diff --git a/base/breakerbox.zsh b/base/breakerbox.zsh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..59ee958
--- /dev/null
+++ b/base/breakerbox.zsh
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+# This file is meant for developer use. Editing this file voids your warranty.
+# ESPECIALLY DON'T EDIT this file if you're using zeesh near nuclear reactor
+# control software for whatever unimaginable reason.
+
+_zeeshdev_ignore_updates=0
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/base/updates.zsh b/base/updates.zsh
index 7f7c354..aa47735 100644
--- a/base/updates.zsh
+++ b/base/updates.zsh
@@ -22,5 +22,9 @@ function zeesh_update () {
     fi
 }
 
-ticker_message "zeesh: checking network"
-curl -s http://lavacano.net --connect-timeout 1 > /dev/null && zeesh_update
+if [[ $_zeeshdev_ignore_updates != 1 ]]; then
+    ticker_message "zeesh: checking network"
+    curl -s http://lavacano.net --connect-timeout 1 --max-time 3 > /dev/null && zeesh_update
+else
+    ticker_message "zeesh: skipping updates (fuse blown)"
+fi
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/zeesh.zsh b/zeesh.zsh
index a4d9ff9..30ad0c3 100644
--- a/zeesh.zsh
+++ b/zeesh.zsh
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+source ~/.local/share/zeesh/base/breakerbox.zsh
 source ~/.local/share/zeesh/base/zeesh.zsh
 
 ticker_message "zeesh: bootstrap"