What Are They For?
A consumer unit or fuse box is the power supply connection for all of your house circuits. As a minimum, it prevents overloading and short circuits from damaging your cables.
Modern consumer units also provide important additional safety protection to appliances and occupants.
Consumer units become out of date because regular safety improvements are made over the years, just like airbags and seat belts have made for car travel. Over time, a consumer unit can become less compliant with current wiring rules, which are designed to enhance safety of the user.
If your consumer unit(s) was installed many years ago, it may not incorporate one or more important safety features.
1950's fuse board' with rewirable fuses
Modern consumer unit
Modern Safety Features
Metal cladding; modern consumer
units incorporate a metal case. This prevents any internal fire from spreading
through the building
30mA RCD (residual circuit breaker) is a device which provides protection
from electric shock. An RCD can provide both basic fault protection as well as additional
protection from electric shock. These life saving devices cut the power supply
automatically when a fault or electric shock voltage is detected.
An RCBO incorporates an RCD within the overload circuit breaker in one device.
MCBs protect circuits from dangerous overloading. They can conveniently be reset when the fault has been cleared, and have the safety advantage
that they cannot be fitted with incorrect fuse wire,
An SPD Surge Protector is a device that protects your home's
electrical system and sensitive electronic items such as TVs computers and car
chargers in the event of a power surge, such as from a lightning strike. When
there is a spike or surge in the current, it will redirect the
current safely inside the device instead of through the main electrical wiring.
Can I Have a New Updated Fuse Box?
Alan Davies Electrical can install a new consumer unit conforming to the latest safety standards. Your new board will provide you with total peace of mind by providing the very latest protection against possible electric shocks and overloading.
A consumer unit can be fitted when the wiring installation is considered safe. If the house wiring has not been inspected or was installed more than ten years ago, it is recommended is to have an electrical inspection and test within the property - EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) before fitting a replacement consumer unit. This is especially important with older electrical installations that have been unchecked and in use for many years.
Alan Davies Electrical can provide a competitive price for installing a new consumer unit in your home. Contact me today to a arrange a free estimate
Consumer units containing SPDs, RCDs and RCBOs
