Why does my old fuseboard need replacing, it has been fine for years?
This is a question that I often get asked by customers, and it is a very valid point. Why would you want to pay hundreds of pounds to replace something that works?
The simple answer is, yes it does work to a certain extent. It will allow electricity to travel through your home and power lighting and equipment. However, if there is a fault, it might not keep you safe!
Very old fuseboards protect a circuit using fuse wire. When a large current is drawn, it melts this fuse wire causing the circuit to disconnect. All too often, incorrect fuse wire is installed, and circuits are left unprotected, leaving them vulnerable to deadly house fires or electric shock.
A registered and insured Electrician will be unable to make additions or alterations to circuits that are protected by these old fuseboards as it would be a direct contravention of the Wiring Regulations (BS7671).
What benefits will I see from a new consumer unit?
SPD
The purpose of an SPD (Surge Protection Device) is to protect electrical equipment and systems from voltage surges or spikes. Voltage surges can occur due to lightning strikes, power outages, or other electrical disturbances, and can cause significant damage to sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, televisions, and communication systems.
RCD Protection
As standard, I install RCBOs (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) for each circuit. These are safety devices that quickly disconnect the power supply in the event of an electrical fault or hazard.
Fire Rated Enclosure
All modern consumer units are designed to be non-combustible. A fire-rated consumer unit is designed to reduce the risk of fire spreading in the event of an electrical fault or malfunction. It incorporates fire-resistant materials that help to contain any flames or heat generated by an electrical fault, reducing the risk of fire spreading to other parts of the building.
