Update your fuse box so your electrics keep working safely and meet the latest regulations.
Meet the latest regulations with a fuse box replacement
Having an up to date fuse box (consumer unit) is a major part of ensuring your electrics are safe and up to standard. All of our installations are fully certified and we’ll even notify your building control. We’ll test all the electrical circuits in the house during the installation, which will confirm the whole house is electrically safe.
Why your home may need a fuse box (consumer unit) replacement
A fuse box and a consumer unit serve the same purpose. They distribute electricity in your house through multiple circuits and instantly turn the power off whenever a power overload occurs on one of the circuits, which is commonly known as “tripping”.
When “tripping” occurs, a consumer unit will switch the power off using the circuit breaker linked to the overloaded circuit. It will turn itself to the position OFF making the faulty circuit easily identifiable. Once the circuit is fixed, the circuit breaker can be switched back on and the power restored.A fuse box uses fuses instead of circuit breakers. Each fuse contains a wire which will melt if there is an electrical overload and make the circuit trip and switch the power off.
It is not as easy to identify a faulty circuit when using a fuse box and the, now melted fuse, will need to be replaced before the power can be restored.
Consumer units are basically the modern and safer version of fuse boxes which in most cases are no longer compliant with current electrical regulations.
Electric installation such as the replacement of a fuse box should be done by qualified individuals who are able to issue a certificate for the installation in accordance with Building regulations. In this instance a qualified electrician is your best option.
Consumer units boxed in wooden cupboard or mounted under wooden stairs are seen as a fire hazard as these materials are highly combustible.
According to building regulations your consumer unit should be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material such as steel.
According to regulation, gas pipes and gas meter in domestic houses, must be spaced at least 150mm from electricity meters, switchboards, electric cables, sockets, telecommunication cables, consumer units and any other conductors. Additionally, there should be a separation between a supply or distribution cable of at least 25mm for domestic pipework up to 35mm or 50mm for pipework over 35mm.
Before fitting a shiny new electrical consumer unit, it is advised to carry out an electrical Installation condition report (EICR). This test will establish the health of the electrical installation in your house and enable you and your electrician to decide if the existing wiring and circuits are fit for purpose.
The time it takes to replace a fuse box may vary on the size of the property as well as the conditon of the exsiting wiring. A typical replacement geneally takes around half a day.
No, old fuse boxes are not illegal. However, if you do have an old fuse box in your property please consider health and safety. It might not be compliant with current regulations and won’t have the latest RCD protection which could save your life. Consider upgrading it to a newer model.
Flow Electrics Limited is a family run electrical company that specializes in all aspects of electrical work, repairs and maintenance. Our priority is to provide our customers with a reliable, punctual and professional service.
Experienced certified experts are at your service during the work.
Our helpful and qualified staff will gladly assist you with any issue.
All of our work is carried out to the highest of standards.
You’ll be surprised with how fast our experts are!
Free no obligation quotation with no call out charges or hidden extras.
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