Why are Breaker Panels Safer than Fuse Panels ?
Fuse panels themselves are perfectly safe. They become unsafe when
people use them improperly.
When you blow a fuse, that usually means that you overloaded that circuit.
An overloaded circuit can cause a fire, so the fuse blows to turn off the power
and prevent a fire from happening.
Fuse panels become unsafe when people replace a blown fuse with a larger
sized fuse. This is very dangerous, because the next time the
circuit is overloaded it will not blow.
Fuse panels also become unsafe when the fuses loosen in their sockets and
begin to arc.
Breaker panels are safer because when a breaker trips you simply reset the
breaker, it does not need to be replaced. Also, breakers can not become
loose.
So what can you do to prevent a fire if you have a fuse panel ?
 | Check your fuse panel to make sure no circuits are overfused. Call an
electrician if you do not know the proper fuse sizes for your
circuits. |
 | Never replace a fuse with a larger sized fuse. |
 | Do an annual maintenance check on your fuse panel by tightening the fuses,
and checking for any signs of burning in the sockets or panel. |
 | If you are repeatedly blowing a fuse make note of what outlets are on that
circuit. This means you have too many appliances plugged into that
circuit at one time. So once you have identified what is plugged into
that circuit, move an appliance(s) to another outlet. Remember, heat
generating appliances create the largest loads (your stove, kettle,
toaster, clothes iron, etc.) |
 | If you have blown a fuse, and there is nothing different about the
appliances you use or where you have them plugged in, call an
electrician. This could mean there is a problem somewhere in the
circuit. |
 | We strongly recommend you have your fuse panel replaced with a breaker panel.
We
recommend using SquareD panels. |