Circuit Breaker Safety

Circuit breakers or fuses are some of the most important safety devices in your home, preventing overloaded circuits that could overheat and cause a fire. Circuit breakers, usually found in breaker panels, are the most common form of overload protection found in homes. Fuse boxes are usually found in older homes built before circuit breaker technology was commonplace.  Circuit breakers and fuses are similar in function, though different in design.

Fuses use a filament that melts when overloaded to disconnect the circuit. A fuse must be thrown out and replaced completely when blown, and cannot contain GFCIs like a circuit breaker. It is possible to accidentally use an over-sized fuse; a 30 amp fuse can fit in a 20 amp circuit, which is a dangerous fire hazard.

A circuit breaker is very easy to reset if tripped, is usable with a GFCI-style breaker, does not need to be replaced like a fuse once tripped and is often more compatible with modern electricity needs. A circuit breaker is like a modern-day fuse. A properly installed breaker panel is lower maintenance and easier to use for the average homeowner.

If you have an older fuse box in your home, call Rogoz Electric at 623-363-5648 to upgrade to a safer, newer breaker panel! http://www.myazelectrician.com