How to Change a Main House Fuse

Most homes are equipped with circuit breakers on the main electrical panel. You can reset these breaker switches after they trip and cut power off when the circuit becomes overloaded. Older homes, on the other hand, are equipped with fuses that disintegrate when overloaded. In most cases, homes built before the mid 70’s were equipped with an external service panel between the power distribution grid and the house. This panel usually contains two large fuses: one for the house and one for the garage. Consequently, when a main house fuse blows, you must replace it.

Two 40-amp main house fuses

Instructions

- 1
  Go outside and locate the household service panel; this is a fairly large gray metal box mounted a couple of feet above ground with a small red indicator light on the door.
- 2
  Undo the catch and open the door. Find the square recess in the center of the box covered by a lid with a sturdy half-round wire handle; this is the main fuse holder.
- 3
  Grasp the handle and pull the cover straight out; the inside of the removable cover contains two thick tubular fuses held to flat copper prongs on either end by wide semi-circular copper clips.
- 4
  Examine both fuses; you will immediately identify the faulty fuse by its charred appearance. To be on the safe side, unclip both fuses and insert two identical replacements into the clips; these fuses are usually rated at 40 amps.
- 5
  Line the copper prongs up with their matching slots. Insert the fuse holder back into the recess and push it firmly home. Close the service panel door and secure the catch to complete the installation.

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