Fuse boxes were the standard in American homes for decades. Most households don't spare a thought for their fuses until they blow, but new circuitry can improve your safety, reduce the risk of power outages, and even save money.
How Fuse Boxes Work
Fuse boxes or fuse panels divide circuits to prevent overload. If a single fuse overloads due to a power surge, the fuse burns out and cuts off electricity to any home area that relies on that circuit. It's a simple solution to preventing total power loss throughout your home, but this technology is outdated.
Why You Should Upgrade Your Fuse Box to a Circuit Breaker
If your home still has a fuse box, that circuitry is likely more than 50 years old. The constant flow of electricity slowly erodes circuits which can increase the risk of electrical fires. Modern breakers also offer additional safety measures, including AFCI protections.
Are Fuses Boxes Safe?
Fuse box designs have worked for decades but are outdated. Circuit breakers offer two important safety improvements over fuse boxes:
- Circuit breakers can safely handle higher voltage levels than fuse boxes
- Circuit breakers trip much faster than fuses fail, reducing the risk of fire
Can You Replace a Fuse Box with Circuit Breakers?
Yes! Most homes will benefit from upgrading from an older fuse box to a modern circuit breaker panel. Upgrading to a circuit breaker will allow you to safely handle multiple running appliances, charge more mobile devices, and future-proof your home to power electric vehicles.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuse Box with a Breaker Panel?
It costs between $1,500 and $4,500 to replace your fuse box with a modern circuit breaker. Many older homes aren't wired to accommodate higher amperages associated with up-to-date circuitry. The project price can increase based on your home's electrical needs. Most homeowners opt for one of these amperage levels:
- 100 amps – Roughly $850 to $1,600
- 200 amps - $1,800 to $2,500
- 400 amps - $2,000 to $4,000