Based on what has been posted concerning the age of the wiring, it sounds
unlikely there would be a GFI involved, but that would be the second thing
to check after ensuring all the fuses were good. Don't assume a fuse is
good by visual inspection alone. Swap it with a new one, or a known good
one from another circuit (of same size of course!)

If fuse and GFI are eliminated, I'd try to figure out for sure what circuit
(fuse) is involved. This may mean using the process of elimination by
pulling the other fuses until you figure out which one is involved. Try to
ensure the problem is limited to the single circuit/fuse. If it turns out
it involves more, then the problem may be in the main fuse/cutoff. Perhaps
one phase of the fuse box has blown or otherwise gone out.

If you fuse box is on a porch, perhaps some moisture has come into play and
it may be that some corrosion has set in. Cleaning the wires and contacts
may solve the problem.

Since it sounds like you have limited knowledge of electrical installations,
the pro is probably going to be your best course, but like anything, the
more you understand of the problem, the more likely you'll be able to get
the best work done at the best price. No sense paying a contractor for a
200 amp panel upgrade when you have no intention of adding anything new that
would warrant that capacity.




"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
...
bubblegummom wrote:
We still haven't been able to figure out our problem. Our power went
out in our upstairs and our dining room. Basically the same things are
out that would be out if a fuse blew but it's not a fuse, so my
husband thinks it might be a problem in the fuse box, but he can't
find it.

I started a different thread and wanted to continue with it, but can't
find it now.

Anyway, my husband is afraid that if an electrician tried to find the
problem, he would want to replace the fuse box. Can a fuse box be
replaced with a circuit breaker box?

We have old style wiring (very old) and my brother says it would be
hard to get it to work with a circuit breaker box.

How much money would an electrician likely want to change the box if
it can be changed?

Our fuse box is on the back porch. Is that a problem?

Loretta

A few possible problems.

A GFI may have tripped. These are devices to protect outlets and
lights that my be shock hazards like bathrooms, kitchens, basements,
outdoor fixtures or garages. They are often built into an outlet. They
have push buttons to test and reset. One may be controlling the circuit
you see as out. It may need to be reset. These are often added to older
homes.

You could have a loose wire. It would be somewhere between the breaker
box and the first non-functioning device. Likely at the device. Of course
there is no easy way of determining what that first devise is.

Breakers and sometimes fuses are difficult to determine if they are
really tripped, they also can go bad.

I suggest that after reading both this and the original message that
unless you find a GFI that fixes the problem, you really should plan on
calling in a professional. It is not easy to provide the information you
need to safely check the other problems over the internet.

As for cost, that could vary greatly as code (local or national) may
demand this or that to be done if a replacement is required.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit