Electrical systems are fairly complicated, but everybody needs to have a basic understanding of them. If you’re wondering whether circuit breakers or fuses are a better option for the electrical system in your home, here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of each option.
Fuses Vs. Circuit Breakers
Fuses and circuit breakers serve the same basic purpose, but they’re actually quite different from each other. Fuses are designed to melt when they overheat to stop the flow of power, while circuit breakers have an internal switch that cuts power when there’s a surge of electricity.
The big difference between fuses and circuit breakers in this sense is that circuit breakers simply have to be reset when they’re tripped, but fuses have to be replaced. This is why the residential current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO) has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners over the years.
Fuse Pros and Cons
While many people consider fuses to be the inferior option to an RCBO, there are still a lot of things fuses offer that circuit breakers don’t. In some cases, you may want to contemplate having fuses installed instead of standard circuit breakers.
One of the biggest benefits to fuses is the fact that they provide excellent protection from unsafe electrical surges. Fuses are designed react faster than circuit breakers, which means they’re capable of cutting power quicker, so you and your family aren’t put in any danger.
Some people also believe that fuses are more likely to work consistently than an RCBO simply because fewer moving parts are involved. Where a problem with the switch mechanism could theoretically cause a circuit breaker not to trip, fuses will always melt when they’re supposed to.
Of course, the biggest downside to opting for fuses instead of circuit breakers is the fact that you have to replace them every time. With a circuit breaker, you can flip the tripped breaker off and back on again to get it working.
Circuit Breaker Pros and Cons
As far as modern overcurrent protection goes, circuit breakers are the most popular choice. Not only are there lots of different RCBO options, but they’re also generally considered to be an efficient and easy way to safeguard your home from overcurrent.
Obviously, the biggest benefit of using circuit breakers over fuses is the fact that you don’t have to worry about frequently replacing them. Since you can flip a circuit breaker to reset it, they’re much more convenient. In addition to that, most of the modern electrical systems use circuit breakers, which means the technology is a little more up to date.
While most people expect to see circuit breakers when they look at an electrical distribution board, that’s only because they’re easy. If you’re considering the best protection for your home, fuses tend to react promptly and give you more failsafe protection for your home.
The Verdict
Choosing between an RCBO and fuses can be difficult, but it depends on what you value more: convenience or protection. The truth is, an RCBO will keep your home safe in most cases, but there’s no denying that fuses provide better protection in some cases.
If you’re unsure whether fuses or circuit breakers are best for your home, it’s best to leave the decision up to an expert. A certified electrical professional can weigh the pros and cons of fuses and circuit breakers to help you make the best decision, so it’s best to get professional help when dealing with such important electrical components.
