Homes in Sherman Oaks CA built before 1960 may have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel. The individual fuses in a fuse box don’t have on and off positions. They remain active unless a problem in their associated circuit causes them to melt or break. To restore electrical function, you must always replace blown fuses after the source of the problem is corrected.


Circuit breakers are sturdy electrical components. Typically, they last for decades without any need to replace them. However, a breaker in your electrical panel may malfunction well before its normal operating life ends. You may also have old breakers that no longer provide reliable function. Common signs that you need to replace an old or malfunctioning breaker include:
There are also telltale signs that you need to replace a fuse. Indicators of a blown fuse include a switch, outlet, or light that suddenly stops functioning. Even if a fuse still works, you may notice a burning smell, burn marks, or other signs of discoloration around it. In addition, fuses may be too old to function reliably. What’s more, you may have the wrong kind of fuse installed for safe electrical function.


