It can be frustrating as to why does my fuse panel keep blowing? Most cases it’s trying to tell you there is something wrong with the circuit.
Generally your fuse panel could be blowing because you are exceeding the recommended amperage for the circuit. Try to cut back on what you have plugged into the circuit or have an electrician install additional circuits. Do not under any circumstances install a larger fuse.
Installing larger fuses can cause fire hazards.
Why Does My Fuse Panel Keep Blowing
Your fuse panel could keep blowing the fuses due to age. Once a fuse panel gets old or to the end of its life the components do not work as well.
The components inside the fuse panel can actually wear out which ends up causing heat.
Heat is actually the silent killer for any type of electrical source or device. Heat will cause fuses to blow.
In addition there may be some time a type of non-obvious load that is drawing on the fuse or exceeding the fuse capacity causing it to blow.
You could also be exceeding the fuse capacity on the circuit.
For example if you have a 15 amp fuse and you were drawing close to 15 A or more than a fuse will blow.
Do not under any circumstances with a large refusing to give you more power.
Why Does My Fuse Panel Keep Blowing With Nothing Plugged In?
The fuse that keeps blowing with nothing plugged in may be hooked to other electrical loads that you were not aware of.
Often an older fuse panels, there’s not a lot of room for individual circuits. This causes electricians to wire or wire in the past lights and other devices on with plugs.
It can cause the fuse to blow if you exceed the rating on the fuse. Sometimes fuses just get tired for no reason and will blow.
Why Does My Fuse Panel Keep Blowing All The Other Fuses?
Some fuse panels can be a bit difficult to understand. There are two main bars in a fuse panel each bar has 120 volts.
Between the two bars you would have 240 volt. When the fuse block bolts on to the bars it takes power from each side.
In some cases when a fuse blows it will back feed through the other bar and caused multiple fuses to blow.
This is common in older homes with not many circuits run and you have a number of things on the same circuit lights, plugs, switches etc.
Why Does My Fuse Panel Keep Blowing-How Do I Find What Is Causing The Fuse To Blow?
Most times you can tell what causes used to blow because when you try to change it it will blow again.
This usually means a short circuit situation. Don’t mistake this for a fuse pop or an over current situation.
If you change the fuse and the power turned back on it will most likely not pop again until you reach the amperage rating or exceed it.
In this case it is more difficult to tell.
However the short circuit situation is very easy and kind of scary to be honest. It will pop as soon as she screwed in.
Why Does My Fuse Panel Keep Blowing-Can I Install A Larger Fuse ?
Under no circumstances should you install a larger fuse if the current fuse you have and keeps popping.
The fuse has a rating on it for a reason. If the fuse is 15 amp then it is rated for 15 amp wire.
If you install a larger fuse like a 20 or 30 then you were over fusing that wire. This will cause heat in the circuit and most likely a fire.
Why Does The Fuse Still Look Good?
New fuses can trick you into thinking that they are still good when they are not.
The best thing to do to check a fuse is to buy a small fuse checker or tester at your local hardware store or purchase it online.
You can find out more of what we recommend on these here.
A fuse has two ways of blowing. One the overcurrent will disengage the trip mechanism inside the fuse.
This is what we call a fuse popped. Inside if use the mechanism releases so the fuse does not work anymore however if you still looks good.
This is not like when a fuse blows. A fuse blows in a short circuit situation.
This will turn the fuse block inside the glass. These are easier to tell if they were blown.
Can The Fuse Cause A Fire?
if a fuse heats up enough then yes it can cause a fire. if the fuse is over sized then yes it can cause a fire.
This is why it is so important not to install an oversized fuse.
The wire will heat up, making the equipment heat up which could result in fire.
The smell from burning electrical is quite unique and can not be mistaken for anything else. Once you smell it you’ll never forget it.
In a case like this shut your main power off immediately.
What If The Main Fuse Blows In My House ?
Over the years we have seen main fuses blow. It is uncommon but it does happen from time to time.
The the electrical load reaches close to its max output this can cause one size of your panels main fuse to blow or even both.
In the picture below it show a 100 amp main fuse. It is usually only one that blows however that is a good time to replace both.
These fuses also get tired over time where they tend not to blow much. We have seen them just give up for no reason after a number of years.
What Are Fuse Blocks?
In the picture below show a 240 volt fuse block. These blocks plug onto the bus bars of the fuse panel.
This particular block is rated for 240 volt only and has a locking mechanism.
When you pull the block out both fuses come out at the same time.
This would be common for a hot water tank for example under 30 amps 240 volt.
Why Are Fuse Blocks Different ?
Fuse blocks are made in different sizes and shapes to keep uniformity across the industry.
Larger size fuses have larger size fuse blocks that will not except a smaller one.
Small size blocks are for smaller type fuses only. This is also for safety reasons. You can not fit a 60 amp fuse in a 30 amp block and so on.
Although we have seen fuse blocks with more than just fuses in then to get by. Like sockets, that’s right I’ve seen a 14 mm deep socket where a 60 amp tub fuse should be.
Keep in mind folks this is no form of sane way to bypass a fuse.
Can I Use A Time Delay Fuse?
There are two types of basic fuses.
The first type is called a one time fuse. This pops when it reaches it’s amperage rating. This is also the most common type.
The second type is called a time delay. A time delay is actually exactly what it sounds. It’s gives a few seconds or “buffer” before it pops.
These are most commonly uses with motor loads like pumps. It is because the pump can draw a large start up current for a fraction of a second usually exceeding the rating of the fuse.
This give the load a chance to start up with out the fuse popping before it gets up to speed.
We call this inrush current.
Do Fuses Blow If They Are Old?
They can yes, fuses just get tired after a while and stop working. Often when you don’t notice it like and outside plug.
It’s a good idea to have an electrician check things over every couple years. Especially if you have an old fuse panel.
Can I Change My Fuses To Breakers?
Yes it is a good idea to change from fuse to breakers. We do this a couple times a month for customers.
Breakers are much more reliable and not need to replace then like a fuse. Just a simple reset if it trips.
This is a common procedure for us. It costs in around 1000 dollars to have done.
Will They Still Blow Under A Breaker?
yes a breaker will trip instead of blow if they get close to their amperage rating. This is what they are designed to do.
They will usually go to the center position and feel spongy to the touch. Just simply push them back to the off position and then reengage them. You can find out more on fuse to breakers here.
