Every home has a fuse box with operable electricity, older homes may have a circuit box, but each system serves the same purpose and that is to control the home’s electrical flow. The electricity use from every room in the house from the lights, appliance, and outlets and so on are all managed by the fuse box. It is important to know where the box is located in the event there is an emergency and you need to switch off the electricity. The circuit breaker or fuse box is frequently located in the garage, basement, or closet. When you are considering an upgrade, there are a few things you should be aware of and we at Burley Electrical Service Inc would like to elaborate a little on upgrading the fuse box.
Primary Fuse Box Components
Main Switch: It provides electricity to the entire to the house. If it is switched off, the house will not have any power. The switch is typically red and resembles the average switch.
Residual Current Devices: Separate switches within box itself. When presented with dangerous situations, the switches will turn off the electricity. The power will automatically shut off if the circuit is tripped.
Circuit Breaker and Fuses: Fuses will also switch the power off when fault is detected as it is another protection method. The switch can manually be reset when the circuit trips. Depending on the specific system, a fuse may be used instead of a breaker. Breaking the circuit connection as a safety precaution from a faulty circuit that will cause a fuse wire to melt.
Electrical Inspection: If you are not familiar with electricity, tampering with it can be extremely dangerous. For major issues, professionals should be hired to take on all services. The condition of your fuse box or circuit breaker can be visually assessed. With a flashlight, check to see if there is any visible faults such as cloudy, burnt, or worn sections that indicate your system needs work. Do not touch any metal parts during your evaluation.
Signs Fuse Box Needs an Upgrade
1) Frequently Blown Fuses. Your system is highly likely to have problems with frequent fuse blow outs. Wiring or current issues will contribute to blown out fuses. They will seemingly blow out for no reason at all, but it is concerning. A professional should inspect it to determine the underlying issues and optimal solutions.
2) Loose Fuses. Having loose fuses is a problem and likely require a complete upgrade. Loose fuses can easily fall out, causing a plethora of electrical problems, partial or even complete power loss.
3) Fuse Box is Burning. If the fuse box or circuit breaker is burning, melting, or charring, or is the source of it, call a professional immediately; it’s not only a red flag you need an upgrade it is a safety hazard! If the damage is extensive enough you may even need rewiring or at the least, parts will need to be replaced. Without professional assistance, you run the risk of your home bursting into an electrical fire.
4) Humming or Buzzing Sounds. These noises suggest a loose or damaged wire or a faulty breaker and any noises stemming from a spark should be investigated and addressed promptly.
Electrical Inspections, Upgrades & More in Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
If your fuse box is in need of an upgrade or professional attention, call Burley Electrical Service, Inc and let our experts take care of the rest to keep your home and loved ones safe and your electrical system running efficiently. Contact us today!
