Circuit Breaker vs. Fuse Box: What's the Difference?
Both circuit breakers and fuse boxes serve the same purpose – to supply power from the main electrical grid and protect against electrical overload. While shared in purpose, a circuit breaker and a fuse box differ in how they protect against electrical faults.
What Is A Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is a device that controls the distribution of electric supply to the home while protecting it from electrical hazards. Circuit breakers use a switch mechanism that automatically cuts off the flow of electricity when an electrical fault is detected, preventing wiring from overheating and causing damage to appliances. Affected switches can be switched back to restore power to the circuit once the issue is addressed.
What Is A Fuse Box?
A fuse box is a device that distributes electrical power to different circuits in the home – similarly to a circuit breaker. However, a fuse box consists of a series of fuses rather than automatic switches to protect against electrical overload. When the circuit overloads, the respective fuse melts and breaks the circuit. Once a fuse is “blown”, it will need to be replaced with a new one to restore power to the circuit.
How To Determine If A Home Has A Circuit Breaker Or A Fuse Box
Look for an electrical panel or box within the home – it will usually be located close to the entrance of the house, either outside the front door or in the main hallway. Examine the inside of the panel:
• A circuit breaker has a row of plastic switches that may be labelled with areas of the home, like the kitchen or lights. Most modern homes in Australia (from the 1980s onward) are equipped with circuit breakers.
• A fuse box will have round ceramic or plastic holders that contain fuses, which are either screwed or plugged in. Older homes in Australia (those built before the 1980s) may still be equipped with a fuse box.
Comparing Circuit Breaker Vs Fuse Box
Load Handling and Capacity
Circuit breakers are better equipped to handle the electrical needs of modern homes. The maximum load of a circuit breaker ranges from 100 to 160 amps. Fuse boxes, on the other hand, have a significantly lower maximum load handling between 40 and 60 amps.
To put this into perspective, a modern electric oven draws between 20 and 60 amps, depending on the make and model. Homes equipped with a fuse box may struggle to support the electrical needs of a family.
In terms of circuit capacity, advanced circuit breaker models can support up to 24 individual circuits at a time, which provides more safety and convenience for the home by isolating different electrical areas and appliances. When one circuit trips, the others remain unaffected. In comparison, a household fuse box can only support up to 6 circuits.
Repair And Replacement
A circuit breaker can be easily reset after an electrical overload. To restore power, simply flip the tripped switch back into the “on” position. Flipping a circuit breaker switch can be done without the help of an electrician and is easier to use than a fuse box.
With a fuse box, however, a blown fuse cannot be used any longer and will need to be replaced. Replacing a blown fuse is a complex process that requires an electrician’s expertise to install the fuse safely and correctly.
Safety Standards
Circuit breakers have been the standard for electrical systems in Australian homes since the early 1980s. During this period, safety devices like Residual Current Devices (RCDs) were installed in switchboards to detect electrical imbalances and cut power.
According to the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules, circuit breakers are required for new homes to ensure a high standard of electrical safety and minimise the risk of electrical fires.
Fuse boxes in older homes are not compatible with RCDs and have a higher risk of undetected electrical faults, increasing the likelihood of hazards like electrical shocks and fires.
What If My Home Still Has A Fuse Box?
Having a fuse box in the home is not against the law, but it offers less protection and convenience compared to a circuit breaker. If your home still has a fuse box, it’s generally advised that you replace it with a circuit breaker – not only for enhanced safety, but also to provide the home with a more reliable source of power to meet your electrical needs.
Radiance Electrical provides switchboard upgrade and repair services for homes across North Sydney and the Northern Beaches. We can provide you with a high-quality circuit breaker unit and install it in your home, including all necessary rewiring and safety checks. We also offer a lifetime warranty on all completed electrical jobs – give us a call today for a free quote.
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