Fuses

fuses

Electrical Fuse Panels: Screw-in type fuses in the electrical distribution panels were in common usage until the mid 1950s. Fuses, although inherently safer than circuit breakers, afford the ill-informed occupant to replace a properly sized fuse with one which is too large. This can result in a circuit overload and a fire hazard.

Located inside of your home is a fuse box that contains a fuse for each of your home's circuits. A fuse provides protection for each of your electrical circuits by stopping the flow of current if an overload or fault occurs. When an electrical short occurs or the load on your circuit becomes too great, the fuse on that circuit burns out and breaks the circuit; this is what is referred to as a "blown fuse."

Many insurance carriers are now requiring additional details about a home and are becoming more restrictive about which houses they will insure. Homes with fused electrical systems are much harder to insure today. If your electrical system consists of glass-type electrical fuses, these fuses are simply powering ungrounded outlets. See Ungrounded Outlets

HOW TO CHANGE A FUSE

Before electricity can be restored, the fuse must be replaced with a new fuse. However, even before you replace the fuse, you must take steps to ensure that it is safe to do so. Turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Make certain that no dangerous condition exists before restoring power.

Replace the fuse with a fuse that is of the proper rating for the circuit. For instance, if the circuit is rated for 15 amps, use a 15 amp fuse. Never use anything other than a fuse of the proper rating. I recommend that you install "Fuse Stats" or "Type S" inserts at all fuse sockets which will only allow the correct size fuse to be installed and prevents over fusing of any circuits.

When removing or inserting a new fuse, NEVER touch the metal parts of the fuse. If your fuse box is equipped with a master switch to cut power to the fuse box, cut the main power prior to replacing the fuse.

Electricity should now be restored to the circuit. If the fuse blows again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, a serious wiring fault may exist. Consult a qualified licensed electrician immediately. If the fuse blows after plugging in or turning on a device, then that particular device may have a short or may be placing too much of a load on that particular circuit.

If no fuses were blown and you still do not have power at an outlet, make certain that the switch, if any, that controls the outlet is turned on. If you can find no problem, the outlet, switch, wiring or some other component may be at fault. Also, the outlet may be on a GFCI branch circuit. Refer to the section on GFCIs for checking a GFCI outlet.

Share:

Here is what my clients have to say about my home inspection services:

Press F5 (on your keyboard) for additional testimonials

Dear David,

I just wanted to write a quick thank-you for the professional and informative job that you did at my home inspection on Monday. As a first time home buyer I was incredibly nervous going into the inspection not knowing what to expect - what should I be asking? What should I be looking for? it was all very overwhelming. However, after the first 15 minutes of the inspection, you quickly put all of my fears to rest!

The way that you took the time to point out and explain to me everything that you were looking for, as well as all of the helpful suggestions that you so freely gave out instantly, had put my mind at ease. I was able to feel that I was in good hands and knew that I had a “Professional” doing the job. This was solidified for me at the end of the inspection when you went over your extensive report with me, item by item ensuring that I fully understood what was there.

Your professionalism and expertise was so greatly appreciated. If ever anyone asks for a recommendation please feel free to give them my name, it would be my pleasure to help put another home buyer’s worried mind to ease by letting them know that with Massachusetts Home Inspections, they can count on a professional job well done.

With Kind Regards,

Karen S.