There’s an old saying, “out with the old, in with the new”. As homeowners, we often want the newest appliances, gadgets, and the most advanced technology. However, we sometimes ignore the essential systems that power our daily fixtures. For older homes, you probably use a fuse box as the central switchboard for your home’s electrical system. Most modern homes use updated circuit breakers in their service panel to power their homes. 

Both of these systems have essentially the same function: to provide power, monitor electrical activity, and prevent overloads that can lead to fires and electrocutions. In some cases, your fuse box, although old, is properly equipped for your home. In others, your modern home filled with appliances may require upgrading your fuse box to a circuit breaker. Let’s dive into the topic of a fuse box vs. a circuit breaker. 

Signs for a service panel upgrade:

If your home is 50 years or older, your fuse box may be outdated and unprepared to perform its intended function. Sometimes, you are able to physically notice that your fuse box needs maintenance or an upgrade in the form of visible rust or burn marks. For some people who need their systems to handle large amounts of power, you may want to add more circuits but your current service panel is full. As a general rule, if you are experiencing interruptions in your appliances or consistent malfunctioning, it may be time for an upgrade.

Advantages of a service panel upgrade: 

Safety: It’s important to make sure that your fuse box is up to code and is less susceptible to fire or electrical hazards. Fuses melt, which means you need to place an amp fuse in your system. Putting a fuse in a box that’s too large can lead to electrical fires, while circuit breakers do not need to be replaced and do not pose this threat. Similarly, most outdated wiring is not made to handle the power drawn from modern appliances. When you upgrade your service panel, you improve efficiency while proactively preventing safety hazards. 

Convenience: It’s likely that your current electrical system simply cannot handle the load of your advanced appliances. With circuit breakers, there’s no need to worry about frequently replacing them like you need to do with a blown fuse. All you need to do is manually flip their switch during an electrical overload. This means less time and work spent for you fidgeting with the system, and fewer costs on future maintenance or fuse replacements. 

Efficiency: An upgraded service panel provides you with more flexibility and efficiency when it comes to your electrical needs. They are designed to expedite the flow of electricity and respond promptly to overloads. An advanced system supplies increased amounts of power, provides the optionality to add more circuits, and decreases the need for excessive extension cords. Ultimately, you’ll experience higher-quality, uninterrupted electricity. 

At Raynor Services, your safety, convenience, and comfort are our top priorities. Our expert team of technicians has upgraded fuse boxes and service panels for Southern New Jersey homes for over 26 years. Our process starts with a thorough inspection of your system so that we can properly identify unsafe conditions to recommend the next steps. If we find that your system is outdated, we can upgrade your fuse box to a new and advanced circuit breaker panel. Give us a call today to schedule any electrical service task at 609-714-0505.