We get this question a lot from people who own older homes that still use fuse boxes instead of breaker panels, and it’s a good one to ask.
Fuse boxes were state-of-the-art technology in homes built in the 60s and prior but have been surpassed by breaker panels, which are safer and more efficient at delivering the power required by today’s modern families.
Now, you don’t have to replace your fuse box, and it’s probably not going to explode and burn down the house, but there are many good reasons to consider upgrading.
The first thing to consider is age. Since fuse boxes haven’t been used in new homes for many years, the existing systems tend to be old. Over time, electrical connections can wear down, making the panel less efficient.
Another reason to upgrade is that breaker panels offer safety features you don’t get with fuse boxes, such as arc fault protection.
Lastly, think about how much more convenient it is to flip a breaker switch than dig around in the junk drawer to find a fuse when a circuit blows only to find out you’re out of fuses and have to go to the hardware store.