical current to the various circuits within your home. The main electrical panel sits directly inline behind the meter, which is owned by your utility company.
From the meter, electricity flows to the panel, which is the homeowner’s property and responsibility to have maintained. The distribution of power to the various circuits originates at the panel. Fuses or circuit breakers protect individual circuits from over-current.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a fuse versus a circuit breaker?
- A fuse is inexpensive compared to a circuit breaker
- A fuse is relatively easy to install however, a circuit breaker is simply reset with the flick of a switch
- A fuse can be improperly replaced with one rated at a higher amperage that may result in an overheated circuit.
- A circuit breaker eliminates the possibility of selecting the wrong amperage as in a fuse replacement
- A circuit breaker can meet the requirements of a GFCI or AFCI whereas a fuse cannot
What about safety precautions?
**Always comply with local building codes when wiring or adding circuits to your home.**
DO NOT remove the cover to your electrical panel to expose your wiring unless you are a licensed electrician.
When a breaker trips or a fuse blows, find out what the cause is! Many times homeowners either simply reset the breaker or replace the fuse, which does not address a potential problem. Check to ensure that any one circuit is not overloaded with too many appliances or other electrical devices.
Never attempt to modify your panel – always have panel work performed by a licensed electrician.
Always ensure that your breakers or fuses are in good working order!
FUSE VS CIRCUIT BREAKER: WHICH DELIVERS ADEQUATE SERVICE FOR MY HOME?
Not so long ago, there weren’t as many cool electrical devices and fancy appliances in every room of every home, so there was much less demand for electricity. Fuse boxes supply 60-amp service, which was standard and sufficient prior to the 1960s.
Today, most modern homes require minimally 100-amp service and commonly up to 200-amp service. In addition to being outdated and difficult to maintain, fuse boxes do not supply enough electricity for a contemporary modern household. They typically lack dedicated circuits necessary for large appliances such as air conditioners, dishwashers and clothes dryers. It is common for homeowners with fuse boxes to frequently overload circuits and blow fuses
Although your fuse box may appear to provide adequate service, this can be a result of tampering by previous homeowners. For example, it is easy to install a 30-amp fuse on a 15-amp circuit. This enables the receptacle to draw more power on a single circuit than was intended by the original manufacturer.
Allowing excessive current to pass through unchecked can lead to various fire hazards. In many cases, new homeowners have no way of knowing whether this has been done to their fuse box. Dangerously continuing to use fuses that allow excessive current to pass through a single circuit.
Here are some warning signs that your fuse box cannot handle the needs of your home:
- The fuses need frequent replacement
- You are unable to run certain appliances together at the same time
- The fuse box makes hissing or popping sounds
- The wall around your electrical outlets or switches feels warm.
If you notice any of the above signs, it is important to have an inspection of your home’s electrical system and plan to have a circuit breaker panel installed.
In summary, your circuit breakers or fuses are some of the most important safety mechanisms in your home! If you have added new rooms or electrical outlets you might consider having your service updated if needed. If so, hire a qualified electrical contractor. Ensure you have the professional electrical service that is best for your home and family.
scott.minunni@encinspectionservices.com
