If you currently have a fuse panel in your home, there are a variety of reasons you should consider upgrading to a breaker panel.
Breaker Panels offer Simplicity
If you have a blown fuse, it can be difficult to determine visually which fuse has actually blown. With a breaker panel, when a breaker trips it should appear as if it’s in the middle or off position so you can easily tell which breaker you need to reset. To reset the breaker, simply turn the breaker off and then on again. If the breaker trips again immediately or trips again in future, contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor to have them take a look as it may need to be replaced or investigated further.
They are Safer than Fuse Panels
When you have a blown fuse, it is easy to accidentally replace the blown fuse with one with the incorrect amperage, which can be hazardous. With a breaker panel, there is usually no need to replace a tripped breaker; you simply reset it.
Fuse panels are often physically small, usually having between 16-20 openings. Because of their limited physical size, it’s not uncommon for them to have been overloaded through the years as additional circuits were added. Breaker panels are typically much larger than fuse panels, having up to 60 openings. This additional space for future breakers makes it easy to add circuits, thus preventing the panel from being easily overloaded.
Cost Savings
When you have a fuse panel, you will have to keep extra fuses on hand to replace fuses that blow. With a breaker panel you do not need to keep back-up breakers on hand thus saving you money.
If you have a fuse panel in your home, your insurance company may charge you a higher rate than if you had a breaker panel. This could make the initial cost involved in upgrading your fuse panel to a breaker panel well worth it as the long term money savings can certainly add up in your favour.
If your fuse panel is in need of repair or a component needs replacing, this could cost a significant amount as many parts are hard to find and are thus expensive. This is not the case with most components of newer breaker panels as the breakers and other components are readily available.
Find the Right Person for the Job
Upgrading your fuse panel to a breaker panel can make things simpler, safer and save you money in the long term. If you have a fuse panel that you are considering upgrading, Verve Electric would be happy to schedule an on-site visit to discuss your project.
You can reach us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 519-362-5598 or via our website. We look forward to partnering with you on your project.
