Fusebox Installation Services
Fuse box upgrades
Whether you've been living in a house for several decades or have recently moved into an older property, there's a good chance the fuse box (also known as the mains board or consumer unit) is just as old as the house itself. This often raises some questions among homeowners:
- Is my fuse box dangerous?
- Do I need to update my fuse box?
- Should I upgrade my mains board for safety?
When Do You Need to Replace Your Fuse Box?
Technology and safety standards evolve over time. Your old fuse box, while correctly fitted to the standards of its day, may not offer the protection available today. Here’s what you should consider:
- Old Fuse Boxes: Older fuse boxes only trip when overloaded. They don't protect against electric shocks, power surges or protect against fire risks.
- Electrical Inspections: You should upgrade your fuse box if an electrical inspection [EICR] reveals issues that don't meet current British Safety Standards. If your house’s wiring is satisfactory but your fuse box and bonding (to water and gas) are outdated, it's crucial to update them for safety reasons.
- New Fuse Boxes: Modern mains boards come equipped with multi circuit RCDs or individual circuit RCBOs, Surge protection device [SPD] an dare made from non combustible materials. An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.
How Long Does It Take to Update a Consumer Unit?
Updating a fuse box usually takes around half and day for a standard 3 bedroom house, but this can vary depending on the property. If there’s a fault in a circuit, it must be rectified first, as the RCD will continue to trip otherwise. Additionally, upgrading the bonding to incoming services may be required if the existing system if not adequate.
Should I Get a Certificate for My New Mains Board?
Absolutely! When you have a new mains board installed, your installer should:
- Test every circuit in the house.
- provide you with an electrical installation certificate.
This ensures that the installation meets all safety standards and regulations, providing peace of mind and compliance with legal requirements.
Contact Us
Ready to upgrade your fuse box? Get in touch with us today!
Phone: 07460 412281
Email: info@carrick-electrix.uk
Address: 8C Kilroot Business Park - Carrick
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