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What is a common major violation found in a fuse box?

  1. Tripping a circuit

  2. Putting Edison based fuses in with higher amperage ratings

  3. Using outdated fuses

  4. Incorrect labeling of circuits

The correct answer is: Putting Edison based fuses in with higher amperage ratings

Putting Edison-based fuses in with higher amperage ratings is a common major violation found in a fuse box because it poses a significant safety hazard. When fuses are installed that have a higher amperage rating than the circuit is designed to handle, it increases the risk of overheating and can lead to electrical fires. Fuses are intended to protect circuits by breaking the connection when an overload occurs. Using a higher amperage fuse overrides this safety mechanism, allowing more current to flow than the wiring can safely handle. In contrast, while tripping a circuit can indicate a problem, it is not a violation in itself, but rather a sign of an existing issue. Using outdated fuses is a concern but does not inherently create the same level of risk as using fuses with incorrect amperage ratings. Incorrect labeling of circuits can lead to confusion and potential hazards during maintenance or troubleshooting, but it does not directly endanger the circuit's safety the way installing an inappropriate fuse does. Therefore, the violation regarding the use of higher amperage fuses is a significant concern for electrical safety in homes.