Although some people might use the terms ‘circuit breaker’ and ‘fuse box’ interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Both of these items can help protect your Niceville, FL, home from an electrical fire, but there are many differences between them. For example, a circuit breaker has the ability to keep you protected from short circuits, but a fuse box does not. Still, your house will have one or the other. Which one is actually right for your Niceville home? Mister Sparky will provide everything you need to know below!
Major Differences Between Fuse Boxes and Circuit Breakers
If you only read one part of this article, make it this one. Here are the five main differences between a circuit breaker and a fuse box.
Fuse Box
- Era of use – Used primarily in older homes.
- Usability and convenience – Simple design.
- Durability and maintenance – One-time use.
- Characteristics – A fuse will blow when overloaded.
- Mechanism – Must be replaced when blown.
Circuit Breaker
- Era of use – Used primarily in modern homes.
- Usability and convenience – Easy to troubleshoot.
- Durability and maintenance – Reusable.
- Characteristics – Circuit breaker trips when overloaded.
- Mechanism – Can be reset.
What Sets the Two Apart?
Now that you’ve taken a surface area view of their major differences, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of what sets a fuse box and circuit breaker apart.
Options
Fuse boxes usually come with six to 12 fuses, which may be cartridges or screw-in plugs. A fuse box offers less power than a circuit breaker and generally has a 60-amp capacity. A circuit breaker can be compatible with an AFCI, GFCI and standard outlet. It’ll also offer dual or single-functionality, and its amp capacities vary.
Appearance
Your fuse box or circuit breaker will be in a metal box and is part of your Niceville home’s electrical panel. Fuse boxes have exposed wires, along with ceramic or glass plugs. Meanwhile, a circuit breaker will have several rows of rectangular switches.
Durability
Fuse boxes make it simple to switch out a blown fuse, which offers a lot of reliability. However, they can also degrade with age, so it’ll eventually be necessary to purchase a replacement unit. Circuit breakers, on the other hand, offer reliable and safe protection for your home. They usually last for several decades, but frequent overloads and trips can wear them out. Plus, a circuit breaker is more complicated to fix.
Ease of Installation
Whether you choose a circuit breaker or a fuse box, it’s vital to have a professional do the installation.
Maintenance
A fuse box requires less maintenance, but it’s necessary to replace any blown fuses before you’ll be able to turn on the electrical panel. Your circuit breaker will require more maintenance, and it should be inspected and go through a basic trip test every three years.
Ease of Repairs
Each time you blow a fuse, you’ll need to install a replacement. It’s imperative that you purchase the right fuse due to fuse boxes taking a variety of voltage levels. If you don’t, your risk of an electrical fire or overload will go up. Again, the new fuse needs to be in place before you can reset the electrical panel.
Circuit breakers have a definite advantage when it comes to repairs. For the most part, all you have to do is turn your tripped switch from ‘off’ to ‘on.’ If this doesn’t fix the problem, though, you’ll have to call a professional electrician.
Expected Lifespan
A fuse box will last approximately 50 years. A circuit breaker lasts about 30 to 40 years. Once either style reaches the end of its lifespan, it’s necessary to install modern equipment with electrical updates.
Convenience
Any home that uses a fuse box might not be getting enough power. If you find that you’re frequently blowing fuses, it’s best to upgrade to a circuit breaker. Meanwhile, if you live in a home that was made after 1960, you should have a circuit breaker in place. Your breaker enables you to shut off the exact circuit needed, rather than shutting off your power altogether. It also generates 100 to 200+ amps, which is much more powerful than a fuse box’s 60 amps.
Expert Electricians in Niceville
Whether you need a new circuit breaker, a fuse box repair or a new power outlet to be installed, you can turn to the professional team at Mister Sparky! Call us today to take care of your electrical needs in Niceville.