All home electrical systems are comprised of circuits that allow you to shut off power to specific areas of your home. This can be done with either a circuit breaker or a fuse. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine what type of system you have and how to deal with it correctly.
What Is a Fuse?
Fuse boxes were the standard for electrical usage and residential settings through the first half of the 20th century. These boxes contained separated circuits controlled by one or more fuses. Each fuse was constructed of a ceramic or small round glass bulb with a metal casing and a thin wire filament.
The sole purpose of these fuses is to protect the circuit from an electrical overload. Whenever too much power reaches the fuse, such as during a power surge, the fuse filament will melt. When the filament melts, it immediately stops electricity from flowing. The whole idea of a fuse is to protect your home’s electrical wiring and everything plugged into it by sacrificing itself to break the circuit.
What Is a Circuit Breaker?
Functioning somewhat as a fuse, a circuit breaker is designed more like a switch-style device. It operates in much the same way where a current overload causes a circuit breaker to switch from its “On” position to a tripped position. A circuit breaker is used inside an electrical panel box as opposed to a fuse that’s used inside a fuse box. Electrical panels with circuit breakers replaced the use of fuse boxes as the standard for residential electrical installation in the 1960s.
Keys Differences
While both fuses and circuit breakers can be effective at protecting your home’s electronics and wiring from current overloads and short cycling, there are a few subtle differences between the two. Contrasting these differences is the key to truly understanding each option.
Reusability
First and foremost, when a fuse melts to protect the circuit, it’s rendered unusable. In order to turn the circuit back on, you need to replace the fuse with another of the same size. This requires you to have extra fuses for all your circuits on hand in the event that an overload or a short occurs.
On the other hand, a circuit breaker is specifically designed to be reusable. Whenever it trips, it moves the switch to an “Off” position. To restore power to the circuit, all you need to do is flip your circuit breaker back to the “On” position. The reusability of circuit breakers is a big advantage over having to replace fuses when they pop.
Amperage
One main benefit of circuit breakers is that they’re available in many different types. These include standard, GFCI, and even AFCI. This gives you the ability to further protect your family and your electrical system. Also, circuit breakers are offered as both single- and dual-function, allowing you to operate different amperages for your circuits.
Because fuse boxes were standard in the early 1900s, they’re typically only available with a 60-amp power capacity. Although 60-amps was considered feasible for household electrical demand in those days, modern electrical panels are typically constructed with 200-amp service. With all the devices and appliances we rely on for everyday living today, 60-amp service is mostly no longer adequate.
Reliable Electrical Panel Service
GVEC Electrician Services offers reliable electrical services in South Central Texas includes Gonzales, Schertz, Seguin, La Vernia, and Cuero. We can also help with all of your electrical inspection, wiring, lighting, whole-home surge protection, solar, generator, EV charging station, and backup power storage needs, too! Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our highly experienced, fully licensed electricians.
