Check Fuse or Circuit Breaker (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if I have circuit breakers or fuses? ›

If you see rows of switches, you have a circuit breaker box. Fuses are round and screw into sockets in the fuse box, much like a light bulb. Older homes tend to have fuse boxes. If you have a particularly large house, you may even have multiple fuse or breaker boxes.

For circuit breakers: Look for a breaker that has moved from the “on” position to the “off” position, or is halfway between the two. Move the breaker to the full “off” position, and then move it to the full “on” position. This will restore power to that circuit.

Lay a rubber mat on the floor in front of the fuse box and stand on it to protect yourself from electric shock. Open the fuse box door. Inspect each fuse using a flashlight to find the one that is burned or melted (the working fuses will have a clear glass casing but the blown one will look cloudy or blackened).

It isn't hard. In fact, it's just about as easy as heading to your home's breaker box and flipping a blown fuse back on. Signs you need to change a fuse include light flickering or failure, including interior and signal lights; climate control failure; loss of power to your radio; your car won't start.

Sometimes a fuse is bad but not necessarily blown. In this case, the best way to test it is with a test light or a multimeter. These are both relatively inexpensive tools and provide an easy way of checking if there's a current running through the fuse.

Melted Wires and Scorching

If you see any melted wires or scorched insulation in your circuit breaker panel, it's a sign that your breaker is going bad and needs to be replaced. This usually happens when the breaker gets hot and melts the insulation around the wires.

A circuit breaker can fail without tripping. If a circuit breaker fails in this fashion, it needs to be replaced. The failed breaker can cause further problems with the electricity in your home or potentially cause a fire. Anytime you suspect a failed circuit breaker, call a certified electrician for a repair.

However, if the circuit breaker does not stick in the ON position or appears damaged, it may be time for a circuit breaker replacement. Although a licensed electrician is best suited for replacing a breaker, you can safely do it yourself.

Do homes have circuit breakers or fuses? ›

Circuit breakers are standard for all newly constructed and remodeled homes. They serve the same function as older model fuse boxes and are generally found in the same areas of the house but are easier to reset.

The best and most straightforward way to identify a circuit breaker type is to look at the breaker box label. Each manufacturer adds a label to the inside of the panel that determines the kind of breaker box you have. The label will include safety warnings, the model type, and suggested breaker types.

Your circuit breaker should appear as a metal box; you may only see the door if the box is recessed into your wall. The box and door may be a matte gray color, or they may be painted over to match the color of the surrounding area. If you can't find your circuit breaker, call on your electrician for assistance!