How To Change Fuses in an Old Home Panel

[@catscatseverywhere]

Really appreciate you taking the time to post this video. Alone in a house with two babies tonight and a fuse blew, taking out two bedrooms and the bathroom. Wouldn't have known how to fix it without this. I sincerely appreciate you.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Thanks Cats! I appreciatre you taking the time to let me know this video helped you.

[@FayAlexGG]

haha i am in that same situation right now and this really helped.

[@DayFitNow-th9ni]

Yes thank you. This is very helpful for me too! I appreciate your time and instruction!

[@timyakabowich6273]

I seldom come across these panels. As an HVAC tech, did a service call...watched your video as I worked on a gas furnace cleaned sensors. You gave me that much more confidence as I had to hardwire a condensate pump into unit. Tanks!😊

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You're welcome Tim! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment on the video. I'm glad "How to change fuses in an old home panel" was helpful.

[@AddieWynters]

Omg thank you so much. Just moved into a new place and wanted to change out old light switches in the bathroom and discovered that my fuse box is one of these. So worth the 4 mins. You’re the best!

[@louieangeldeleon]

Bro i do HVAC and i just came across this horseshit today and was freaking out! You tubed how to replace glass fuses and you came up in the search results! Im glad i took 4 min out my time to see this. I found the blown fuse by looking for the burned one lol 😂 Thank you 🙏

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Good to hear this video helped you out! Thanks for letting me know. It's why I make them!!

[@Tankrat73]

Same

[@flanamom]

Thank you for this, I moved into a 100 year old home 7 months ago, and last night I blew a fuse running the dishwasher and microwave at the same time (same circuit apparently). I am an older woman living alone in this rental home, and being familiar with the other, switch-flip type fuses ("breaker switches"?) was intimidated by these round things (old fuses). Now, however, I think that I can handle it, and the landlord at least left plenty of boxes of fuses that match, so wish me luck! Thanks again for your instructional video.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You're welcome. Just be careful with any exposed metal, including the sockets. They are energized even when the fuse is blown.

[@Progrocker70]

A dishwasher needs to be on it's own circuit, with just it's own 20 amp fuse or breaker serving it. There shouldn't be any other lights, receptacles or appliances on that circuit.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@Progrocker70 Yes it should, but in the real world, especially when dealing with these older homes, it's rarely done in my area.

[@Progrocker70]

@@BlueCollarDIY Yeah they just wire it to one of the counter receptacles since they are right there and easy to connect to.

[@tammygallant6004]

@@BlueCollarDIY are these boxes still considered safe I'm asking because my daughter has this in her house she thinks that their unsafe and hers is in pristine condition

[@trinityf9681]

I just moved into an older apartment built in 1955 and I accidentally blew the fuse by using the AC and microwave at the same time. 😅 This video was very helpful! Thank you!

[@jayjayjayjayjayjay838]

Thank you i live in Texas and was giving an older home from my mom. I watched your video to learn how to change this fuse. Mine used the green ones got the replacements at ace hardware. Thank you for making this video.

[@vickiemurph]

I'm afraid of this. My Dad who is 88 yrs old had jerry-rigged so much in this old house. We don't know how many things are on the circuit. The Air Conditioner blew it out 09-13-19 when it was 90+ degrees here. A neighbor helped us by taking the blown canister fuse out. We are now on 1/2 power. We are cold & can't turn the furnace on until it is replaced. I purchased the canister type fuses plus several of the screw in type at Lowes. The clerk helped me to get the right ones. I took the old one with me. Thanks for making this video for people like me who have no clue. I had circuit breakers at my old house. I live with my Dad and he is always destroying things that he thinks he can fix and never wants to spend money for professional help.The clothes dryer doesn't work either. I'm only 5' tall. I would need a step stool or ladder to reach it. Hoping that my neighbor who is an electrician can help us again. AFRAID of Electricity.

[@lecoeur1231]

your comment cracked me up, sorry about dad making things hard!

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

I understand. My dad grew up poor in the depression.. He tried to diy, but usually a relative would help with electricity - my Dad knew that wasn't his expertise.

[@munecothed3mon]

I was nervous to unscrew the fuse thinking I might blow shit up lol. Thanks for the vid now I don’t have to work on live current

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I still hate unscrewing fuses when changing old fuses! You could still get shocked by some of the old fuses if you let your fingers slip down on the brass ferule. Newer ones have ceramic. Just be careful where you put your fingers!

[@FirstNameLastName-fu8ml]

Yeh hahaha. My dad just unscrew the old one and replace it like no big deal. I don't even want to touch them.

[@loucifer4205]

You can always shut the main power switch off

[@the_void_850]

Thank you man I was struggling with this. I love how you said "preferably they're labeled"... I've never came across one that was either label or labeled correctly! 🤣 that was a good laugh.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Thanks KTP! I appreciate the comment. As for labeling, I feel fortunate if I find just a few labeled. Rarely are all of the fuses labeled! lol

[@apocalypticredix8538]

@@BlueCollarDIY, I have 8 fuse slots and only 4 of them are tested hot ( I used a voltage detector pen), I changed the fuse sockets and still no electricity, do you know how this could be?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@apocalypticredix8538 Not off the top of my head. Do you have the pull out type fuses above the screw in fuses like the one in this video?

[@apocalypticredix8538]

@@BlueCollarDIY yes i have the same exact box

[@apocalypticredix8538]

@@BlueCollarDIY i didnt know you could pull those out, maybe thats the issue, i may have to reset it unplugging and plugging or replace those cartridges, could be burnt out due to usage

[@alwayshungry-2]

Do I need to switch anything off before removing the fuse ?

[@tracym1405]

So thankful that you made this video.. we just bought a house with fuzes... never dealt with fuses

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You are welcome Tracy. I'm glad you found "how to change fuses in an old home panel" helpful. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you liked it!

[@thetimelessplaylist6682]

This saves me from freezing temp😢 my fuse just blew and its 26F here😢 thank youuu so much

[@lauren1043]

Is it dangerouse to replace a fuse without turning off the power to the fuse box? How do you do that?

[@kjmullinz]

a fuse blew and im new to this, so question... is it safe to unscrew the fuse by hand or do i need special rubber gloves? ...looks like same one you just unscrewed in your video

[@chrisjennings1204]

at 0:25 you unscrewed the fuse.. is the panel off? Can I unscrew one when the panel is live? I need to find what circuit my kitchen is on and its not labeled

[@BlueCollarDIY]

There are so many different panels out there, I'm not sure which one you have. I will generally shut the power off and unscrew the fuse, turn the power on and see if it's the circuit I need. Some panels you can't do this. On this one, I do believe it was live and I unscrewed it. I'm just very careful to not touch the base while I do it. I hate these old panels!

[@chrisjennings1204]

@@BlueCollarDIY ok yes I just need to find out which circuit is for the kitchen so if I can unscrew while it's live I just don't want to die lol

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@chrisjennings1204 I understand. That is my goal every time I have to deal with those things! I've heard so many horror stories!

[@333AppalachiaEnergetics]

Thank you!!! How do I figure out what amp goes into each unit if not labeled? I need to update labels & ensure correct fuse is in the appropriate place.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I'm not sure as I generally go with whatever fuse is in there. If the circuit is for something like a dishwasher, then it's generally going to be a 30 amp.

[@johnnykurplutzo6789]

@@BlueCollarDIY what about a furnace? I have 30 amp screw in fuses in 8 places.I believe it's not right. No labels here. Excellent presentation

[@WalterKnox]

you (or someone else) has to look at the size of the wire that is attached to that circuit. 14 gauge is 15 amps, 12 gauge is 20 amps and 10 gauge is 30 amps. You will hardly ever see a 30 amp screw in fuse used unless someone put it there and it does not belong. They are only used for 240 volt circuits 90% of the time.

[@333AppalachiaEnergetics]

@@WalterKnox thank you! Noting this for the future

[@ricknelms]

Do you need to shut off the electric to unscrew a 30 amp or no? Thanks

[@Progrocker70]

You don't need to pull the main fuses when changing a fuse. However, If your unscrewing a fuse on an active circuit it will create an arc and cause pitting in the bottom of the fuse socket. I would turn off any appliances or lights that I can on that circuit when removing or screwing in a fuse.

[@bellarain4476]

Thank you just moved into a trailer and with this video changed my own fuse

[@johnnykurplutzo6789]

Can I test those cartridge fuses? Ty

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I test them with a multimeter. I believe I use the ohm setting to see if I get continuity through the cartridge. If it's blown, you won't get any continuity.

[@LiveStoicism]

Thank you for the video! Quick question. My Buss W 30 A blew and want to know if it's safe to replace with a TL 30 A since W are almost impossible to find anymore. Thanks in advance!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You're welcome, glad I could be of help!

[@caparis79]

If there were an empty fuse slot, how would you go about finding out which amp fuse to plug in?

[@ImHim6Fifty]

Sure glad I came across your video brother! Thanks!!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@topher8634]

99% of the time, the fuses are oversized. For example the 30 amp fuses throughout than panel more than likely need to be either a 15 or a 20 amp. Back in the day it was not uncommon to overload a circuit and people would, without knowing the consequences, just put in a bigger fuse. Its best to remove the panel cover and look at the wire size going to each socket. If it AWG 14, use a 15 amp; AWG 12, use a 20; for a 30 amp fuse to be appropriate it would require AWG 10 size wire. That's why I say that they're probably oversized because that size wire isn't ran to lights and outlets in a house. Its used for higher current demands like water heaters and clothes dryers.

[@Quantum-Chaos]

So I pulled out 3 glass fuses from my panel and didn't realize they were rated differently, how can I tell which sockets are 15a and which are 20a?

[@lionslove779]

Can you please help me what voltage of fuse do you need for a stove and electric stove?

[@michaelversant8401]

I live in a old apt that only has glass fuses. been changing them for 20 years now, owners came in last week and put locks on all 26 units fuse boxes. They say the city is making them do it, i can't find anything on that.

[@IrishAndy001]

Any idea on how to change the gauge ring that the fuse it's inside of the fuse board as I have an old fuse board and have not got the money to replace it. Thanks

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I'm sorry, I can't help you there. I've never done that type of repair on an old fuse panel.

[@IrishAndy001]

@@BlueCollarDIY . No worries Thanks for your reply.

[@WalterKnox]

@@IrishAndy001 if you are referring to the ring inside of the fuse socket that fixes it so you can only use the one type of fuse in that socket, that is a type S fuse adapter and it cannot and should not be removed. It is so that you can only install the correct fuse in the panel and not the wrong size. they have a metal barb and stick themselves into the socket so they cannot be removed. A long time ago they made a special tool to remove those, but even then it was difficult to do and commonly damaged the panel.

[@IrishAndy001]

@@WalterKnox. Hi Walter i was able to find one for the size I was looking for it was easy to put it in just needed to make sure the power was fully dead before i changed the old one to the new one.

[@courtknee9404]

⁠@@WalterKnox Hey Walter, idk if you’ll even get notification of this but I was wondering if that ring looks like the sheering that goes around the bulb? We thought it stripped in there.. it’s for a 20amp bulb and when we tried to put the new one in it wouldn’t fit in.. also the one we took out had no sheering on it..I have googled all day and have no results on how the box should look without the bulbs in so I’m lost right now.

[@DongDoodle]

Didn't die. Thanks!!

[@hashtag282]

hey boss my all fuses working fine as i tried them in all hoses in which we screw up the fuse only that hose isnt working what can i do in this case ?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

If they're all fine and you're still not getting power, you'd better call an electrician. There's another problem somewhere. Just make sure there are no sub panels hidden someplace.

[@sharonfieldstone]

Went to replace a fuse and it immediately sparked out. We did put it in very shortly after the original one burned out. It's a fuse for the fridge so I'm not sure if it's okay to try again while we wait for an electrician.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

If you've already called an electrician, I would just wait for them.

[@shelliewalters4249]

Can I ask you a quick question. I can't find it mentioned anywhere. I have a glass 30a that is out. Is that the same as the 30 amp green ones. Are the glass ones just older? They don't seem to sell the glass ones anywhere. Like can I put the 30 amp green one I have in my 30a glass ones places

[@brittanycoffey4488]

I did in my house. The man at home depot said it was ok. Sometimes they just guess though so idk.

[@Progrocker70]

It doesn't matter they are the same thing, just different brands. Some fuse manufacturers make their fuses using glass tops and others use ceramic with a metal cap with a window in it. They're all the same. The only important difference with screw in fuses is there are two types of screw in fuses. The first is the edison base, or light bulb base fuses as shown in the video, and the other is the smaller thread ceramic based Type S fuses which have locking adapters that screwed into the edison base sockets.

[@redchilis101550]

My fuse blew and I went to change it with a spare but I had no power. I tried the box of new fuses none of them work is the socket toast?

[@JpradoV10]

Thank the lord for this just replaced my T30s

[@smw381st]

It would have been nice if you mentioned about the orange fuse in the lower right corner!

[@megnewton9257]

Thank you, I’m living in my grammy’s house alone trying to figure things out. 👍🤞

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Good to hear! Just be careful with those old breaker panels, they are dangerous!

[@patronpapidx4507]

Same my grandma ain’t have a electrician come label this shit 🥲🥲🥲

[@andrewlevendusky456]

When I took out the old fuse to change it, there is a metal insert inside after I took the old fuse out. Someone told me to take needle nose pliers and try to unscrew it, then put in a new fuse. First I have to pull out the 2 handle things above it to cut the power to the entire house. Is there any chance of messing up the electric by doind that? I'm a single mom living in my mom's house and she will kill me (not literally) if I make it worse. Thanks

[@BlueCollarDIY]

NEVER stick pliers, fingers or anything else in those sockets other than another fuse! You can get electrocuted! Go to the hardware store and get the same size fuse. Whoever told you to stick needle nose in there does not know what they're talking about!!! This is one area where I would hire a professional to do it for you. Messing around with electrical can be dangerous, especially these older panels.

[@andrewlevendusky456]

@@BlueCollarDIY Thanks for the reply. I did end up getting an electrician. I was trying to save money by installing a bathroom ceiling light myself. Ended up blowing a fuse. I couldn't find a fuse that would make it work and had to go a couple days w/no lights in bathroom. Took a pic of the fusebox and showed it to a guy at work who told me that gold ring thing was stuck in there and to get it out. I was afraid to do that. Talked to another guy at work who turned out to be an electrician! He came over and took care of it...with no need to take out that gold ring/insert thing...supposed to be there. So moral of story: Save my self the aggravation, skip trying to do it myself and just hire a professional in the first place. Cheaper in the long run! Thanks again!!!

[@marilynlvmd]

@@andrewlevendusky456 I'm glad you didn't listen to the first guy. Even though he meant well, he could have caused your death. Glad you're still here. Second opinions are... priceless.

[@jonnyappleseed3755]

I have a question concerning my 60 amp fuse box. I know if I pull the main it will cut power from the outside , however after doing so is it possible to feed power via another source once the main is pulled. ?

[@nimcor3]

What happens if I replaced one fuse and it still doesn't turn on? It's weird because if one fuse goes out, at least there still power somewhere else in the the house, but there is no power anywhere and I heard there was a local power outage but my neighbors say they have power! Now I'm worried because this never happened before, maybe because they have a newer power supply or the whole fuse box is broken?!

[@danaward2257]

I have these in my house I have green ones and red or orange but I also have clear ones that screw in I can’t tell the amp for the clear ones can someone help please. My lights went out when we plugged in a fan I have no ceiling fan lights or kitchen lights nothing in my den works tv etc my kitchen mictowave and fridge works but ceiling light doesnt

[@Hotpinksynergy]

Do you have to turn the power off?

[@CastIronGinger]

Thank you sir, wasn’t sure I had to turn anything off for safety reasons but figured it out, dad wasn’t home from lunch yet and I couldn’t tell which one was broken lol it ended up being the top left one I am only 5,8” haha, thanks again I took care of it no problem even made sure it was the exact same one!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Good deal! Many times, if you'll look in the center of the glass, the one that is blown will have a black sooty look to it. But then again, I've seen fuses that just blew and I had to look at them very close to determine with one blew!

[@clarkgriswald855]

So you did or didn't turn anything off before removing fuses

[@mistievannoort5091]

is there a way to indicate which one might have blown if it isnt written down?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

On some of them, take a flashlight and look into the center of the fuses. If you find a fuse that looks all burnt, it's usually that fuse that is blown.

[@mistievannoort5091]

Thank you!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@mistievannoort5091 You're welcome

[@Progrocker70]

A black smudge on the window will usually occur if the fuse blows from a short circuit. If it blows from an overload you will often just see a broken metal link through the window.

[@tyguy1913]

Very helpful, thanks dude!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You're welcome, glad I could help!

[@gloriawade2491]

When my husband unscrewed the old fuse from the box it came apart leaving the copper ring stuck in the socket. How can he get it out?

[@nsbyband5239]

Well call an electrician don't touch it

[@sheilagiroux7996]

Pull out the main, it is a slide out at the top of the box, it will cut the power to the whole house then once you do that get it out with needle nose pliers or anything you can get in there and spin it out

[@wizard3z868]

pull the main and than lrn how to use a tester before you go digging around in there with tools

[@ilovejesus3659]

We’re you able to get it out? I am having the same problem

[@cruiselover9903]

So basically, if you need to cut off electricity in order to do something like replacing a bad light switch, you will have to take out a particular fuse and put it back after you are done with your job?

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

At 0:40, I highly doubt that 30A is the proper size for that circuit. A vast majority of single-pole 120V circuits are either 15A or 20A.

[@Progrocker70]

Exactly 30 amp fuses are not used for general lighting and kitchen counter outlet circuits.

[@wizard3z868]

@@Progrocker70 depends cld have been wired by a UK spark and its a ring i have come across it- wld have better luck winning the lotto than to see it again though lol

[@ericjorgensen4826]

This is a very nice old fuse box. It has pull out fuses for four 240 volt circuits, and plug (screw in) fuses for 12 120 volt circuits. Most older house had much smaller fuse boxes. Back in the day it was common to only have 4 or 6 plug fuses for 120 volt circuits and only one pull out 240 volt fuse block which was typically used for a range. No 240 volt pull outs for air conditioning, electric water heater, dryer, etc. Many if not most of these old inadequately sized fuse boxes have been replaced. But what you have is fine as long as you have enough circuits. If it was my house I would not replace this fuse box. If I needed more circuits I would simply add a sub panel and connect it to the take off lugs in the existing fuse box. That is likely what that breaker box is that is next to the fuse box. That said, you may have a dangerous situation by using fuses that are too large for some of your 120 volt circuits. The plug (screw in) fuses are for 120 volt circuits like lights and receptacles. Circuits for lights and standard receptacles ARE NEVER 30 AMP CIRCUITS. The only kind of 120 volt circuit that would be fused at 30 amps would be of 120 volt equipment that is hard wired or connected to a special 30 amp receptacle which is much different (and larger) from a standard120 volt receptacle; I repeat: 30 amp circuits are never used for standard receptacles and light fixtures. Bottom line: is dangerous to fuse a circuit designed for 15 or 20 amp circuits with a 30 amp fuse. It is very likely that most of if not all of the 30 amp fuses in the fuse box in this video, which are the fuses with the yellow color, are over sized. Lighting and receptacles are always 15 or 20 amp circuits, but you can not determine if you need a 15 or 20 amp fuse unless you remove the cover and examine the size of the wire that is used for each circuit. Unless you know the size of the wire used for a circuit, the only safe size fuse is a 15 amp fuse. 15 amp fuses are for use with 14 gauge wire 20 amp fuses are for use with 12 gauge wire 30 amp fuses are for use with 10 gauge wire If you have trouble with fuses blowing frequently do not replace them with larger fuses, but you might be able to solve your problem by the use of a properly sized "time delay" fuse, which are sold under the brand name Fusetron. These type of fuses can withstand short overloads that occur when a motor starts. They can often resolve problems with motors blowing fuses when they start but they will not resolve the problem of a circuit that is continuously overloaded. If you still have problems with fuses frequently blowing after trying a time delay fuse, you need to either put up with it or consult with an electrician to resolve your problem. DO NOT replace a fuse with a larger fuse than the circuit is designed for.

[@greenegoblen4654]

I'm literally living with this right now. Love the explanation. So delayed fuses until electrician can fix it.😅

[@TonyOhio]

thank you very much for your helpful video. i gave me some more info tu deal with the old style

[@beckyvasquez5321]

Hi can i up grade to a swish inside of a bolts for my power in my house for the fuse box

[@chloehrinko9267]

How do you know which one is blown

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Typically when you look through the glass center, you'll see burn marks where the element has burned in-two

[@vivianwohlf]

I'm so scared of touching my old fuse box. Thank you for making this.

[@Onepiece_CreatorOda]

Me too! Thank you!

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

I was told to shut off your electricity first, it's not going to be for long. STILL treat it as ON though. Energized.

[@johnnykurplutzo8347]

I need to pull out all the screw fuses/panel to check gauge of wire. Hopefully they are labeled.

[@Quintesson05]

I recently attempted to replace a 30 amp fuse and the fuse blew the instant I screwed it in. Twice. I'm running out of fuses. What am I not doing, and how do I replace the fuse correctly? (Still assuming I found the right one to replace. My dad didn't do the best job labeling the circuits.)

[@WalterKnox]

if the fuse blew instantly (not a minute later) then you have a short somewhere and replacing the fuse is not going to help. Fuses (generally) only blow if something else is wrong to prevent a fire. if it keeps blowing something on that circuit is shorted in some way and that issue needs to be fixed before replacing the fuse will work.

[@Quintesson05]

@Shaquir Bourjolly I think it was. I turned off the porch light and dining room chandelier (only 5 of 18 40W bulbs -- the ones I can reach -- were lit, but still...) and this time the fuse didn't blow.

[@Progrocker70]

Receptacles and lighting should not be served with 30 amp fuses, if they are they are overfused and this is a fire hazard. 30 amp fuses in a home are only for larger 220 volt major appliances like dryers, air conditioners, fixed space heaters and water heaters that are wired for 30 amps with #10 wire. These circuits would have two 30 amp screw in or cartridge fuses mounted in pullout carriers for each appliance. The pullouts with the handles in the top of these panels hold cartridge fuses which are usually 30 to 60 amps. An electric dryer and water heater would have a pair of 30 amp fuses, an electric range a pair of either 40 or 50 amp fuses, and central air typically pair of 20-50 amp fuses. Lighting circuits, which includes receptacles in rooms outside the laundry and kitchen, are 15 amp with #14 wire. Circuits serving kitchen receptacles, appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and such are typically 20 amp with #12 wire. I say typically...in many older homes the kitchen receptacles were still wired with 15 amp circuits. There shouldn't be any 30 amp screw in fuses supplying 120 volt lighting, receptacle or appliances loads. Lighting and receptacle circuits, in most older homes is 15 amps. 30 amp circuits are not code approved for lighting and general appliance household receptacle and appliance circuits using 120 volts. While there's certainly nothing wrong with properly sized fuses in a fuse panel in good shape, it's this confusion of what size to use, lack of understanding that can make fuses unsafe. That and a lack of available circuit spaces which cause overloading. This is actually a decent sized fuse panel, most of them aren't, having only 4 or 6 circuits total.

[@POOCHIESCLOSET]

Thanks. I am running two space heaters and the 15 amp fuse has blown twice in two days. I simply replaced it with a 30 amp fuse but I'm removing it now because of your comment. I'll replace it with the proper size tomorrow and simply move one of the space heaters. T hank you.

[@Progrocker70]

@@POOCHIESCLOSET Plug in space heaters use a lot of power, typically about 1200-1500 watts, which is about 10-13 amps. Doesn't leave a lot of room left on a 15 amp circuit for much else. Leaving them both running on overfused 14 gauge wire certainly would lead to insulation melting and likely could've caused a fire.

[@rua893]

thank you for the video sir ..

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Most welcome!

[@marysiamarts9003]

I had a blown fuse this morning. The one that blew was the smaller round 20 amp fuse like in the video. All the other ones in the panel are 15 amp fuses. We replaced the blown fuse with a 15 amp and it won't work. Do I have to replace with at 20 amp? Do I need to call an electrician out?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Sadly, many times in the past people would use whatever size fuse they had on hand to replace them. You should replace it with the same size fuse it had originally. So I'd replace it with the same size that was in it unless the panel says different. If you don't feel confident in replacing old fuses, by all means call an electrician!

[@Progrocker70]

There are two types of screw in fuses, edison base, which every size has the light bulb size screw base. Then there are the Type S fuses which have ceramic bases with different sized ceramic threads. Correctly sized adapters screw into the edison sockets that only allow a certain size fuse to be inserted. So a 20 amp adapter will only accept a 20 amp screw in Type S fuse. Another size fuse will start to screw into the wrong sized adapter but it won't "bottom" or make contact. You have to have the right size for these.

[@robertsitch1415]

Some wiring faults can cause the proper sized fuse to blow with little or no load on the circuit so it is a good idea to have older installations professionally inspected.

[@HealthyDisrespectforAuthority]

But..but.. how can we tell which one of the round ones is blown if there are no labels?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

When you're looking into the glass part, blown ones will have burn marks/black soot looking residue in them.

[@HealthyDisrespectforAuthority]

@@BlueCollarDIY Thank you..for me, step 1 is always.. put on my glasses.

[@bullitt3275]

thank you sir my dad is a electrician and i only had worked on breakers before

[@vbBegin1957]

So how do you change that panel

[@wizard3z868]

a cple of ways the safest way or the wildcat way???

[@ZachVanHarrisJR]

*Thanks*

[@WuanTheFirst]

Why happens if you don’t put it back in the same way?

[@stefjuntv7791]

I replaced busted fuse but still doesn’t work. No idea what’s the problem :(

[@WalterKnox]

The only reason these are not as safe as a modern panel is that people can fit any size fuse in the socket as they are the same size. The best bet with one of these, Look at the wire size for each circuit, get a type S fuse and adapter with the ampacity that matches the wire size, and then only the right size fuse can be installed. Nobody can do the good old "put a 30 in the spot of a 15 because it keeps blowing" they also make it harder to stick your fingers or anything else in the socket and shock yourself.

[@richardhall9815]

Seriously, replacing a fuse is as simple as screwing in a light bulb, anybody can do it. Just make sure, before putting a new fuse in, it's a good idea to actually make sure that the right amperage fuse was in there in the first place (especially if the fuse in there is more than 15 amps) -- people often like to overfuse their old circuits (which is dangerous!!).

[@timyakabowich6273]

He stated that.

[@brody6634]

How would you determine if the right fuse was in there to start with?

[@annwilkinson94]

how does that not shock you? The screw-in fuse has metal right where your fingers touch it to screw it in.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

It's just a metal cap. The fuse body itself is non-conductive. The metal threads would be conductive, you don't want to touch those!

[@docwilson5384]

Thank you....Peace

[@amaaralsanabani3353]

How do turn the power off the house?? Please help

[@coolkid7377]

Alright, I have 6 circuits in my fuse box, yet there's only 3 fuses in it but the power is on, working and everything. I'm just wondering , the more fuses, the more power? What if I add the other 3 fuses.

[@tgrayeast]

No, Each fuse goes to a certain amount of outlets or alliances. Most likely you don't have anything hooked up to those circuits, there is no reason to put them in.

[@KlayAK47]

Thanks, now I can finally hunt them ghosts with the lights on!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Go get 'em! :)

[@rodinunez5967]

How can you tell if the glass ones are blown out. We have a panel with 4 glass ones only. If theyre alittle black or small black flakes are they bad

[@BlueCollarDIY]

In my experience, the glass will be scorched or you'll see the filaments inside burnt.

[@rodinunez5967]

@@BlueCollarDIY thank you for replying! Have a good day sir

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@rodinunez5967 You're welcome!

[@donoskeys]

What is the name of the panel?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

It's an old Square D panel.

[@n0ctem845]

thank god for you

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Thank you for those kind words! Glad I was able to help!

[@n0ctem845]

@@BlueCollarDIY it was 4am and I was panicking but no worries got it all under control! thank you!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@n0ctem845 You are most welcome!

[@ReneshaClevidence]

Do I have to turn power off? I need to replace mine and I’m scared hahaha

[@the_hood_cat_5553]

Has anyone ever wondered what would happen if you put a light bulb in the twist in fuse holder lol 😂

[@bamaslamma1003]

On a dead short, the light bulb would light at full intensity. Depending on the downstream load, it would light dimly.

[@enderpea5251]

I wonder what would happen if you were to be able to screw a light bulb into them?? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I don't think that would be smart...even if the bulbs would fit!

[@enderpea5251]

@@BlueCollarDIY Not unless I wanna lose some burnt fingers.

[@WalterKnox]

@@enderpea5251 it would be in series with whatever is on that circuit. it would glow dimly and nothing on the circuit would have proper voltage. this could damage sensitive electronics, but most likely not. Back in the day when someone had a short, they would screw a light bulb into the socket and it would light up at full brightness, then when they found/fixed the short, it would light dimly again. Then they knew it was safe to replace the fuse without blowing it up again. That only works with a real light bulb, not any of that LED crap they make now.

[@jaerockchalk3216]

so my panel has 2 bays of 4 screw in fuse slots but only 4 have any fuses in them ... only one outlet inmy apartment works , no lights in the bathroom living room or bedroom . ready to just toss a bucket of water on that piece of trash lol

[@BlueCollarDIY]

That's odd. I would call my landlord and have the maintenance man check it out. Typically, a missing fuse would indicate a circuit that either has been deleted or there was something wrong and it was easier for the homeowner just to take the fuse out rather than pay to have it fixed. These old home panels can be tricky!

[@Progrocker70]

If there are empty fuse sockets most likely they are unused, spare sockets for additional circuits. It's rare though to find a fuse panel with spares since most of them had so few circuits from the start.

[@michaelversant8401]

p.s the price for these fuses has gotten out of control too!

[@dougiserhoff254]

Why is my 30 amp is always burning out

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I have no idea. It may be because there is too great of a load on the circuit or maybe there is a short somewhere. Get an electrician to look at it for you, they'll be able to trace it down and find out.

[@dougiserhoff254]

@@BlueCollarDIY my dryer plug keeps burning out one fuse what about the stove or could it be the circut fuse in the panel ive even ask a electrician lol

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@dougiserhoff254 Dryers and Electric ranges should be on their own circuits. Unfortunately, in older homes, many are not. Does the circuit blow if you're just using one appliance or if you're using two or more at once?

[@dougiserhoff254]

@@BlueCollarDIY Am just using the dryer it blows one fuse but it will go for 6 loads dryin times then some how it over heats in the past years ive had 5 dryer l had thrown them away then ive realized the fuse box was the problem

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@dougiserhoff254 I'm at a lost! Everything sounds like it should be okay. I would try another reputable electrician. One who has experience in dealing with these older systems. Many of the newer ones have never even seen a fuse panel!

[@ufoseverywhere]

Leave it to the pros people. Pay an electrician instead of a funeral home.

[@WalterKnox]

as correct as this is, and nobody should play with their panels, especially if they don't know what they are doing. in the real world, people don't call an electrician to simply replace a fuse. Something that simply screws out and the new one screws in.

[@kingjrlive9335]

Hey can I just upgrade to a Tesla Coil? And have unlimited, FREE, and wireless electricity????? Please comment and let me know. Thanks!

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Nah Bro, won't work. Got to have a Garexian flux capacitor from the rain forest on the planet Induguan. And there's been an export ban on them there since 367 B.C.

[@uclasnyd]

@@BlueCollarDIY Ha & ugh

[@wizard3z868]

you cld and than be the next edison or westinghouse with the working tech

[@NooDLES411911]

It puts the lotion in the bucket, it puts the lotion on the skin

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Yeah, if you say so! Did you happen to stick your finger in one of the sockets? :)

[@lecoeur1231]

he's nothing like buffalo bill