Electric Circuit Breaker vs. Fuse Box: How to Protect Your Property from Electrical Damage

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Circuit Breaker vs. Fuse Box: Consider Your Property’s Needs

Electrical panels are an old concept that has evolved over the years, however the general principle has stayed the same. These panels act as the switchboard for all electricity in the home. These devices help manage the electrical current being received from all electrical devices inside the home. 

Today, circuit breaker panels are used in new homes instead of fuses. There are several main differences between a circuit breaker and a fuse box. Along with that, there are key advantages to certain electrical systems over others.

Replaceability During Electrical Overload

One of the primary reasons for using a circuit breaker over a fuse box is its reusability. For homes that use a fuse box, once a fuse blows (typically from an electrical overload where overheating causes the filament to melt) it has to be replaced. While these blown fuses are typically inexpensive and easy to find at any traditional hardware store, it’s not ideal and can be an annoyance for homeowners.

For homes that use a circuit breaker, there are several levers that are normally switched to the ON position (indicating that electricity is flowing through). The magnetic force from an electrical overload will trigger the internal switch mechanism (either an electromagnet or bi-metal strip) and force the metal levers on the breaker to flip to the OFF position. This helps these more modern homes and prevents dangerous issues from arising. All the homeowner needs to do in this event is flip the lever back to the ON position to resume flow of electricity.

Older homes built prior to the 1960s typically use fuses, which can result in a myriad of dangerous problems, such as electric shocks and electrical fires. This is why people should be cautious of these older electrical systems. 

Energy Efficiency/Inefficiency of Circuit Breakers and Fuse Boxes

A typical 60 amp fuse box might have one 240 volt circuit for an air conditioner or electric range plus four more fuses for the rest of the wiring in the home. Compared to the minimum number of circuits required in a home today, this is totally insufficient on an electrical panel.

For another example, in a new home, a kitchen will typically have one circuit for the dishwasher, one for the disposer, two for the countertop outlets, one for the lights, and another for the microwave and fridge. 

In addition, many electricians will put the fridge on its own circuit and have another 240-volt circuit for an electric range. For a modern home, this is a minimal installation resulting in six circuits in just the kitchen. This adds up to more circuits for the kitchen than the number of circuits in an electric fuse box for the entire house. 

With today’s demand for electricity, old-style central fuse boxes are inadequate for managing these electrical loads and can create a power surge or short circuit, potentially leading to fire hazards. 

Fuse Box vs. Circuit Breaker Box: Is It Time to Switch?

For many homes, it’s important to replace your old electric fuse box with a modern circuit breaker. Not only do modern breaker boxes offer additional protection from fire hazards, they also help increase the energy efficiency in your home.

If your home or business still has a fuse box, give the electrical contracting experts at American Electric of Jacksonville a call to receive an estimate for our breaker box installation services. Our licensed electricians will provide you breaker box electrical service that is properly sized to meet the indoor and outdoor power amperage requirements of your lifestyle and home.

American Electric of Jacksonville is a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor that is more than capable of helping you with any electrical installation, repair or upgrade, large or small. We will respond quickly to your call, with an experienced uniformed electrician in a clean work van that contains everything needed to complete your job to your total satisfaction. They will always treat your home as if it were their own, and leave the work area neat and tidy.

Contact American Electric of Jacksonville for a consultation for our breaker box installation service and get an estimate. Call: (904) 721-4044