Every home has an electrical system that is equipped with a form of circuit protection to shut off circuits when they overload. Homes that have been updated usually have a series of circuit breakers in the main service panel for this protection. They sense the amount of current flow and trip when it’s excessive. Homes that were built before 1960 and haven’t been upgraded are likely to have screw-in fuses inside the main fuse panel for circuit protection. If you need residential electrical service in Hampstead to update your electrical system, rely on the experts at Tim Kyle Electric, Heating & Cooling for high-quality service.
A Fuse Versus a Circuit Breaker
Although a fuse and a circuit breaker have the same purpose, which is to prevent overloads that can cause fires, they do this in opposing ways. A fuse is made with metal, and it melts when it’s overheated. When a fuse is blown, it should be thrown away and replaced with a new one. Circuit breakers are created with internal switch mechanisms that are tripped by an excessive surge of electricity.
Common types of fuses include Edison Base (Type-T), Type-S, and Cartridge. Type-T fuses can only handle 125 volts and have an ampere rating of 30 amps. It’s a standard fuse for 120/125-volt household circuits. Type-S fuses have the fuse itself and an adapter. Each amp has a matching socket adapter that prevents mismatching fuses. Cartridge fuses are ceramic with metal blades or sleeves on both ends. They’re used for 240-amp circuits and fit inside a fuse box.
Looking for Residential Electrical Service in Hampstead?
Do your indoor lights flicker frequently when you use appliances like an air conditioner or microwave? Do you have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker? Is there a burning smell near electronics? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time for an upgrade. Since 1986, Tim Kyle Electric, Heating & Cooling has been providing clients in Maryland with residential and commercial services. Our services include panel upgrades, renovations, repairs and rewiring, fire alarm systems, and more! Click here for a free estimate!