How to Change a Fuse on an Exterior Electrical Panel

A fuse is a device that protects an electrical circuit by breaking that particular circuit when an overload or a short circuit occurs. When this occurs, power to that circuit is lost. To prevent it from occurring again, repair the overload or short circuit. With that done, turn your attention to the specific fuse for that circuit. Unlike a circuit breaker that simply trips, which you can reset, you have to replace a blown fuse. Remove the blown fuse and install a new one to restore power to the circuit. The electrical panel can be located inside or outside.

Rubber-soled shoes
Replacement plug fuse
Replacement cartridge fuse
Fuse puller

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug or turn off the power to any devices that are plugged into the circuit that corresponds to the blown fuse.
- 2
  Put on rubber-soled shoes. Make sure that the floor around the electrical panel is not wet.
- 3
  Flip the electrical panel's master switch, often located on the side of the panel box, to the off position. Identify the specific fuse through a list often posted on the back of the electrical panel door.
- 4
  Grip the glass rim of a blown screw-in fuse and turn it counterclockwise to remove it. Avoid touching anything else with your hand. Screw a replacement fuse that has the exact amperage of the removed fuse into its place.
- 5
  Grip the handle on a fuse block within the electrical panel that contains a blown cartridge fuse. Pull the block forward and remove it from the panel.
- 6
  Remove the blown cartridge fuse with a fuse puller, which is made entirely of a nonconducting material. Install a new cartridge fuse of the same amperage into the fuse block, and reinstall the block into the electrical panel.
- 7
  Shut the panel door, and flip the main switch to the on position. Plug in a device to that circuit to verify that the power to the circuit is restored with the new fuse.

Doorbell Buzzes But Doesn't Ring

How to Locate Damaged Electrical Wiring in a Wall

Electrical Repairs