A circuit breaker panel or fuse box is the electrical load center for your home. Both systems control your home’s power supply. Each manages the distribution of electricity and will interrupt the supply to a particular circuit in case of overheating or an unsafe power surge, but breakers and fuses use different technology to accomplish this.
Fuses use heat-sensitive metal to interrupt the flow of power, while a circuit breaker uses a switch mechanism.
Circuit breakers are the most modern of the two systems.
Although most fuse boxes remain safe and functional, they are not installed in any new residential work.
Your electrical panel is the hub for your home’s entire power system. Installing the panel is a complex and potentially dangerous job that is often done along with other wiring or electrical installations and upgrades. The work must be done according to strict electrical codes to minimize the risk of injury and damage. A licensed electrician has the training and skills to complete the work safely, knows how to pull the necessary permits, and carries the appropriate insurance to protect you and your home.
The nature and scale of your project will help determine the difficulty and expense of installing a breaker panel. This type of work is easiest during new construction or a full remodel, but can be done in finished homes. More complex jobs, such as replacing an existing panel in older homes, usually cost more than an installation in a newly built home. Your electrical contractor can evaluate the job to determine what other services may be needed, such as rewiring or a service upgrade, and coordinate the electrical panel installation with any other necessary electrical work.