My 1982 vintage forced-air furnace has an on-off switch on it in a box which also contains a fustat fuse. I saw a newer furnace recently that only had the switch, but no breaker or fuse (at the furnace). Is a fuse on a furnace no longer a requirement so I could remove it and just leave the switch? If not, is there a circuit breaker available that can be installed in its place?
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Replies
I expect it's a local code thing, but in my area they still use fuses at the furnace.
Why bother to change?
IT is just that the fustat burned out the other day and I had to go to HD to get a new one. So I was wondering if anything had changed on the requirement to have one.
In Omaha we have to install a fusestat at all gas furnaces. It is not an electrical code though. The public gas utility requires them so that when someone is working on the furnace they can remove the fuse and know that the switch won't accidently get turned on.
Its not a bad idea, but the electrical code only requires a disconnect in plane view.
If you haven't drawn blood today, you haven't done anything.
Does the fuse regularly need to be replaced? Or is there some other reason you wish to remove this safety feature? Usually, contractors only go to the extra expense to install a fusestat over a simple disconnect switch because the local authority having jurisdiction requires it.
If there is a problem with the operation of your furnace, I would recommend that you call the installer or a competent service technician/company. Don't mess with it.