Fuse box

A fuse box holds screw-in or cartridge fuses. Each fuse has a thin metal link that melts if a circuit carries too much current. That opens the circuit, and the fuse must then be replaced. A circuit breaker does the same protective job but can be reset.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises people not to simply replace a blown fuse. A blown fuse is often a warning that the circuit is overloaded. Fuse boxes appear in many older homes. If you want a modern breaker panel, see electrical panel repair and replacement.