Fuse Box vs. Circuit Breaker: Which one is better?

In our homes, the electrical system is not something to worry about until a tiny spark or a power outage affects the electrical panel, leaving our homes in the dark. This concern only comes up at times or when you buy an old house with an outdated electrical system. Here we will tell you which is the best between fuse boxes vs circuit breakers.

Older homes have systems that are difficult to retrofit, unlike modern homes, but regardless of whether it is a new or old home, the question remains: is it better to use a fuse box or a circuit breaker? Can my home’s electrical system use both if I want to?

To choose the best option for our home, we must know what these structures or systems are, their differences, and which is better suited to our needs.

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What is a fuse box, and how does it work?

The fuse box is made of insulating material that contains the available power supply lines of an electrical installation. Inside there are the fuses – there’s a tiny device that allows the passage of electric current to the rest of the circuit. It is essential for safety in any electrical installation.

One of the benefits of this device is that when it is not installed correctly, the fuse automatically “cuts off,” avoiding a greater misfortune. But how does it work?

The mechanism is easy to understand. It is composed of a fragile filament that can burn if a voltage rises or sudden variation occurs.

Unlike lead wires that we can find in old houses, fuses are an excellent option if you want electrical safety in your home.

What is a circuit breaker, and how does it work?

A circuit breaker is a safety device used in electrical systems to interrupt the passage of electrical current in the event of an overload in the system. 

The circuit breaker lets the electrical current pass from an upper terminal to a lower one. Through an electromagnetic system, the circuit breaker can switch the circuit breaker from On to Off; This is because the varying energy levels create an electromagnetic force strong enough to throw a metal lever that allows the system to be suspended before it is damaged.

Unlike the fuse, the circuit breaker is not damaged in event of an overload and can be reactivated once electricians have repaired the cause that triggered the overload. In economic terms, the circuit breaker is much cheaper since it does not have to be replaced every time it cuts off an overload.

Fuse box vs. circuit breaker: Pros and cons

Fuses were very common in homes in the 1960s. Modern homes require a minimum of 200 amps to function correctly, as today’s technology consumes more energy.

Fuses can become obsolete in the face of these changes because they withstand less amperage and are prone to stop working quickly. Even many insurance services do not offer insurance if there is a fuse box in your home because they consider it a risk.

However, if your home does not require much power consumption, fuses are for your ideal for your home.

Now, circuit breakers are the best option in case your home has a lot of electronic devices such as computers, high-end TVs, etc. Because it better regulates the high amperage and is an economic relief. Unlike fuses that you must change once they have melted, you only have to turn the switch back on.

Always remember to fix the cause of the overload. Otherwise, the circuit breaker will likely cut off the power supply again.

Now, you know the differences between a fuse box and a circuit breaker. Choose according to your needs and the needs of your home.

Electrical safety is one of those factors that you must take into account to avoid serious consequences such as a fire.

Written by Vanessa Gallanti. December 19, 2022

Enthusiast about planning, project management, construction materials and technology, and construction. A civil engineer from Los Andes University and a content writer for Kukun.