The Differences Between Breaker Boxes and Fuse Boxes
Circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes aren’t something that most of us have to access on a regular basis. It is important however to know where they are located and how they function before you find yourself in the middle of a power outage. These boxes can be located anywhere but most often can be found in the garage, basement or utility closet. Once you have located the box it is important to know the difference between a circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes and how to restore power if it goes out.
Your breaker box will be a metal box that is flush against the wall that is enclosed by a metal door to keep the breakers or fuses protected. The garage, basement, storage room or utility spaces are the places where you will most likely find them located. If you can’t find the box located inside somewhere check outside or next the meter box.
Next, determine if the house has a circuit breaker or fuse box. Open the door and take a look inside. Do you see rows of switches? If you do you have a circuit breaker. If you see sockets like a light bulb then you have a fuse box. Most commonly newer homes will have circuit breakers where as older homes that have yet to update their electricity will have a fuse box or maybe even several fuse boxes.
When replacing a blown fuse it is crucial that you unplug the appliances that are connected to the circuit that has lost electricity. If the kitchen looses power then unplug all of the appliances and other electrical products that are plugged into the circuit. If this is not done the risk that is faced is another blown fuse.
When you are replacing the fuse from the box be sure to turn off the main power switch. This is a toggle switch located within the fuse box. This main switch allows electricity to flow on a main current to the other circuits throughout the fuse board. As you are shutting the main power off protect yourself by wearing rubber soled shoes and thick gloves when shutting the power down.
Find the fuse that connects the electricity to the point within the home that is no longer functioning. Once the fuses are located and unscrew the fuse from the socket and replace it with a new one of the same power rating. After the fuse has been replaced it is time to switch the main breaker back on.
For a circuit breaker that has been tripped the process is a bit simpler. You will still need to go through and unplug the appliances and shut the main breaker off in both fuses and circuit breakers. After this is done you should be able to see which breaker is blown because it will be switch facing the opposite way. Reset the switch back to its original state and that will restore the circuit. After this is done the main power can be reinstated.
When replacing either of these types of electrical circuits if you notice that the circuit keeps blowing it is time to call in an electrician. An electrician will come in and evaluate the state of the electrical wiring throughout your home and consult on electrical upgrades to your home.
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