How the Fuse Box Works in the Home

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Woodie's DIY will show you how the fuse box works in the home. Ruth will guide you through the two types of fuse boxes.

How to do it

These Instructions Serve as a Guide Only

If in any doubt, or your job differs in any way from the job described, please consult a qualified electrician.

Step 1

There are mainly two types of fuse boxes. The fuse box in your home will largely depend on when it was last wired. The two types of fuse box are: Screw in Fuse (older version) and Trip Switch (newer version).

Step 2

In both types of fuse box there is a main switch that governs all circuits in the home. The newer mains is turned off by pulling down the switch. These are often black, grey or red and will always be labeled.

Always turn off electricity using the mains switch before beginning any electrical jobs in the home.

Step 3

In both types of boxes there are also individual switches/fuses that govern individual circuits e.g. sockets in a certain room, lights in a certain room. Sometimes your fuse box may be labeled with the circuits that each switch/fuse controls.

Step 4

Depending on the system you have, there are different ways to deal with a blown fuse in the home.

Step 5

If you have a modern Trip Switch system, you will know you have blown a fuse, as one of the switches in the fuse box will have tripped down. To re-set and restore electricity to that circuit, simply flip the switch back to the correct position.

Switch keeps tripping

If the system fails to re-set (and all devices are unplugged) it is advisable to call a qualified electrician, as there could be a problem with the circuit.

Step 6

If you have an older fuse box, check the end of each fuse to see if the wires in the fuse are intact. The binding wire for both ends of the fuse will be broken on the fuse that has blown. You will know the wire has broken, as it will be popping out at the end of the fuse. To replace check ampage of the fuse and replace with a fuse of equal ampage.