Your fuse box, or consumer unit, controls and protects every circuit in your home. Modern units do a lot more than old ones, especially when it comes to protecting people from electric shock. Here are six signs yours may be due an upgrade.
1. It uses fuse wire
If you open the cover and see ceramic fuse holders with wire in them rather than switches, your fuse box is very old. Rewireable fuses are slow to react and easy to get wrong when they’re replaced.
2. There’s no RCD
An RCD (residual current device) cuts the power in a fraction of a second if current leaks to earth, such as through a person. Look for a switch marked “RCD” with a test button. If there isn’t one, your circuits don’t have this life-saving protection.
3. It’s on a wooden board
Older installations were often mounted on wooden backboards. Combined with an old plastic enclosure, this isn’t ideal from a fire-safety point of view. Since 2016, new domestic consumer units must have a non-combustible (usually metal) enclosure.
4. Things keep tripping
Frequent tripping can mean a faulty appliance, but it can also point to an overloaded or deteriorating board, or wiring faults that need investigating.
5. Scorch marks, buzzing or a burning smell
These are warning signs that something is overheating. Switch off at the main switch if it’s safe to do so and call an electrician straight away.
6. You’re planning building work
Adding an extension, a new kitchen or an electric vehicle charger often means adding circuits. An older board may not have the space or protection needed, so it’s often the right time to upgrade.
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Not sure what you’ve got? Send me a photo of your fuse box or give me a call, and I’ll give you honest advice on whether it needs replacing.
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Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Upgrades in Bexhill-on-Sea
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