Thomas Edison patented his electrical distribution system in the 1880’s and by the 1890’s had patented the fuses. Shortly after, a fuse box was created and added for protection to house the distribution system, it was the first electrical box introduced in the electrical industry which was used to address the electrical safety concerns in homes. Fuse box panels were installed in homes through the 1950’s.
Fuse boxes held 12 or fewer fuses and did not allow room for expansion. Over time as more appliances and devices became available these systems became heavily overloaded. To deal with the constant blowing of fuses people would install too large a fuse or different types of metal eliminating the over-current protection entirely and further exacerbating the overload issue.
Home owners are advised to take serious precaution if changing out a blown fuse due to the electrical shock hazard that exists. You may also contact our qualified professional electrician to properly address the fuse box issue. Be aware that most insurance companies will not insure your home or the home you are purchasing, without this fuse box being replaced with a modern circuit breaker distribution panel and the other related issues being brought up to code.
For more information on fuse box panels, click on the link below or call us today and speak with one of our professional electricians for help with your fuse box concerns.
http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/scary-fuse-boxes.shtml
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ALWAYS call and check with a qualified electrician before attempting or acting upon anything you read on this site. Changes are always happening within the NEC, standards and regulations, and State, County, and City by-laws.