There’s Life in the Old Fuse Box Yet.
However…
…is it still giving you all the electrical power you need? Here’s a look at why it might be time to switch from a fuse box to a circuit breaker panel.
For starters, fuses and circuit breakers are designed for the exact same purpose: to help prevent electrical fires caused by an excess of current running through a circuit.
Fuses stop the excess flow of electricity in its tracks, and then have to be replaced. Conversely, too much electrical current causes a circuit breaker to shut off automatically. Then, all you have to do is pull a lever, and on again comes the power.
So is that it? As in, is there no other advantage to a circuit breaker than the relative convenience of switching power back on vs. buying and replacing a fuse? The answer is a simple “no.” There are, in fact, additional reasons why you might want to consider upgrading to a circuit breaker system, no matter how long that old fuse box has safely and surely served your household power demands.
To make the best possible decision, start by taking a fresh look at your fuse box, especially if you’ve recently purchased your home. If your home has 60 amp power or
less, and all you see are 30 or 20 amp fuses, chances are the original fuses were blowing frequently, and the previous owners opted to replace them with heavier fuses than are recommended or safe. There’s a case where you definitely need to upgrade to a circuit breaker system.What’s more, circuit breakers offer double the protection of fuses. A fuse receiving too much power is designed to blow, thereby shutting down the current. But a breaker is designed to trip, and if that fails, there’s a "fuse-like" strip inside that will burn out.
Finally, fuse box systems were not designed to provide adequate power for today’s high tech home environment, especially larger homes with every kind of electronic gadget known to man. There are four basic types of circuit breaker installations, all of which provide a steadier and more reliable flow of power for your family’s growing needs. The first two are used for 220-volt service. One is double width and provides two wire connections. The other looks like a normal 110-volt breaker, although it’s actually two 110-volt breakers in one system with a connector so both wires are tripped together. The other two types are for 110V.
Bottom line, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current electrical system, there are many possible solutions. Which one is right for you? That’s what the professionals at Rapid Service are here to answer.
Visit our website at rapidservicellc.com for a $25 coupon that can be used toward any repair work or new installation.
Thanks for sharing a few minutes with us…“Around the House.”
