Fuse Panels

Screw-in fuse panels were the common method of power distribution during the in 1950’s. Branch circuit home runs were installed into these panels and then distributed throughout the building. Starting in the 1960’s, circuit breaker style electrical panels began to replace the screw in panels. The main reason for the change being a circuit breaker can be reset, while a screw in fuse needs to be replaced after an overload or short circuit has occurred. Generally speaking, most insurance companies prefer that these panels be replaced for the following reasons

1. Some styles of screw in fuses or cartridge fuses can be replaced with an improper size fuse that does match the correct wire size. This can create a hazardous situation or fire hazard.
2. Some homeowners completely by-passed their fuses with the use of metal slugs. This is extremely dangerous as the safety features of the fuse were completely removed.
3. Most fuse panels are at least 75 years old and many experts feel an electrical panel’s useful life span is approximately 50 years.
4. Fused panels do not easily support the addition of GFCI OR AFCI breakers, nor the installation of surge protectors. National Electrical Code (NEC) requires most new installations to employ these items, achieving this with fuse panels can prove to be very challenging.
5. Most residential electrical services that have fuse panels are 60-amp services. 100-amps is now the minimum residential electrical service size in the current electrical code. 60-amp services do not typically support multiple larger electrical loads such ranges, hot tubs, air conditioning condensers, car chargers, electric dryers, and electric water heaters.
6. Current national electrical code also requires the power utility electrical meter, along with an emergency disconnect to be located on the exterior of the structure. More often than not, a house with screw-in fuses will have the electrical meter located inside the home.