Breaker Panel vs Fuse Box: Differences, Uses & Pros/Cons

At times, it may be difficult to decide whether to choose a breaker panel or fuse box for a specific electrical application.

Well, in today’s article, we will compare these two critical electrical components. From their construction, design, features to applications – this guide will help you know when to use fuse box and breaker panels.

What is a Breaker Panel?

The breaker panel is a kind of electrical panel that consists of circuit breakers. They protect the circuits from unstable loads. It shuts down the power supply whenever the load exceeds the limits.

What is a Fuse Box?

It is a conventional type of electrical panel, in which fuses are used to protect the circuits from extra loads. These fuses are usually protected in a metal cover. In case of exceeding the voltage limit, the fuse is blown.

Working Mechanism of Fuse Box and Breaker Panel

Breaker Panel Working

The total amount of electricity is regulated through circuit breakers. In the case of breaker panels, the electricity is received from the power grid. The main circuit then distributes this electricity to different circuit breakers, which serve the different parts of the building.

When the flow of electricity exceeds the safe limit, the power supply is cut off by switching off the targeted circuit breaker. Hence, this blocks the pathway. You can simply restore the supply by turning the switch on.

Fuse Box Working

In fuse box panels, the distribution of electricity is regulated through disposable fuses. They protect the circuit from extra loads and unstable voltages.

The fuse is wasted when the power supply exceeds a specific limit. So, it blocks the transfer of electricity to the circuit and protects it. You can simply restore the supply by replacing the old blown fuse with the new one.

Breaker Panel vs Fuse Box Differences

Their most obvious differences are listed below. You will have a better idea about how to choose the right product for your electrical needs.

Breaker Panel	Fuse Box
A modern system for the safe and protected distribution of electricity in buildings.	An older system was used to distribute the power and protect the circuits from overloads.
Circuit breakers are used to protect the overloads.	Disposable fuses are used to protect the overloads.
It is a cost-effective method, as you don’t need to replace the circuit breaker every time.	There is always a need to replace a blown fuse with a new one to restore the power supply.
It gives you more wide options to control the power distribution in complex buildings.	Not suitable for complex buildings.
Better safety features	Compromised safety

Advantages and Disadvantages of Breaker Panels

Pros

• You can easily manage a complex distribution of power within a building.
• The power supply of a specific area can be regulated through a circuit breaker.
• Don’t need to buy a circuit breaker whenever it cuts down the power supply.
• The modern safety features include Ground-fault circuit interrupters and Arc-fault circuit interrupters.
• Modern electrical panels comply with the standard laws of electricity.

You can also see our recently published article on adding a circuit breaker to your electrical panel.

Cons

• The higher initial cost to install breaker panels.
• It occupies a proper space, so it isn’t suitable for small spaces.
• You have to upgrade the panel in case of increased demand than its capacity.
• A professional is required to install it correctly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fuse Box

Pros of Fuse Box

• Less initial cost makes it more convenient for small spaces.
• No professional expertise is required to install it, even, you can install yourself with a little guidance.
• Maintenance is easy.
• Fuses always cut down the power supply in case of an exceeding load.

Cons of Fuse Box

• Not suitable for heavy energy supply.
• You have to replace the fuse every time to restore the system. This will be a hectic job indeed.
• You can not control the supply of specific circuits through the fuse box.

Applications of Breaker Panels

Residential Power System

You can protect your costly home appliances by the use of breaker panels, as they control the overflow and shut off automatically. It regulates the distribution of power effectively in residential systems.

Commercial Power Systems

For complex commercial buildings, it has become necessary to use electrical panels to provide a stable load to the computers, machinery and lighting.

Industrial Operations

A sense of protection is important while working in industry. It provides safety to the workers and the equipment used in the industries through its uninterrupted power supplies.

Healthcare Systems

In hospitals, major diagnostic tools like MRI & and CT Scans, need stable power supply for their proper functioning.

Data Centers

Data centers work 24 hours a day, thus computers and networking systems need a consistent power supply from breaker panels.

Agricultural Uses

Agricultural equipment, irrigation systems and livestock machinery require uninterrupted power supply, so breaker panels meet the requirements.

Renewable Energy Systems

These panels also regulate the distribution and integration of energy from renewable sources like solar and wind energy.

Applications of Fuse Box

Residential Systems

You can use fuse boxes in residential places for simple and effective management of load through fuses.

Commercial Buildings

You can also use fuse boxes in commercial buildings in specific areas to manage the supply effectively.

Automobiles

In cars, bikes, trucks and other vehicles fuses are used to protect sensitive objects like lights, music systems & electrical supply.

Outdoor Events

You can use the fuse box for outdoor events where lighting, music systems and other arrangements are made.

Construction Industry

At construction sites, power supply management and the protection of workers are very important. For this purpose, fuse boxes are used to supply constant power supply.

Renewable Energy Sources

You can manage the power supply of solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable sources through fuse boxes.

Telecommunication Systems

Fuse boxes are also used in telecommunication systems to provide uninterrupted supplies to the equipment.

Conclusion

Finally, you can better understand when you need a breaker panel or a fuse box for your business. Our experience says you should see the applications and compare both if you want these devices for long term usage. For example, if you want one of these for construction or outdoor projects, then fuse boxes are good to go.

But for your home or residential systems, we recommend you should choose breaker panels as they are better for this purpose. Contact us today if you want quality fuse boxes and breaker panels at the most affordable pricing.