When Is It Time to Upgrade a Fuse Box?
The fuse box is the most critical part of every household electrical system.
The fuse box is the most critical part of every household electrical system. The circuit breakers and fuses control every electrical component in a house. Over time, the fuse box, like any other electrical appliance, wears out and needs replacing. Let's explore the common signs that indicate a fuse box needs an upgrade:
Not enough energy for the appliances
Electrical panels provide approximately 100 to 400 amps, a considerable amount of energy. However, installing new appliances, such as hot tubs and air conditioners, might be too much for the current panel to handle. As a result, every time one turns on those appliances, the circuit breakers will trip.
A licensed electrician can determine the best action to solve the problem if the electric panel is not providing enough energy.
Blown fuses
Old fuse boxes have a 60-amp capacity, which may have been an adequate amount of energy at the time. However, with more and newer electrical appliances brought into the household, the old fuses tend to overload and blow. An electrician can upgrade the fuse box if this happens frequently.
The right moment to upgrade a fuse box
When making upgrades or extensions to a house, it might be the perfect time to upgrade a fuse box, mainly if the renovations include installing new appliances. New electric units will need more energy, but homeowners can contact a qualified electrician to recommend a high-performance electrical panel.
Replacing fuses
While fuses and circuit breakers have the same functions, fuses are outdated and melt when they detect energy levels higher than their capacity. In the case of circuit breakers, they only need to be reset. A licensed electrician can replace the old fuses with circuit breakers.
Extension cord usage
Extension cords are an excellent resource for short periods. However, using them full-time could be dangerous due to a couple of reasons:
Extension cords are known to be a tripping hazard.
When connecting more appliances than the cord can handle, they tend to overheat it.
Contact local electrician professionals to install more outlets and a new fuse box to handle the extra output.
Faulty wiring
Faulty wiring in a household may arise from old wires that have deteriorated over the years. This is among the leading causes of house fires in the United States. The signs that a house has faulty wiring include:
Dimming of flickering lights
Burning smell
Discolored power outlets
A slight shock when one touches electrical appliances
Contact a professional electrician
As soon as the fuse box sends clear signs that it needs an upgrade, homeowners need to contact a licensed electrician. Keeping the wiring up to date is paramount to prevent hazards. It will also provide the necessary energy for all the appliances in the house.
Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.
