Every home is equipped with a fuse box with operable electricity and older homes may still have a circuit box. Controlling the home’s electrical flow is the purpose of both of these systems however. In the event there is an emergency and you need to switch off the electricity, it is highly recommended and important for you to know where the box is located. Typically, the location of the circuit breaker or fuse box is in the garage, basement, or closet. There are a few things you should be aware of when you consider an upgrade for your fuse box and we at Simon Electric would like to relate them to you today.

Home Fuse Box Parts

The fuse box is comprised of three main components:
Residual Current Device: Within the box are separate switches. The switches will turn off the electricity when hazardous circumstances arise. If the circuit is tripped, the power will automatically shut off.
Main Fuse Box Switch: This provides the entire house with electricity. The house will not have any power if it is switched off. Looking much like an average switch, it is usually also red.
Circuit Breaker and Fuses: As one of many protection methods, fuses will also switch the power off when fault is detected. When the circuit trips, the switch can manually be reset. A fuse may be used instead of a breaker, depending on the specific system. As a safety precaution from a faulty circuit that will cause a fuse wire to melt, the circuit connection is broken.

Fuse Box Inspection

Tampering with the circuit box can be extremely dangerous if you are not familiar with electricity. For upgrades and major issues, it is in your better interest to hire a pro. With a visual assessment, the condition of your fuse box or circuit breaker can be determined. Your system needs work with when using a flashlight, the inspection finds any visible faults such as cloudy, burnt, or worn sections. Do not make contact with or touch any metal parts during your evaluation.

Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade

1) Fuses that keep blowing. Frequent fuse blow outs are a sure sign the system is having issues. Contributing to blown out fuses poor wiring or electrical current issues are likely the source. A professional can evaluate and determine the optimal course of action.
2) Loose fuses. Loose fuses are another piece of evidence that likely requires a complete upgrade. If the fuses are loose, they can easily fall out, which leads an assortment of problems such as partial or even complete power loss as well as safety hazards.
3) Evidence of fuse box burning. Call a professional immediately if you discover the fuse has signs it is burning, melting, or charring; it’s not only a huge red flag you need an upgrade, but it is a safety risk. Extensive damage may require a 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) Fuse box humming or buzzing noises. Any noises stemming from a spark should be investigated and addressed promptly and if you abnormal noises, is indicates loose or damaged wire or a faulty breaker.

Electrical Wiring, Upgrades & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida

Call the experts of Simon Electric today if you see any kind of safety hazard and/or you believe your circuit fuse box is in need of an upgrade.