When do you need a fuseboard upgrade?

What does a fuseboard do?

A fuseboard, commonly known as a consumer unit, safely distributes electricity from the mains to the rest of your home in Thorpe St Andrew. All while doing this very important job, the fuseboard also detects electrical faults and power surges. When a fault is detected, a circuit breaker will trip to protect individuals, electrical appliances and other circuits from damage.

When do you need a fuseboard upgrade?

A good indicator of an imminent fuseboard upgrade are warning signs such as fuses blowing frequently, loss of power or flickering lights. If you notice any of the signs mentioned, the fuseboard may need further investigating. Alternatively, visible damage to the fuseboard could indicate an electrical fault. It’s always best to have the fuse board checked by an approved electrician

Do I need to upgrade an older fuseboard?

Our recommendation as experienced electricians is to upgrade the fuseboard every 25-30 years. Most electrical components within the fuseboard have a limited lifespan but also deteriorate over time. 
Older fuse boards lack the modern safety features which provide enhanced safety.

What does a fuseboard upgrade involve?

If you’re a property owner in Thorpe St Andrew, Norfolk Current Ltd handle your home with care and consideration. We understand how intrusive any electrical work can be so we work swiftly to carry out an initial check of the fuseboard. If it turns out that you do need a new unit, we give you recommendations on some of the most popular, robust and efficient brands available. The fuseboard will then be installed with all necessary earthing and bonding tests. You’ll receive an EIC once the installation is completed and thoroughly checked.

What do modern fuseboards include?

The lack of safety features in older fuseboards can put your home at increased risk of hazards such as electrical fires and electrocution. New units include devices such as RCDs or Residual Current Device which switch a circuit off if a power surge is detected. MCB or Mini Circuit Breakers protect circuits during an overload.

Will a fuseboard upgrade help protect electrical appliances?

Yes! SPDs or Surge Protection Devices are another clever device found in new units. They act quickly to stop any spikes in voltage from damaging your favourite kettle or the TV. 
If you're worried about a faulty fuseboard and thinking “When do you need a fuseboard upgrade?” Feel free to speak to one of the team, we’ll arrange a site visit to investigate further.

Working with Norfolk Current Ltd

When working with an approved electrician such as Norfolk Current Ltd, you can rest assured that all installation and electrical testing is in line with industry regulations and safety standards.

If this guide has got you thinking about “when do you need a fuseboard upgrade?” Why not reach out to Norfolk Current Ltd if you’re based in Thorpe St Andrew.