Are you at home, and your lights flicker on and off? Does your electrical appliance keep shutting down?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, there’s a high possibility that one of your electrical fuses has blown.
Blown fuses are quite an inconvenience, and your post-holiday electric bill will show it. Luckily, you can fix or replace them rather easily.
Not sure how to start? Read on for our tips on how to fix a blown fuse.
Turn the Power Off
This is important because it’s dangerous to work on a fuse box with the power on. There are two ways to turn the power off.
The best way to do this is to locate the main breaker or switch in the service panel box, also known as the breaker box. This will cut off all power to the house.
Another way is to disconnect the wires leading to the fuse box. Once the power is off, the circuitry will be safe to work on.
Be sure to turn the power off on the electrical circuits before replacing the fuse. This way, you don’t risk damaging any of the other fuses in the box due to a surge in electricity.
Find the Fuse Box
Depending on the home, the location may be different. In most homes, the fuse box is in the basement, near an outside wall, and can be hard to spot. If your basement does not have a separate room, the fuse box is usually mounted on the side of an entry door.
You should be patient when handling a fuse box. This is because the metal components can be extremely sensitive and cause shocks. If you need a hand, make sure to visit Anyandallelectric.com for all your electrical needs!
Identify the Broken Fuse
If the fuse is still in place, but the circuit is not working, a broken fuse may be the problem. To test it, turn off the circuit breaker and unscrew it and remove the fuse from its holder.
Inspect it for any signs of smoke, charring, or melted metal. This is typically indicative of a fuse that has burned out. If only one fuse has blown, simply replace it with a new one. If several have blown at once, then you may have a more serious issue with your electrics.
Replace the Fuse
If you need to replace a broken fuse, make sure to take the proper safety precautions before attempting to do so. Start by determining the size of the replacement fuse you need by confirming the amp rating.
Make sure that you push the new fuse in and that the metal contacts are secure. Test the new fuse to make sure it is functioning correctly, and if it is, just turn the power back on. Now that the broken fuse has been replaced, close up the fuse box, and you’re done!
Fix Your Blown Fuse Right Away
Overall, it’s important to fix a blown fuse right away. If left unattended, these can lead to potential electric shocks and fires. This means that the issue needs to get dealt with as soon as it arises.
If you’ve noticed a blown fuse, contact a licensed electrician. They can assist you in correcting the problem and ensuring the safety of your home.
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