Fuse Boxes - Are They Safe?
Many older properties still have fuse boxes. While, these antiquated devices are 
okay, fuse panels, unless altered can be deemed safe. I consult my clients to consider replacing these with modern devices. Here's why:
Older style fuse boxes serve the same purpose as circuit breaker boxes in that the fuse controls the amount of electrical current from appliances within a home. However; fuse boxes are outdated by modern standards. The advantage to having circuit breakers in a home is that instead of replacing a fuse each time it is used, circuit breakers can be easily reset. In the event of an overloaded circuit, fuses have been proven to be more reliable and will "blow". Replacing blown fuses can be frustrating, expensive and time consuming. Because it is easy to over-fuse circuits, may insurance companies will not insure fuse panels unless the S-type retro devices are installed. Even with these devices, some insurance carriers charge more to insure fuse panels.
According to studies, faulty electrical wiring causes approximately forty thousand house fires annually. Like circuit breakers, fuses are used to prevent over heated wiring and fires by interrupting electrical currents in overloaded circuits. When a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, it is important to locate the source of the problem.
For instance, if you have lights that seem to stop working frequently, you may have too many items connected to a single power source. Sometimes an appliance may have a short circuit; it could even mean a short circuit in the home’s internal wiring. In either case, it is best to have a professional in the appropriate trade evaluate the fuse box and wiring.
As you would in a circuit breaker panel, label each fuse in the box. Labeling each fuse can make it easier to identify the suspect circuit. As a safety reminder, when replacing a fuse, turn everything off in the circuit to prevent electrocution.
This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.
This posting and the contents herein is the intellectual property of Michael Thornton, CEO of The Complete Group. We provide the highest quality service in the areas of home inspections and videos/photography for the web, corporate, businesses and the real estate industry. Complete Home Inspections, Inc. and Creative Video Concepts serves the Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville and the area surrounding Davidson and Williamson County TN. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.
Michael: I don't see too many fuse boxes anymore, but that mean they aren't out there. Suggested.
Good Friday morning. Very good information for owners of older homes. I clicked the suggest button. Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.
Be sure to have your camera in hand to capture those special moments when you are out and about in your community or during your travels. Life is better when there are flowers to photograph.
Hi Michael. Fuses will blow but circuit breakers can rust and not trip.
Michael, I have always been afraid to touch them. As a teen I did in my parents older home, but as an adult I let my husband the builder deal with them.
Michael, i had fuses in my 1800s home and changed it over...it drove me crazy when the fuses would blow and i needed to have a complete service overhaul...i recommend upgrading from them to circuit breakers to ensure insurance will cover them...good share.
Michael, Fortunately we don't run into too many of these old style ones in our area. Most seem to have updated to the circuit breaker panels.
Michael ...Great info as always ...I will be back later today and re-blog this one!
Have a great one!
On every inspection I do with fuse boxes, there is a huge store of fuses nearby so they can be grabbed, apparently very often, as needed!
But gee, the color distribution in your photo is very well done, so this circumstance seems to be a good one!
Sir Michael~just wondering how much on the average does it cost to exchange one of those to a newer model. I know you can't give me anything wrote in stone and it would only be applicable to your area but just curious
Good morning, James. In our area, the cost is somewhere between $900 - $1200.
Great post. Haven't thought about fuse boxes since moving to Florida some years ago. Enjoy your day!
Good morning Michael.
You don't really see them in Long Island.
Have a nice weekend.
Good Morning~Most underwriters get all worked up when they find out that there is a fuse box in a house, and usually want the appraiser to indicate whether it's adequate. My response is always, "Ask the inspector or an electrician, they're the experts and that's above my pay grade."
Have an AWESOME day!
Micheal, I haven't thought of fuse boxes in years. That's why we use great home inspectors to make sure things are as they should be in all areas of the home. Off to an inspection this morning myself.
DO you know my hubby FINALLY labeled each one about a month ago? We always had to have one of up near the box while the other yelled what turned off or not...lol!
Michael, Great advice! I still run into a few of these but not as often. Have a great weekend!
Michael
Insightful post, changing the old style fuse boxes to circuit breaks is in the owners best interests.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Thanks for the post Michael. I see these a lot and you have given us some great thoughts to consider as buyers agents.
Michael-occasionally I see a home with a fuse box and I simply mention to the buyers that this is something you want to have checked to see if it fits with your intend. Thanks for the information.
Michael
Thanks for some good info. There are quite a few older that still have fuse boxes especially in the City of Napa.
Electrical Panels with fuses were common in my first incarnation in Real Estate, but I think I have seen a total of three this time around... they are getting rare in New Tecumseth.
Good morning Michael,
Boy when it comes to electrical panels with fuses I can't say I have dealth with them. Most all homes I sell are newer. Labeling is a must! Great advice as always Michael.
Good topic Michael, up our way if the house has an old fuse box the insurance companies want it updated. They will give the new owner 30 days after taking possession or cancel the insurance.
I agree Michael, fuses are really a good circuit protection device. In fact they are probably better than breakers, but in our modern world convenience is always king.