Possible Causes of a Blown Fuse in Your Home

If you have ever had a fuse blow in your home, it probably left you wondering what occurred. Blown fuses can activate circuit breakers which will cause you to lose power in a designated area in your home. It is important that you determine what caused your blown fuse so you can get the power back on immediately. If you are unsure of what caused your blown fuse, several common triggers can possibly help you identify your issue.

Causes of Blown Fuses

Before diving into some potential causes of blown fuses, you should know that sometimes a residential electrician is the only solution if you cannot detect the problem on your own. The fuse alone will appear charred. This is probably the first thing you will notice that indicates you blew a fuse, besides losing power In a section of your home.

Here are some other reasons:

• A circuit that is overloaded – This is the most common cause of a blown fuse. When too much power is being drawn from one circuit, such as too many lights or having too many appliances plugged in at the same time, the result could be a blown fuse.
• Issues with breakers or circuits – Sometimes, a circuit breaker repair is needed. Circuit breakers are made to prevent electrical damage from occurring in the event you blow a fuse. However, if you notice that your breaker trips back to back, this could be a sign of a bigger problem.
• Issues with the arc – If you notice any issues with loose screws, circuit connections, or even eroded wiring, this can trigger an arc fault. These can be extremely dangerous and are the most common cause of an electrical fire.
• A ground fault or short circuit – When a current is re-routed on a path that it is not supposed to go down, it can trigger a short circuit. Many things can cause this, such as damaged wires or even insects.
• Wire damage – This is not an easy problem to notice because the wiring is located behind the walls. The condition of the wiring may still not be something you think of checking. There are additional signs to pay attention to that can indicate an issue with the wiring in your home.
• Electrical outlets are damaged – If you have old electrical outlets in your home, chances are high that they will have loose connections or faulty wiring. This can result in blown fuses in your appliances.
• Incorrect fuse – Even though fuses look the same, they come in various types and sizes. If you use the wrong type of fuse, it can result in major damage to your home. If you believe that there may be a fuse that is incorrectly installed, you should contact a professional and avoid the fuse board.
• The buildup of moisture – If you are experiencing issues with dampness in your home, there is a high probability that moisture is present in your wiring. This can result in short circuits, eroded wires, and many other problems.

Remember, your safety should always come first. If you suspect a blown fuse could result from a bigger problem, contact a professional immediately.

Categorised in: Electrical Issues