A fuse box, commonly referred to as a consumer unit, is a vital safety component. It is responsible for distributing electricity throughout a building and safeguarding electrical circuits from surges in current by breaking the circuit when a surge is detected. However, many fuse boxes in UK properties are outdated and do not meet current safety standards. Fortunately, the cost of installing a new fuse box is quite affordable.
In the UK, there are no regulations requiring the replacement of old fuse boxes. However, it is strongly recommended to upgrade to a modern consumer unit as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your family or tenants. The cost of installing an RCD fuse box is quite low, making it an ideal choice. Modern consumer units are equipped with residual current devices (RCDs) and mini circuit breakers (MCBs) instead of fuses. These devices are much more sensitive to fluctuations in current compared to older models and can interrupt an electrical circuit more rapidly. As a result, they significantly lower the risk of electric shocks or fires.
If you're uncertain whether your fuse box requires replacement, we can dispatch a qualified electrician to assess it for you. Look for signs such as circuit breakers frequently tripping or lights dimming when appliances are turned on.