Old houses and buildings built decades ago contain fuse boxes for electrical flow control. With the new electrical trends and advancements, electrical experts think that fuse boxes have become outdated. They rather suggest replacing those with circuit breakers. However, replacing the fuse boxes with circuit breakers is not compulsory. There are different types of fuses in different homes. It can be a good option as it caters to all electrical needs and Hygrid electrical llc does best to install these into your home safely. Although they have various benefits, they have become outdated.
Difference Between A Circuit Breaker And A Fuse
A circuit breaker is a modern replacement for the fuse box. The purpose and performance of both are almost the same. Both control electrical currents and prevent house fires. However, the configuration of a circuit breaker is different. Therefore, it operates slightly differently than a fuse box. It has more resistance to the electrical flow. They are magnetic and can be used repetitively in case of electrical overload. Contrarily, the fuse box’s wires start to melt when there is an electrical overload, making them unfit to be used again. The fuse box alerts you earlier than circuit breakers in case of a potential fire.
Moreover, fuse boxes are affordable and operate efficiently, except for the fact that they need replacement in case of electrical overflow. The facts show that fuse boxes are more efficient, then what should be the reason for replacing them? Let’s see;
Circuit Breakers Over Old Fuses
A Fuse Box Is Not Convenient
A circuit breaker is a lot more convenient than a fuse box. You will have to replace the fuse box in case of an electrical overload. Although a fuse box is cheaper than a circuit breaker, you might end up paying the cost of replacement and purchasing a new fuse box. It can become an issue if the problem is recurring.
A Fuse Box Is Not Suitable For DIY Projects
Fuse boxes pose challenges for homeowners wishing to participate in a DIY project. A small mistake can lead to serious consequences. If you install a wrong-sized fuse mistakenly, your house might get fire. Moreover, a circuit breaker is only installed once. So the chances of installing a wrong-sized circuit are minimum.
Fuse Boxes Don’t Function With Gfcis
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) only operate with circuit breakers. Fuse boxes do not accommodate GFCIs. Therefore, experts call them outdated. Furthermore, these can be incompatible with modern systems.
Circuit Breakers Can Accommodate High Volt Circuits
If you have a fuse box with low amperage of around 60 amps, you might need to replace it with a circuit breaker. You will need replacement because a fuse box cannot handle big appliances needing a higher voltage to operate. Hence, electricians will have to install various circuits for various appliances. However, for circuit breakers, it is not the case. A circuit breaker can run a range of appliances without fire or electrical current risks. So the best thing will be to upgrade to a circuit breaker.
How The Replacement Works?
For replacing the fuse box with circuit breaker, there has to be a professional electrician who can do it effortlessly and safely. A DIY project can be unsafe if you do not have any background information regarding electricity. Once a professional electrician is hired, they will first assess the power panel. The process will include checking the amperage and assessing what requires a replacement and you have to seek electrical installation services. The upgrades to get done will be checked afterward. The best thing would be to make all the electrical upgrades which will prevent issues in the long term. Remember that the key electric source should be turned off while replacing the fuse with circuit breaker. Hence, prepare yourself in advance. Consequentially, you will be able to go with your regular daily schedule despite the inconvenience.
While Replacing Fuses with a Circuit Breaker
Before you start replacing your old fuses with circuit breakers, check your local building codes. An inspection and permit may be required before replacement.
- You start by planning the work you intend to perform. If you need authorization, this plan is mandatory.
- Another step is to get the task done
- Now get the work examined by a plant engineer.
Safety First
While starting the work, safely disconnect and confirm the electrical power to the control panel is disconnected. All safety requirements must be complied with. One should not ignore safety precautions. The consquences are often quite dire.
Choose Circuit Breakers
Another key stage is choosing the properly sized circuit breaker. The control wiring depends on the circuit protective device to prevent overload. The auxiliary breaker can safeguard the loads like a UL-listed fuse. Breaker’s sizing is based on the circuit capacity and wire ampacity. Compared to the ampacity of the wire, the load is significantly less. Hence, the load determines the circuit protective device’s size.
Conclusion
If you think of long-run benefits, replacing your fuse with circuit breakers is the most appropriate option. They are durable and cater to a wide spectrum of appliances. Although it could be costly, its results are long-lasting. Moreover, it is better to hire a reliable electrician to replace the fuse box with circuit breakers. It is tricky to do this task safely. Therefore, it is recommended that you should approach a reliable electrician to make sure the circuits are not threatening afterward. The replacement has to be safe for both appliances and humans. Although it has been established that fuse boxes are more efficient than circuit breakers, we have given all the reasons why they should still be replaced with circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are more convenient; they can accommodate high-volt circuits, fuse boxes do not function with Gfcis, and fuse boxes are unsuitable for DIY projects.
