There are several clear signs that your fuse board (consumer unit) may need upgrading.
Signs you may need an upgrade:
- Old-style fuses — if your board uses rewireable fuses or cartridge fuses rather than modern MCBs (miniature circuit breakers), it is likely outdated
- No RCD protection — modern consumer units include RCDs (residual current devices) that cut the power in milliseconds if they detect a fault, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock and fire
- Frequent tripping — regular nuisance tripping can indicate overloaded circuits or a deteriorating board
- Scorch marks or burning smell — any discolouration or smell from your fuse board is a serious warning sign. Contact us immediately.
- Adding high-power circuits — if you are installing an EV charger, electric shower, or heat pump, your existing board may not have the capacity
What a modern consumer unit provides:
- RCD protection on every circuit — the single most important safety improvement
- Sufficient capacity for modern electrical demands
- Metal enclosure — current regulations require a non-combustible (metal) consumer unit for added fire safety
- Clear labelling of all circuits
We can assess your current setup during a free consultation and advise whether an upgrade is necessary.
