The fuseboard is the unsung hero of the electrical installation. A modern fuse board or consumer unit has many responsibilities including:
- Keeping us safe from electric shock
- Monitoring the electrical wiring for overload
- Preventing dangerous short circuit issues
- Protecting the installation and equipment from surges
The fuseboard does this and much more and yet, many of us live with seriously outdated technology that will only provide the most basic of protection. We barely give the old box any consideration or thought at all.
How do you know when the fuseboard needs upgrading? At JJB Electrical, we are your local ELECTRICIAN IN HARLOW and experts in replacing fuse boxes, let’s look at what is required and when.
Old fuses
If your fuse box has old style fuses or fuse wire then this is a sign that it likely requires upgrading for a modern consumer unit. This type of technology is now outdated and indicates that not only is the fuse box 30-40 years old (or older) BUT, the wiring is AT LEAST this old as well.
Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing sounds in an electrical system can be a normal part of operation for some equipment but if you hear buzzing, crackling, pops or bangs from your fuse box then there is a good chance that things are not quite right.
If you are hearing strange sounds from your fuse box there could be danger present so get in touch without delay and we will check things out for you.
Strange Smells
If there is a pungent odour coming from the fuse box, there could be electrical burning taking place inside the unit. This is a very dangerous situation and indicates that there may be serious internal damage to the fuse box.
If you can smell a fish, plastic melting, or chemical smell, shut off your electrics immediately and call us.
Fuses Blow or Switches Trip
Fuses are designed to blow and switches to trip when there is an electrical fault. If this is happening more than once every few months then you have an electrical issue for sure. Whilst the issue could be on one of the electrical circuits in your home it could well lie inside the consumer unit or fuse box as well.
Its important not to ignore electrical issues like this as without immediate attention, electrical wiring can become damaged, accessories can fail and fuse boxes may be adversely affected by the continuous blowing of fuses or tripping of switches.
Consider an Electrical Inspection
Where the existing fuse box is very old, the wiring system will be of the same age or older and it may not always be possible to replace the fuse box for a new one without a rewire.
Modern consumer unit technology installed in place of a fuse box can cause issues. The reason for this is down to the ability of new consumer units to detect electrical faults. Modern units are far more sensitive and capable than their older fuse box counterparts and as such, if there are wiring issues that lay previously undetected by an old fuse box, the modern consumer unit may not even turn on!
It is recommended by the Institute of Engineering and Technology that an electrical inspection is performed by an electrician every ten years on private domestic properties. An electrical inspection will detect dangers, potential dangers, and non-compliances with the current wiring regulations.
Get in touch
If you would like more information on replacing a fuse box with a consumer unit then contact JJB Electrical your local ELECTRICIAN IN HARLOW today and we will be happy to help.
