The fuseboard is the unsung hero of our electrical systems. This humble little box never receives the credit due for all the safety features and functions it carries out relentlessly. Despite this, many of use neglect the fuse box in our homes and would not likely consider a FUSEBOARD UPGRADE until something drastic went wrong with the electrical system.
What does a fuse box do?
The fuse box is responsible for providing many electrical functions such as:
• Electric shock protection
• Overload protection
• Surge protection
• Short circuit protection
• Delivering power around our homes
• Keeping us safe
• Protection against electrical fires
Not every fuse box will offer these features and the older the fuse box, the more basic it will be. Older fuse boxes likely do not provide the protection that is now required in our modern homes with the multitude of electrical appliances we now use.
Are old fuse boxes dangerous?
As fuse boxes age, their components will begin to deteriorate and may not work correctly or function properly when needed. Older fuse boxes should be, as a minimum, checked by an professional electrician to ensure that they are functioning correctly and ideally, replaced once they reach a certain age.
The many components of a fuse box offer protection to us and our electrical systems and relying on an old, unchecked, and unmaintained fuse box to work correctly when needed is much like relying on old car brakes to work in an emergency stop when the vehicle has had no maintenance.
What is involved in a Fuse box upgrade?
Where very old fuse boxes and wiring are present in an electrical system, it is vital to have a thorough electrical check carried out before installing a new consumer unit onto the old system. Old fuse boxes do not have the range of technology and sensitivity that modern consumer units contain and as such, they may not detect pre-existing electrical faults and dangers.
The result of installing a new consumer unit onto an old and potentially faulty wiring system is trip switches that will not turn on or will trip intermittently, electrical circuits that may need to remain disconnected if faults are present and general inconvenience.
For these reasons, it is recommended to have an electrical inspection carried out before swapping the fuse box out for a consumer unit. In the cases of very old wiring, there may be several issues present meaning that a new fuse box cannot be installed safely.
How long does a fuse box swap take?
Installing a new consumer unit will typically take around 1 day. There is a lot of electrical testing and safety checks that have to be carried out before during and after installation including testing the electric shock protection devices are working in the new consumer unit.
Electrical documentation is produced following consumer unit installation and building control are notified of the work. All of this takes time and for larger consumer units, it may take up to 2 days to fully swap the unit over.
Is a Fuse Box upgrade worth it?
Yes, always. Replacing the brains of an electrical system for more modern technology is always a great idea and actually incredible value when compared to other works that may be needed in your home. Most gas boilers have a lifespan of around 10 years whereas a fuse box will outlast that 2 or 3 times over and be around half the cost of a new boiler installation.
If you would like to know more about fuse box installation and upgrades then get in touch with us today and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
