WHAT IS A FUSE BOARD?
A typical fuse board consumer unit is usually made up of three components. The main switch, a Residual Current Device (RCD) and either Mini Circuit Breakers (MCBs) or Fuses depending on the age of the unit.
The main switch can turn off the electricity supply if needed. This is helpful as it allows the electricity to be shut off when fuses need resetting. It can also prevent incidents such as electric shocks when changing bulbs.
An RCD is a safety measure that trips the circuit, shutting off electricity in the case of an overload, lightning strike, fault etc. An RCD constantly measures the electric current flowing through circuits. If the RCD detects any sudden change current, it instantly shuts off the electricity. This measure can be life saving and guards against electrocutions.
Depending on the model of fuse board, you should either have Mini Circuit Breakers or Fuses. MCBs are a lot more common in today's fuse boards whereas fuses were likely to be found in older models. Before Circuit Breaker's were introduced, fuses could fry and disconnect the circuit if an overload occurred. Once fried, fuses have to be replaced. Circuit Breakers are designed to turn themselves off whenever a fault occurs. This lowers the chance of them melting, meaning that circuit breakers are able to be reused .
DO YOU NEED A FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT?
If your current electrical installation is safe for use and meets current regulations then you won’t need to upgrade. It can however be very difficult to work this out without any testing. The best way of finding out if you need a replacement is to have an electrical inspection carried out.
Here at RML Electrical, we're happy to carry this inspection out. Cost for both supply and instillation of a new fuse box starts from as little as £250. All of our electricians are well trained and fully-qualified to carry out fuse board replacements.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS IF AN OUT-OF-DATE FUSE BOARD ISN'T REPLACED?
Accidents involving electrics still happen, and having an old, unsafe fuse board increases the risk. Electrical Safety Council statistics reveal:
Around 70 people die and 1.2 million people are injured every year as a result of electrical accidents in UK homes.
About 50% of fires in UK homes every year are caused by an electrical fault.
Almost all electrocutions that occur in homes and around 20% of fires with an electrical origin could have been prevented by having RCD protection in place.
BENEFITS OF A FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT
Having a fuse board replacement carried out is a smart move for a number of reasons:
Replacing an older unit makes your home a safer environment for you and your family, as it reduces the risk of both electric shock and electrical fires.
Increase the energy efficiency of your home by replacing your fuse board for a newer model.
Replacing an old fuse board also ensures that your home is in compliance with current electrical regulations.
QUALITY FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT FOR PEACE OF MIND
When choosing an electrician to carry out your fuse board replacement it is important to consider more than just price. The right electrician for the job will be fully qualified, certified, insured to carry out the work and compliant with the latest electrical standards.
Your fuse board consumer unit is the main electrical hub in your property, taking a pivotal role in all electrical aspects. If you have a fuse board replacement carried out that it is below the necessary standards then you are putting you property at risk and endangering anyone that occupies the property.