Electricity Problems: 8 Things That Can Cause a Fuse to Blow

It is worth noting that the cause of a blown fuse can be a multitude of different things, and if you ask a St Kilda electrician, for instance, they will be able to come up with all sorts of technical explanations. 

They will also probably tell you that it is not always technically correct to describe a problem as a blown fuse, but for those with only basic knowledge of electrics, here are some possible causes to consider.

A circuit has become overloaded.

If you have a socket with more than one appliance running from it, this could easily cause the circuit to become overloaded and blow a fuse.

An easy fix would be to unplug and move some of the appliances so that the fuse is less likely to blow again when you replace it.

A weak connection between two conductors

If you wondered what the primary cause of a short circuit is, it is when a weak connection between two electrical conductors results in a power flow that is too much for your wiring system.

This is what calls a so-called “short,” and you will have to find the faulty device and get the circuit tested by an electrician. 

Got an electric shock?

Another type of short circuit is a ground fault. This is when an electrical current touches a grounded part of your system. If you come into contact with this weak path, you will probably get an electrical shock. 

A qualified electrician is needed to identify and fix a ground fault. 

Problems with a terminal connection 

You may well have heard of an electrical problem called an arc fault. This is something that can occur as a result of an issue with your wiring and terminal connections.

A typical problem that causes an arc would be a loose terminal screw. You can protect your system from this with arc fault circuit interrupters. 

Have you used the proper fuse?

It can be straightforward to fit the wrong type of fuse if you replace it yourself. It is a simple mistake as fuses can look very similar but offer very different functions and tolerances.

The wrong fuse in your panel could cause a lot of damage, so check you have the right ones.

If your wiring is damaged

The problem with damaged wiring is that it is not always that easy to spot, and it is a problem that will only worsen as time goes by.

Damaged wiring can easily trip a fuse, and that should be a clue that will prompt you to call an electrician to investigate the source of the problem.

A faulty electrical outlet can cause a trip. 

Check to see if you have an obvious fault with one of your sockets and look for signs of damage. 

It could also be the case that you have an electrical outlet fitted that is outdated and needs upgrading to make it safe.

Time for a new system?

If you find that your fuses are regularly blowing and you seem to be almost constantly resetting your circuit breakers, it is often a sign that your electrical system is no longer fit for purpose.

It might need a system upgrade to make it safer and to ensure your home meets current standards.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to experience a blown fuse. More often than not, it makes sense to call an electrician to fix the problem when considering how dangerous it can be to work with electricity when you are not qualified.