Replacing a Fuse Box With a Breaker Box

Evaluate Needs

Find out how what level of electrical service the house has. If the house only has 60-amp service, the service will have to be increased to at least 100 amps to comply with code. You will need to hire an electrician to do at least some of the work; use her now to help estimate your present and future energy needs and ask her advice about the level of service you should install. It is easiest and cheapest to install an adequate level of service now to avoid having to repeat the process again in the future.

Arrange Work

Contact your electricity supplier to see if they have any special programs or rates available for customers upgrading their service. In addition, if the supplier needs to install larger equipment outside your house, a contact with them will help avoid any delays. Have your electrician evaluate the wiring in your home to see if it complies with code. For example, if you still have the old knob and tube wiring, you will want to upgrade with new wiring that can be properly grounded and can be safely run through insulation. The electrician should also help you decide if the fuse box location is the best location for the new breaker box or if there is a better location in another part of your home. Finally, get your work permit from the local building inspector and find out when and how many inspections are required.

Change

Most fuse box to service panel changes will require some wiring changes to comply with building code regulations. Common examples are the addition of another kitchen circuit and replacement of two-wire cable with three-wire cable for electric dryers and oven circuits. New wiring will need building inspector approval, so get it done and inspected before changing your box. Use this opportunity to install a good grounding system as well. The code requires a minimum of two grounding rods, but using more will do a better job of protecting any delicate electronics in your home. Eight 8-foot-long rods driven in the ground 8 to 20 feet apart and connected by #4 copper wire will provide good protection, and be sure to tie it into your metal well casing if you have one. Finally, install your new panel. Take the existing circuits out of your old panel and move them to the new one. Remove the old panel and as much of any old, unused wiring as possible. The installation will need inspection approval before the power company can restore the power.