Fuse box.

What's wrong with fuses?

I don't know that I have seen fuses for several decades--if ever--therefore I ASSUME something makes them not the method-of-choice....
Seriously, SHOULD a fuse box be changed over for safety?
SHOULD I change my own fuses (or just not stand in a puddle of water at the same time)?

atlasnyc,
Fuses and circuit breakers basically exist to serve the same function (at least on the homeowner dwelling level), but do so in different ways. But your experiences in the past have been correct -- most (if not all?) residential units nowadays use breakers. This is MAINLY for ease of use. For the layperson, it is easier to just flip a switch, rather than remove, match up, purchase, and screw back in, a new fuse. You could also say it's cheaper, as breakers don't (normally) have to be replaced. (That being said, purchasing and installing a breaker IS a more expensive up-front cost, but that's buried deep in the purchase price of a home). Ultimately, most people will say Yes, you should opt for a breaker over fuses, but also yes, you can by all means change your own fuses.

Obviuosly never stand in water with a fuse box or circuit breaker, fuses are better probably for safety where as circuit breakers are better for ease of use and don't need to be replaced is what I understand. Fuses can be better for computers where as circuit breakers are better for safety in bathrooms and kitchens. Best bet ask an electrician

A fuse box is only a pain in the ass when there's a chronic problem, and then fuses are a huge pain the ass. Certain models come in a center-pin resettable version, but not all.

The bigger question has to do with the overall electrical system overall, and whether it meets your needs.

50 Park was built in 1940, before home AC was available (or at least common) and before microwave ovens, for example.

By the 1960s, dedicated AC outlets were required by code. I think breakers also became code-required, versus fuses.

aalsberg,
>>"Fuses can be better for computers where as circuit breakers are better for safety in bathrooms and kitchens."
What information are you basing this on? I'm not sure if this is true.

Really, the biggest advantage of a fuse box these days, when looking at a new apartment, is giving us an idea of how old -- and in need of repair -- the electrical system as a whole is.

That building has one hell of a gorgeous view from the roof deck.

If I were in your position I would get an estimate for replacement from a licensed electrician before I made an offer on the property (assuming money is a concern).

You might be able to get an estimate from a friendly electrician over the phone. Count the number of fuses.

I would not even move in until that box is replaced with breakers. It's going to cost depending on how many fuses you've got and how many breakers you need, but we're probably talking thousands of dollars.

When the breaker box in our house was examined for total replacement post-Sandy, the price I got was $2500. (Fortunately box turned out to be OK) Of course your power is off during that work at the master, but it should only take a few hours. Hopefully the fuse box does not foreshadow any other electrical problems.

You cannot make any modifications to the home without bringing the electricity up to code. This is not code. And have the electrician poke around all the wiring while he or she is there.

Fuses are not as safe or as convenient as circuit breakers. That's why they aren't code anymore. They are not as sensitive and they cannot be equipped with GFI (ground fault interruptors) which are now code for breakers in many situations.

I remember fuses, I've replaced fuses myself. There used to be various brands and different capacities. People did all kinds of dangerous tricks to "fix" blown fuses on the cheap which I am not even going to mention for fear of giving somebody ideas.

I wouldn't own an apartment or house like that without getting an immediate upgrade, not worth the risk.

atlasnyc: I was recently quoted $3,000 to change my fusebox over to a circuit breaker. The licensed electricians that my building sanctions to do this kind of work are:

Control Electric - 718 556 2004
All Star Electric - 917 815 3301

I am looking for the info you asked for about someone to fit the through-wall AC. Will get back to you ASAP.

Atlasnyc,

My electrician charges $2,000-$2,500.00 to upgrade the panel

You can email me at primerenovationsnyc.com

Thanks to All.
KAS61, you are awesome. Appreciate your help.
Boss Tweed, the roof is closed now due to pointing of brick, repairs.
You've peeked my interest, however.

AtlasNYC, one day I hope you'll get a peek. For now, I'm glad your interest is piqued.

Ha !
Real estate fatigue...