The intricacies of electricity are extremely complicated, and electricians spend their entire careers mastering them. Nevertheless, one need not be an electrician to learn some of the fundamentals, so here is a quick breakdown of some of the most common questions people have about fuses, fuse boxes, circuits, and breakers:
What Are Fuses?
A lot of people don’t realize that electrical fuses are really just safety devices designed to sacrifice themselves in the event that too much electrical current is flowing through an electrical circuit. In fact, the National Electrical Code defines fuses as overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs).
You’re probably at least somewhat familiar with electrical fuses and the small metal wires that run through the middle of them. When excessive current is flowing through a circuit or an electrical system has a power surge, that small wire breaks or melts, which disables the circuit before it gets badly damaged or causes a fire.
What Are Fuse Boxes?
As the name implies, fuse boxes are metal boxes that contain fuses, which can be screw-in fuses or simple fuse cartridges. Fuse boxes have been largely replaced by electrical service panels and circuit breakers in modern electrical systems. Still, fuse boxes can be found in many older homes across the country.
What Are Circuit Breakers?
Like fuses, circuit breakers are OCPDs designed to protect electrical circuits, but they accomplish this goal differently. Whereas traditional fuses break or melt to disrupt the electrical flow in a circuit, breakers simply “trip,” and all one needs to do is reset them by flipping a switch. This improved design means that breakers can be reused.
What Are Electrical Circuits?
There are several different types of electrical circuits used for different applications, but very basically, circuits are looped pathways that allow electric current to flow continuously.
What Is a Short Circuit?
A short circuit occurs when the electrical current flows through a shorter path than intended, which can cause fires, overheating, and even electrical shock. Common causes of short circuits include:
- Rodents or other pests chewing through electrical wiring
- Water contact
- Nails or screws that puncture an electrical wire’s insulation
- Power surges
- Degradation of insulation due to basic wear and tear
Diagnosing and Repairing Short Circuits
If your electrical system is constantly blowing fuses or tripping breakers, there is most likely a short circuit somewhere in the system. Unfortunately, locating and fixing a short circuit can be difficult and potentially dangerous. If you suspect a short circuit, it’s usually best to hire a professional rather than attempting to repair it yourself.
If you live in the Daytona area and need help with your home’s electrical system, Mister Sparky is a great choice. Mister Sparky offers repairs, panel upgrades, rewiring, and surge protection at competitive prices.
You can book Mister Sparky by going to their website or by calling them at (386) 267-1871.