Featured article
Do I Need a New Fuse Box?
Although it is usually found hidden away in a cupboard, a fuse box is an extremely important device in the home. It protects your property from the dangers of electrical fires and its occupants from electrocution. But how do you know when it is time to upgrade to a new one? We offer some advice.
Consumer units, also commonly known as fuse boxes or fuse boards are extremely important devices in the home. Hidden away in a cupboard they play an essential role in protecting the occupants of a property against fire and electrocution. However they need to be up to the job if they are to be able to quickly detect a fault in a circuit and switch off the power to that electric circuit as quickly as possible. So how do you know when it is time to replace your fuse box?
Here are some of our top reasons for replacing your fuse box
1. The fuse box doesn’t have any RCDs (residual current devices)
An RCD is a very sensitive and important device. Its purpose is to switch off the electricity supply if it detects any leaking current. By doing this it helps prevent dangerous electric shocks and electrical fires. You can tell if your fuse box has RCDs fitted by looking for a ‘Test’ or ‘T’ switch located on the fuse box. This ‘Test’ function is needed to ensure that the RCDs fitted to your fuse box are working correctly. It is recommended that they are tested at regular intervals of every three months or so.
2. The fuse box has a wooden backboard
A wooden backboard is a clear sign of a very old fuse box. These were first fitted in the 1950s and 60s although some were still being fitted right up until the early 1980s. Until January 2016 new fuse boards had plastic outer casings however since that date new installations must be fitted with metal backed casings. This was the result of it being discovered that many house fires were caused by loose wires inside the plastic fuse box overheating and catching fire. Metal casing has been found to be much better at containing fires.
3. You are making alterations to the electrics in your home
If you are making changes to the electrics in your kitchen/bathroom or additional circuits and sockets are being added e.g. new extension, loft conversion etc. then due to the increase in load, each new circuit is required by law to be fitted with a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) backed up with RCDs.
4. The fuse has rewireable fuses or cartridge style fuses
5. The fuse box has asbestos flash pads sitting behind the fuses
6. Fuses keep blowing or circuit breakers keep tripping
If you are not sure of the age of your fuse box or want to be sure that your fuse box is fit for purpose, it is worth getting a recommended electrician to check it over. Electrical regulations are updated regularly. This means that many fuse boxes in use may not meet all current electrical regulations but are still safe to use. Likewise if you are making alterations to the electrics in your home it is a good idea to speak to a fully qualified electrician first. They will be able to tell you if your current fuse box will handle the extra load from the new circuits.
If you are advised to upgrade your fuse box and decide to go ahead, the price of installing and testing a new fuse box/consumer unit will depend on the size of your property and the number of electrical circuits it contains. It is a fairly straightforward task for an experienced, competent electrician and will usually take between 1/2 day to one day to install and test.
To find out more or if you would like a quote for a new consumer unit for your property please get in touch or give Capital City Electrical a call on 0131 202 9188
Author: Steven Wright
info@napit.org.uk
0345 543 0330