Your house operates as a giant electrical circuit, directing power through each room and then back to the source. However, to prevent overload, it’s subdivided into separate circuits, each powering a different part of your home. This ensures every room receives sufficient power and prevents electrical devices from interfering with other systems operating nearby. Power is directed to circuits either through a fuse box or circuit breaker. Though they perform the same function, they operate in different ways. For homeowners interested in their electrical system, here is what you need to know about a fuse box vs. circuit breaker.
How Does a Fuse Box Work?
A fuse is a glass cylinder containing a thin, conductive wire. Most fuse boxes have six to twelve fuses organized into rows. As electricity flows in through the utility cable, it’s split between each fuse, which directs power to different parts of your home. As long as the current doesn’t exceed the circuit’s rated capacity, electricity continues flowing without any problem.
However, if the electrical load goes above the manufacturer’s limit, either due to a power surge or short circuit, the wire inside the fuse melts, breaking the connection. To restore power, simply unscrew the fuse and replace it with a new one. Fuses cannot be reused after they’ve blown. Fortunately, they’re inexpensive and can be found in most hardware and home improvement stores.
Fuse boxes are common in houses built prior to 1960, but are slowly being phased out. In January 2008, the updated National Electrical Code (NEC) made arc-fault circuit breakers standard equipment in new houses. As a result, Americans interested in renovating their internal wiring normally replace fuse boxes with circuit breakers.
How Does a Circuit Breaker Work?
Unlike a fuse, circuit breakers operate mechanically and can be reused. There are two types.
- Thermal Circuit Breakers. Contain a strip made from two metals with different rates of thermal expansion. When the circuit starts to draw too much power, the strip heats up and expands. However, since the metals expand at different speeds, the strip bends and breaks the circuit. Once the strip has cooled down, it returns to its original shape and can be reset.
- Magnetic Circuit Breakers. Contain a magnet that charges with the flow of electricity. As long as the current stays under the recommended limit, the magnet never builds a charge strong enough to disrupt the connection. Once the current exceeds the limit, however, the magnet activates and disables the circuit. As soon as the current stops, the magnet powers down so the circuit can be reset.
Circuit breakers are arranged in a breaker box, similar to a fuse box, with several rows of switches that control the rooms of your house. When the breaker trips, the switch automatically flips from “ON” to “OFF.” To reset, simply flip it back.
Because breakers aren’t single use, they’re more efficient than fuses, which is why they were initially adopted. Not only do blown fuses have to be thrown away, their design prevents them from incorporating new technology. For example, modern arc-fault breakers detect loose connections that can overheat and start a fire. Fuses can’t protect you from these types of low-level shorts ‒ another reason they’re being phased out.
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Circuit breakers guard against fires and overcurrent, which can damage electrical devices. However, they cannot protect against wear and tear, which degrades your wiring over time. Rewiring a circuit can cost hundreds of dollars. Home insurance doesn’t cover these types of expenses, but Agway does. Our EnergyGuardTM Home Repair Program protects your heating, cooling, and electrical systems from damage caused by frequent use.
When the need for repair occurs, our customers don’t have to waste time searching for a qualified technician. They call us instead. We maintain a network of contractors in your area. As soon as we receive your call, we send the first available one straight to your door. There are no deductibles or service fees either. We pay for the cost of the visit and all covered parts. Save time and money. Sign up and start enjoying the benefits of EnergyGuardTM today!
