Most homes in Northern Virginia have been updated with electrical panels having circuit breakers. However, there still remain some older homes built in the mid-twentieth century and before that still have the original fuse box. Fuse boxes operate similarly to circuit-breaker electrical panels in that they cut power to a circuit if there is an overload, short circuit, or ground fault. The major difference is that fuses need to be replaced after they "blow", whereas a circuit breaker can simply be reset.
When we are presented with a fuse box, we always recommend replacement. This is due to the extreme age of the components within the fuse box, and also an increasing difficulty in sourcing the fuses themselves. When we replace a fuse box, we also replace a few ancillary systems.
First, most fuse boxes are installed to homes that have a 60 Amp to 150 Amp service. In almost all cases, the service (power company meter base, and power company cables) need to be updated to 200 Amps.
Additionally, the grounding and bonding system require updating. This includes installation of new 8-foot copper coated ground rods with a new grounding electrode conductor, plus correct bonding for the water pipes.
Water pipe bonding includes a bond wire being installed between the main electrical panel and the water pipes, which is clamped within 5' of the main water valve. If your home has thin-wall flexible gas pipes, we also need to pull a bond wire to the main connector on the gas header.
A few ancillary items such as a whole-house surge protector and intersystem bonding kit (ground bar for telecommunications equipment) will also be installed.
Recently, most Northern Virginia counties and cities have adopted the 2020 NEC requirements, which also require us to install a new outdoor fireman's disconnect when replacing a fuse box and upgrading the service. As described, the fireman's disconnect provides a switch for use by fire fighters in the event that power should be cut from your house during a fire.
If your house still has an outdated fuse box and you're considering an upgrade, contact Root Electric for a complimentary assessment on electrical panel replacement.
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Satisfaction / Safety First Since 1986