Common Causes of a Blown Electrical Fuse
Most property owners experience a blown electrical fuse at one point or another.
Most property owners experience a blown electrical fuse at one point or another. Although it is a common occurrence, dealing with it can seem frustrating. When a fuse blows, it results in a loss of power in the particular home section connected to the affected circuit. Also, it becomes essential to discover the reason for the fuse to blow in the first place.
An electrical fuse can blow for various reasons and sometimes point to an underlying electrical problem. Understanding the potential causes of a blown electrical fuse can prove beneficial in the long run and can help prevent its frequent occurrence. This article highlights the most common causes of a blown electrical fuse.
An overloaded circuit
The most common reason for a blown electrical fuse is an overwhelmed circuit. A fuse can blow when a high-wattage appliance or too many appliances are plugged in and run on a single circuit, drawing more power than the circuit’s capacity.
Using the wrong fuse type
Fuses come in varied types and sizes. Although several fuses can look similar, they have different functions. Installing an incorrect fuse is hazardous and can lead to significant property damage.
Electric short circuit
Another cause of a blown electrical fuse is a short circuit, a type of electrical fault. It happens when the electric current goes beyond the intended path due to poor insulation or circuit breaker resistance.
Faulty or damaged wiring
Faulty, degraded, or damaged wiring can cause the electrical fuse to blow. The issue is usually more common in older homes with outdated wiring. Property owners can find it hard to know the wiring condition as it remains hidden behind the walls. They should look for other warning signs of faulty wiring, including burning smells, flickering or buzzing lights, smoke, scorch marks, or warm outlets.
Arc fault
Issues with wiring and circuit connections, like loose screws, can result in arc faults. It can blow a fuse if there is spark formation along faulty wiring. An arc fault is dangerous and can result in a house fire.
Outdated or damaged electrical outlets
Faulty wiring or loose connections are standard with old electrical outlets. It can result in a blown fuse when an appliance is plugged in due to an incorrect current.
Power surge
A power surge due to downed power lines, lightning strikes, or other electrical issues can cause the electrical fuse to blow. Power surges result in a sudden increase in the electrical system’s voltage and can lead to several other problems.
Old fuse panel
The electricity demand has gone up significantly in modern households. Older fuse boxes are incapable of handling the rising electrical needs. If the electrical fuse blows frequently, the household electrical use is likely much higher than the fuse panel can manage.
Protect the electrical system
These are a few of the possible causes of blown electrical fuses. If the electrical fuse frequently blows, contacting a reliable electrician and scheduling an inspection is best. An electrical contractor can inspect the electrical system to identify the root cause and perform necessary repairs to ensure its safe functioning.
Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.
