Confused About Fuses?

Antiques can be beautiful. But an antique electrical system requires special care and handling--particularly when it comes to the fuse box.

Most homes built since the 1970s have circuit breakers. But many older homes have fuses instead, which protect the electrical wiring. Inside the fuse, a small filament overheats and melts, breaking the circuit. When this happens, the fuse is blown and the electricity shuts off, along with anything connected to the circuit.

Frequently fuses blow because too many appliances are plugged into one circuit. If that happens, the answer is NOT to buy larger load fuses. That can cause a fire. Never, never use a fuse that can carry an electrical load larger than the circuit. If you don't know the load the circuit can carry, call an electrician. And think about installing a device that converts the fuse socket to one that accepts only fuses of the right size for the circuit. Pay a little attention to your electrical panel. Your house will stay safe and your lights will stay on.

Guests
Alec Lambie
Inspector
Phone: 415-822-9090
Also in this Episode

House Detective : Episode HDT-204
•	Confused About Fuses?
•	Low Water Pressure Fixes