Circuit Breakers control electrical current by "tripping" when it senses an electrical overload. Once the cause of the overload is fixed, they can be turned back on. Fuses are an older type of technology where the fuse is screwed into a socket and has a filament that burns out when too much current flows through it. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses must be replaced after being tripped. As fuse boxes become less and less common, repairing them will become more of a hassle.

Also, unlike fuses, circuit breakers support GFCI applications. This makes them safer than older systems. A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) is a residual-current device that quickly breaks an electrical circuit to prevent serious harm from an ongoing electric shock. They are commonly found around places where one can easily 'ground' out, like the bathroom or the kitchen.

Back when fuse boxes were used, most homes could run off of 60-amp service. Today, most homes require somewhere between 100- and 200-amps. In other words, your fuse box simply doesn’t supply enough electricity for a modern household. Because they often lack dedicated circuits for large appliances like dryers, dishwashers, and AC units, they blow often in well-equipped households.

While fuses were once at the cutting edge of technology, they’re now reaching their sunset years. If you’d like to retire your old fuse box, call us at 817.847.7111 for a quote on a panel upgrade.

Buying a Home: Make sure your inspector looks at the electrical panel during their inspection. They can give you insight into issues and spot things a layman wouldn't be likely to notice—like aluminum wiring. It’s also a good idea to bring an electrician along with you for this process. A professionally licensed and insured electrical contractor can make recommendations to help you plan out what you need to consider before buying the house.

Fun Fact! Did you know that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have “fire hazard conditions” than homes wired with copper?

Selling a Home: Upgrading the panel to a higher amp can increase your home’s value and put your buyer’s mind at ease. It also helps make your home more aesthetically pleasing.

Common symptoms of an electrical panel problem include:

• Tripping the same breakers frequently while going about normal home/business activities
• Experiencing miniature 'brown-outs' (where your lights flicker or dim) when a major appliance turns on (AC, Fridge, Dryer, etc.)
• Tripping of breakers when major appliances turn on.
• Seeing a significant amount of sparks when you plug in a device.
• Hearing your circuit breaker box 'hum'.
• Appliances being "surged" and overheating.

If you notice a burning smell or scorch marks on your panel, you need to shut your main fuse off and call an electrician immediately. These symptoms signal that a fire is imminent.

The average cost to replace an electrical panel in the US ranges between $850 and $4000. Where you fall on that spectrum depends on the following factors:

• The Size of the Panel: The higher a panel’s “amperage,” the more it will cost to replace it. Most homes today can’t function with anything less than a 100-amp panel. Rest assured that our electricians will take all the necessary steps to ensure your new panel is properly sized.
• Whether or Not Rewiring Is Needed: Upgrading your panel often means replacing the wires in your home—especially in older buildings. These wiring changes can drastically increase the price of the project. As we provide all pricing upfront, you can rest assured there’ll be no surprises when the invoice comes.
• Adding Outlets: If your home is outdated and requires additional outlets to get up to code, that cost will have to be taken into consideration. Fortunately, our electricians know tTexas’s codes like the back of their hands and can quickly ascertain whether new outlets are needed.
• Whether Your Service Is Overhead or Underground: Your home gets its power from utility service lines. Panels that get their power from overhead lines will cost more to replace than those that receive their power from underground.