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How to Replace a Blown Fuse

6 Easy Steps to Replace a Blown Fuse6 Easy Steps to Replace a Blown Fuse

Have you ever had to replace a blown fuse? If the power goes out in your home, it could be as simple as one of them. Especially if you have an older home that still uses a fuse box, knowing how to replace a fuse can be really handy. It’s a quick way to get the electricity back on and avoid a ton of frustration.

But don’t sweat. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.  That way, you can easily get things up and running again the next time a fuse blows.

Older Homes and Fuse Boxes

Back in the day (before the mid-1960s), before circuit breakers became the norm, fuse boxes were the standard way to protect electrical systems in homes. These boxes contain fuses that are designed to “blow” if too much current flows through them. When that happens, it cuts off power to that circuit, preventing any electrical issues or potential fires.

Fuse boxes, though effective, can be a little more hands-on than newer breaker systems. Even though most modern homes use circuit breakers now, there are still plenty of older houses out there that rely on good old-fashioned fuse boxes.

As a homeowner, please familiarize yourself with your fuse box and understand how to replace a blown fuse when needed.

The Importance of Knowing How to Replace a Blown Fuse

Being able to swap out a blown fuse is a super helpful skill. It means you can quickly restore power and get your home back to normal without having to call in an electrician every time. Plus, it helps maintain your electrical system’s overall safety and convenience.

That said, if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, it’s best to call in a professional like our team at Service Minds Mister Sparky in Orlando. We can handle fuse replacement and installation and make sure everything is up to code and functioning as it should.

What Causes a Fuse to Blow?

Fuses are created to prevent too much current from moving through a circuit and causing damage. They have a metal wire inside that melts or breaks when the current gets too high, cutting off the power.

The most common reason fuses blow is overloads. Think when you have too many devices plugged into one circuit. A sudden power surge from a big appliance can also do it instantly.

The amount of overload determines how quickly the fuse will blow. A small one may take longer, while a bigger surge can trip it right away.

Signs That a Fuse Needs Replacing

If a fuse has blown, you’ll notice sure signs that indicate a problem:

  • A sudden loss of power in part of your home
  • Appliances or lights not working in certain areas
  • The fuse itself may look cloudy or have a broken metal filament

When you spot any of those signs, it’s time to replace the fuse.

Getting Ready to Replace a Blown Fuse

Before you dive in, there are a few safety precautions to take:

  1. Grab a Flashlight: Since you’ll be working in the dark without power, you’ll need a flashlight to see what you’re doing.
  2. Put on Rubber Gloves: These gloves can protect you from electrical shock.
  3. Turn Off the Main Power: Always shut off the main power before handling any fuses.
  4. Use a Plastic Fuse Puller: This tool will help you remove the blown fuse safely without directly touching live parts.
  5. Avoid Contact with Wires: Be careful to avoid any exposed wires to prevent shocks or other dangers.

Once you’ve got all that covered, you’re ready to get to work!

How to Replace a Blown Fuse, Step-by-Step

1. Locate the Fuse Box

Most fuse boxes are in utility rooms, garages, or basements. It’s a good idea to know where yours is before you experience any problems.

2. Turn Off Appliances and Lights

Find out which appliances were using the blown fuse and turn them off to prevent future overloads.

3. Shut Off the Main Power

Shut off the main power supply to avoid any risk while working with the fuse box.

4. Find the Blown Fuse

Check for visual signs of damage, like a cloudy or dark center, or use a multimeter to test for continuity. A fuse with a broken filament needs to be replaced.

5. Replace the Blown Fuse

Carefully remove the damaged fuse using your fuse puller. Install a new fuse with the exact same amperage rating as the old one.

6. Testing the New Fuse & Troubleshooting

After putting in the new fuse, turn the power back on and test out the affected circuits. If everything’s working properly, you’re all set!
But if the new fuse immediately blows again, there could be a bigger issue, like a short circuit, a broken appliance, or an overloaded circuit.

In this case, you may need to call in an electrician to take a closer look.

Different Types of Fuses

Fuses come in different types, each made for specific uses.

Here are the three most fuse varieties you might encounter:

  • Cartridge Fuses: Often used for larger appliances, these cylindrical fuses can handle higher amounts of current.
  • Edison-Base (Type-T) Fuses: These are screw-in fuses commonly found in older homes to protect general circuits.
  • Type-S (Tamper-Proof) Fuses: These screw-in fuses are designed to prevent the wrong amperage from being used, making them safer for families.

Make sure you get a replacement that matches the old one’s type (amperage rating) and size. Fuses are ranked by how much current they can handle; using the wrong size can lead to overheating or even a fire.

Preventing Future Blown Fuses

To avoid repeated fuse problems, try to:

  • Do not overload your circuits by limiting the number of devices per outlet.
  • Plug high-energy appliances into their own dedicated circuits. High-energy appliances should be plugged into circuits that can handle their load, preferably with larger amp ratings.
  • Always use replacement fuses with the correct amperage rating. Never insert a fuse with a higher rating than needed, as this increases the risk of overheating and fire hazards.

Leave Fuse Replacement to the Mister Sparky Pros

With a little preparation and know-how, you can quickly get the power back on when a fuse blows. Just remember, for any complex electrical work, it’s best to call in the pros.

At Service Minds Mister Sparky in Orlando, our licensed electricians are ready to wear their superhero capes. We have the expertise to safely handle all your home’s electrical needs, including fuse replacements and inspections.

Don’t put up with malarky! Protect your home by contacting us now.