Think it might be time to change your fuse box? See what it might look like…
What is a fuse box?
Your fuse box, or consumer unit, or distribution board, takes the power supplied to your property from the grid, and sends it out to the various circuits such as lights and sockets.
When should I change mine?
There are plenty of reasons for upgrading your fuse box, but the biggest is safety. RCD protection is often not found in old consumer units, but is crucial for keeping people safe in the case of an electrical fault. Old boards like the one below are also not made of metal, which increase the risk of fire during a fault.
How do I benefit from a newer one?
As well as complying with the top safety regulations detailed above, you’ll also benefit from increased convenience, and options for surge protection and spare fuses, so that if you want to add more circuit (for example for a shower, car charger or solar panels) then the option is available.
What happens when I get mine changed?
The main disruption caused is a loss of power for several hours, depending on the size of the board. In the pictures, you’ll notice this fuse box was also in a very small cupboard, which makes the installation more challenging. At Plugged In we always test to check that the circuits are working properly before we change the consumer unit, so that it won’t cause problems; and we always make sure everything is working correctly after the fuse box upgrade.
I’d like a new fuse box
Get in touch with us at help@pluggedinelectricians.co.uk, or call us on 01524 932524. If you would like to view our services, see our website at www.pluggedinelectricians.co.uk