Do I need to change my fuse board?
What is my Fuse board?
A fuse board, also known as a consumer unit, distribution board, or fuse box is the point where the electricity comes into your home. Its job is to control and distribute that electricity to where you need it.
Apart from control the electrical function of your home, a consumer unit should also be intelligent enough to detect a dangerous problem within your property.
How do I know my Fuse board needs upgrading?
Any consumer unit without an RCD needs an upgrade. This doesn't always mean a whole new consumer unit so it is essential you speak to a registered, qualified electrician who can decide what needs to be done. Consumer units with wooden backs almost always need replacing as these can often date back to the 1950's – a lot has changed since then! Below are a few examples of old out of date fuse boards.
How to check if your Fuse board has RCD protection
Look for a button with T or test on your consumer unit. This indicates if an RCD is present. Don't forget to press the button to make sure your RCD is working as it should be (little switch should flick down)if working then reset back to original position once tested. If it does not activate (turn off your power or flick down) or you have any concerns about it, then consult a qualified and registered local electrician asap.
Consumer units, just like fire alarms, need to be tested regularly to ensure they are working as they should be. Remember they are there to protect you from electrical harm.
How to check if your Fuse board has RCD protection
Look for a button with T or test on your consumer unit. This indicates if an RCD is present. Don't forget to press the button to make sure your RCD is working as it should be (little switch should flick down)if working then reset back to original position once tested. If it does not activate (turn off your power or flick down) or you have any concerns about it, then consult a qualified and registered local electrician asap.
Consumer units, just like fire alarms, need to be tested regularly to ensure they are working as they should be. Remember they are there to protect you from electrical harm.
Why do i need an "RCD" and what does it do?
We cannot stress how important it is to have RCD protection in your fuse board, RCD's could one day save you or your families life, They (RCDs) are clever enough to detect faulty appliances before you are even aware and will even activate if someone accidentally touches a live cable in your home. The capabilities of an RCD far exceed any other safety function of a fusebox such as a trip switch activating or a fuse blowing. An RCD activates in less than a split second but unfortunately there are still far too many homes without any RCD protection and I advise all my customers to upgrade their consumer units if they are not upto current standards.
Modern fuse board replacements with RCDs are designed to protect all circuits, they can detect the tiniest of change in the current flow and can disconnect in a fraction of a second. They go a long way to minimising the chances of potentially fatal electric shocks and electrical fires.
How much will it cost?
The price for a new and upto date fuse board depends from company to company and can range from £300 - £700 depending on many factors, However with Ellies Electricians its will cost £450 and this comes with a certificate and full test of the property upon completion.
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