Are you living in an older home in Miami? If so, when you open your house’s electrical panel, you may see a series of colorful knobs. That is a fuse box. (The other primary option is a series of switches, which would indicate that you instead have a circuit breaker panel, otherwise known as a breaker box.)
If you have a fuse box, you are likely wondering if it is safe to use despite it having been designed for electrical outputs that were typical in the middle of the 20th century. Perhaps you are even worried that it may be illegal to use an old style electrical box in the modern age. We will answer those questions and more.
What Is a Fuse Box?
A fuse box controls the electricity that enters your home. More to the point, this electrical distribution panel provides a level of safety by shutting off your power once a fuse has been overwhelmed by it. This is done through a metal strip, which then melts and becomes inoperable, a process that results in a blown fuse, which needs to be replaced in order for your fuse panel to continue to work as intended.
Circuit breaker panels work similarly as they also shut down when overwhelmed by electricity. This is accomplished through them being tripped, and they simply need to be reset to get the electricity flowing again.
The Risks: When Fuse Boxes Become Dangerous
It is important to note that building codes usually apply to when the house was built. So, as long as your home met all building codes when it was built and no major changes were later made, it should be legal for you to have a fuse box in it.
However, that does not mean that you should still be using that fuse box. In the modern age, the amount of electricity that goes through your home is quite significant compared to what it was decades ago, and there are several circumstances in which fuse boxes can become downright dangerous to use.
Overloading and Electrical Fires
Examples of modern power demands that can strain your fuse box and make it dangerous to use include microwaves, HVAC systems and EV chargers while many make mistakes such as placing a 30A fuse in a 15A socket. All of those circumstances can result in overfusing and the sparking of an electrical fire.
Improper DIY Repairs
Some homeowners engage in improper DIY repairs. As noted above, using oversized fuses is one. Another is utilizing a penny for that purpose, which can result in too much current flowing through and electrocution occurring. And there are numerous code violations that could unintentionally be broken when DIY repairs are done.
Lack of Modern Safety Features
A fuse box is usually accompanied by a lack of modern safety features. Examples include it not being grounded or having poor grounding, there being no main disconnect capability and it not possessing GFCI or AFCI circuit-breaking protection.
Warning Signs That Your Fuse Box Needs to Go
If you experience these types of circumstances, then it is likely that your fuse box needs to go as soon as possible in order for your home environment to remain safe.
- your lights flicker or dim when appliances are used
- repeated buzzing sounds
- a burning smell
- burn marks appearing near your fuse box or outlets
- fuses constantly being blown
Insurance and Resale Issues
Having a fuse box can result in numerous insurance and resale issues.
For example, home insurers may require that you pay a much higher premium or even deny you coverage.
Does a fuse box lower home value? Generally, yes. Houses with fuse boxes tend to be harder to sell and, when they do sell, are usually sold for much less than they would if they had circuit breakers instead.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Modern Breaker Panel
If you upgrade to a modern breaker panel, you will get to enjoy numerous benefits. One is having a safer home environment. In particular, the fire risk will be much lower.
It is also more convenient to simply reset your breakers as opposed to replacing your fuses. You can then use solar panels, EVs and similar modern appliances with ease.
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade a Fuse Box?
If you are considering upgrading your fuse box – i.e. replacing it with a circuit breaker panel – you should generally budget between $1,200-$4,500 for this procedure.
You can usually expect the cost to be on the lower end of that range unless you need a complete overhaul of your wiring system. Also note that the capacity that your desired circuit breaker panel offers will play a role in the final price.
Final Verdict: Should You Replace Your Fuse Box Now?
In most cases, you should strongly consider replacing your fuse box. Doing so will make your home environment safer, you will need to pay less to your insurance company, and your house’s overall value will increase. That said, if your situation is serious, such as there being a burning smell and your lights flickering when appliances are being used, you need to take immediate action.
Regardless, when you do replace it, make sure to use the services of a licensed electrician as it is too dangerous not to. Yes, many things around the home are perfect for DIY projects, but this is not one of those. Wiring is complex, what is being done must adhere to strict codes and regulations, and getting this wrong can result in a dangerous situation at home and you getting into legal trouble.
Mister Sparky offers professional fuse box replacement services throughout the Miami, FL, metropolitan area, and Miami’s on-time electrician will be glad to modernize your home in this important way.
Don’t put up with any malarky from your electrical system, and call or message us today for a quote and for more information about how we can help.