Is it time to replace our fuse box with a circuit breaker? I am not so sure. The cost of updating all of Village View's apartments is close to 1 million dollars. After we've spent all that money what benefits can we expect? No one will ever have to replace a fuse again, although how often does that happen? Will we be any safer? I don't think so since I don't know of any fire at Village View that was caused, or originated at the fuse box. In fact it is claimed that fuses react quicker than circuit breakers when there is a short circuit. This is because the element in a fuse melts quickly and stops the current flow faster than a circuit breaker can*. The main disadvantage to fuses is that certain devices (air conditioners for instance) may surge when they are first turned on causing them to blow. You may also be prevented from using to many devices on the same line. Even with these minor problems I don't think it's economically practical to replace our fuse boxes.
REMEMBER ALWAYS REPLACE A FUSE WITH THE SAME AMP RATING!
http://www.bfs-ind.com/discussions/fuses_vs_circuit_breakers.html
Fuse is from the Latin "fusus" which means to melt.
UPDATE: A reliable source said the cost of upgrading was less than I quoted. In addition few insurance companies continue to insure buildings with fuse boxes and we may eventually have to change them anyway. It is also possible that by upgrading we may reduce our insurance premiums. Stay tuned for more info.
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