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What exactly is a fuse board? A consumer unit? Both phrases relate to the same thing. The fuse board is considered to be an older style control box containing fuse wire or fuses and the consumer unit is the more modern version containing many different trip switches.
Each device has similar responsibilities in the electrical system. The job of the modern fuseboard is to protect the electrical cables, divide the electrical installation into parts, prevent electrical shock, dispose of surges in supply and limit the risk of electrical fires from overload and short circuit.
There are many different parts to the modern fuseboard, but they all work together to distribute the power around our homes and keep us safe.
What is involved in changing a fuseboard for a modern consumer unit?
When swapping an old fuse box or fuse board for a modern consumer unit there are a few things that can crop up. You see, older fuse boxes are nowhere near as cutting edge as the technology that is now available. This can cause a few issues when a new consumer unit is installed onto older wiring!
Modern consumer units can detect previously undiscovered faults in the electrical system and in some cases a modern unit will not turn on if there are serious issues present. Where circuits are unsafe to reconnect to the new consumer unit, they may have to be left disconnected until faults can be repaired.
What can be done to detect faults first?
It is often recommended to have an electrical check carried out PRIOR to a consumer unit installation. This is so the electrician can test the circuits for any electrical faults or problems BEFORE the new unit is installed. This becomes more important the older the electrical system and wiring is.
Electrical checks should be carried out regularly anyway as a way of maintaining the systems and monitoring for degradation over time. They are recommended every ten years for privately owned domestic homes.
What is involved in a new fuseboard upgrade?
Once the system has been checked for any pre-existing defects the power can be safely isolated and the old consumer unit or fuse box can be removed. The cables are checked for damage and straightened out to allow for easy installation of the new consumer unit.
The new unit is securely fitted, mains cables are often upgraded where required at this time and the electrical circuits are reinstalled carefully into their new positions.
Electrical testing is carried out whilst the power is off to ensure that circuits are safe to reconnect, connections inside the unit are correctly tightened according to the specification and all terminations are checked.
The safety devices such as electric shock protection, circuit breakers and main switches are checked for safe operation. The trip switches are tested to ensure that they trip quickly enough to prevent electrical shock and fire.
The Electrical Installation Certification is completed and work notified to relevant authorities.
The consumer unit has its circuits labelled and other labelling is applied where required.
Get in touch
If you are concerned about the age of your consumer unit, its operation, condition or need a FUSEBOARD UPGRADE IN AXMINSTER then please get in touch. We are a professional, friendly, and helpful local company and we will be happy to discuss your requirements and offer advice.