They are designed to switch off a circuit if they detect something is wrong. They work in a similar way to a traditional wire fuse. Basically, a fuse is a small piece of wire that is designed to break, burn or melt to stop the flow of electricity in a circuit. Traditionally, a domestic fuse box would contain several different fuses that would burn through or break to cut off power to a circuit. Although a relatively simple task, it is time-consuming and inconvenient to replace a blown fuse, which is why most households now have an electric fuse box instead.
Your electricity board will contain several circuit breakers sometimes called fuse switches , which are sized according to the type of circuit and load it can handle. Just make sure you find and correct the fault first or the switch will keep tripping. Another benefit of having a modern electricity board, with circuit breakers installed is that they provide more precise protection than the older type.
If your fuse box has a wooden back, features cast iron switches or a mixture of different fuses, it probably dates back to before the s. You must get your fuse box upgraded to a more modern version to keep those living in your household safe. Try to avoid continuously resetting your circuit breakers, as this will cause damage to the wiring. Fuse box keeps tripping? We can take a look for you with our comprehensive home cover plans.
Peace of mind is only a few clicks away. Share Email Whatsapp Twitter Facebook. It must be replaced with a fresh fuse. A typical fuse box setup is a amp box, with two main cartridge fuses in fuse blocks and four screw-in fuses.
Fuses for residential use are of two types: screw-in or cartridge. A screw-in fuse is small and round, with a glass body that protects the fusing element a thin metal strip and a conductive metal base that screws into the fuse box, much like a light bulb. A cylindrical cartridge fuse, which fits into a metal fuse block, handles greater loads such as for dryers or ovens. Look for the fuse box in closets, hallways, mudrooms, crawl spaces, basements, utility rooms, or laundry rooms.
Fuse boxes in more prominent locations might be covered with a wood panel or picture meant to disguise the appearance of the box cover or door. By design, fuses are the weakest link in the home's electrical system.
All other wires and components in the electrical system are more robust than the fusing elements within fuses. A closed circuit is one that works properly. Blowing a fuse opens the circuit. Electrical overloads can be up to 6 times the normal current level and usually will open the circuit.
Overloads usually happen when too many devices are plugged into the same circuit. For example, turning on a microwave, hairdryer, and lights all at the same time may blow a fuse. Short circuits happen when a path of lesser resistance is offered to an electrical circuit. Electricity travels freely along copper wires and conductors.
But when a pathway develops that makes it easier for the electricity to travel, the electricity naturally follows that path. Short circuits can be up to thousands of times greater than the normal operating current. They can melt metal, damage wire insulation, cause arcing fires , and even vaporize conductors. Nails or screws piercing electric cables, water entering an electrical box, or wires being loosened can all result in a short circuit.
Ground faults are the result of a powered, hot wire touching anything grounded: a metal electrical box , a metal pipe, an outlet , a bare ground wire, or even your hand. Ground faults invariably will cause fuses to blow. You can test if a fuse is good or blown either visually or by checking it with a testing device such as an ohmmeter or a continuity tester.
The glass window on screw-in fuses will sometimes be cloudy, brown, or black as a result of the metal fusing element melting away. Or if the glass is clear, you might be able to see the severed fusing element inside.
Continuity testers and ohmmeters both are inexpensive electronic devices that measure electrical resistance. To check a screw-in fuse with a tester, touch one test lead to the end of the fuse and the other test lead to the threaded side of the fuse. To check a cartridge fuse, hold the test leads at opposite ends of the fuse. If the tester indicates a current, then power is flowing through the fuse. Your fuse box will have two sets of fuses.
At the bottom will be amp and amp screw-in fuses with glass faces that are exposed and visible. These fuses will service branch light circuits and outlet circuits.
At the top will be amp or amp cartridge main fuses for ovens, laundry rooms, or stoves. Cartridge fuses are hidden in fuse blocks that can be pulled out with handles. Open the door to the fuse box. Make sure that you are standing on a dry floor and that you are wearing rubber-soled shoes. Need help with your car? You can reach out via email or call us on Related articles. Get complete car advice. Get your Car ready for the Cold Season. What are strut mounts? What does a fuel filter do?
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