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As your local electrician in Cwmbran, we understand the up-to-date electrical requirements for homes and businesses. The electrical system is a complex system of wiring, accessories, and control centre or ‘brains’ known as the fuse box / consumer unit.
This control centre of the installation is responsible for many tasks including the prevention of:
- Cable damage and overload
- Surges
- Electric Shocks
- Short circuits
- Earth Faults
It also is the place where the mains supply is split up into usable electrical circuits. Without the fuse box the cables to our lights would need to be around an inch thick which would make installing light fittings impossible.
How do I know if I need a new consumer unit or fuse box?
The first step would be to get in touch. We may recommend an electrical inspection is carried out to determine if the wiring and consumer unit are ok. Sometimes, we can usually advise if a box needs changing by looking at a good clear photograph or two of your existing box. There may be some noticeable signs that you can check for yourself that will indicate if the box could do with changing such as:
- The box is REALLY old
- Signs of damage
- Loose Cover
- Discolouration
- No Trip Switches
The box is really old
Modern consumer units are usually metal in construction, have lots of switches and important safety features. If your box looks very old and differs from the look of a modern consumer unit then it may need replacing.
In some cases, older fuse boxes are ok but they should still be checked by an electrician if no electrical inspection has been carried out in the last ten years.
Signs of Damage
Where there is visible damage to the fuse box or consumer unit, this may be an indication that a replacement is necessary. Do not attempt to repair a consumer unit, contact us for advice. Many repairs are not suitable or safe and as such, only a professional can advise on the possibility of repair to older units.
Loose Cover
A loose cover on a consumer unit is an electrical shock risk. If your cover looks loose don’t touch it, do not attempt a quick fix repair with tape, glue, or other home remedy. Contact us for advice and we will be able to assist you.
Discolouration
Where a consumer unit or fuse box has become discoloured, it could be a result of overheating and internal damage. Plastics become brown when heated beyond their safe limits as they begin to melt and burn, it’s likely if there is an external appearance of discolouration or damage then internally it is likely to be far worse.
No Trip Switches
If your fuse box is an old-style box without trip switches then it is likely it should be replaced. Older boxes were installed with fuse wire or cartridge fuses that blow in the event of a fault and have not been installed for around 30 years or so.
The box could be even older of course. As a minimum, have an electrical safety check carried out to ascertain the condition of the wiring and fuse box. This may uncover some electrical issues that need rectifying before a new box can be installed.
How long does a fuse box last?
In reality, there are many very old fuse boxes still installed in properties throughout the UK and whilst they appear to still function normally, this does not indicate their ability to operate safely or effectively.
A fuse box or consumer unit should be inspected every ten years in private domestic homes and swapped around every 20 to 30 years or sooner if an electrician recommends it in your particular case.
Modern consumer units have many safety features that old fuse boxes do not, the modern unit can detect electrical faults that were previously missed by older technology and as a result, upgrading your fuse box can make your home and electrical system safer.
Fusebox Upgrade Electrician in Cwmbran
As your local electrician in Cwmbran we are familiar with the electrical systems in many local properties and will be able to advise on the best new unit for your home. Contact our experienced team today.
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