Usually hidden away in a cupboard or under the stairs, the fuse board (or fuse box) is often taken for granted, until the lights cut out.

This means that potentially dangerous issues can remain undetected, creating the risk of an unstable electricity supply or – at worst – a fire. Here, we outline some common fuse board problems and their solutions.

1. The fuse board has reached the end of its lifespan

The main problem with your fuse board might simply be that it’s come to the end of its life. In fact, this can be the root cause of the other fuse box problems we talk about in this article. In general, fuse boards are only meant to last for around 15 years, after which they should be replaced.

Solution: The older-style fuse board is being phased out in favour of consumer units. These have various benefits, from enhanced safety features to an increased lifespan (of up to 30 years). When you’re due for a replacement, switching to a consumer unit is simple and provides several benefits.

2. Sockets or light switches frequently trip the power supply

If you find that turning on a light or outlet frequently causes your fuses to blow or trip, this can be an indication that you have a fuse board problem. As well as distributing power through the home, the fuse board prevents electrical overloads. So, if your fuses are regularly tripping, it can also indicate a problem with your home’s wiring.

Solution: This is a job for a professional electrician. Your power supply will need to be turned off, so the cause of the tripping can be safely investigated.

3. The unit contains burnt or melted fuses

If you discover that your fuse board contains melted fuses or burnt terminals (the metal points where the electrical wires connect), it is a strong indication that you have an urgent problem with your fuse box. In this case, your fuse board could be overheating or there might be loose wiring. However, there are lots of inner components in a fuse board, any one of which could be the cause.

Solution: It is important to seek the advice of a professional electrician as soon as possible because this kind of issue can leave you at risk of an electrical fire. If your fuse board has reached the end of its lifespan or is close to it, it is usually recommended that you replace the entire unit.

4. You can detect an odour or noise coming from the fuse board

Fuse boards should not emit a strong smell or a noise, so it’s advisable to check yours regularly to ensure there is no hissing, popping, or unpleasant odours. If you notice anything untoward, it is a clear sign that you have a problem with your fuse board. Related to the point above, burning can indicate overheating or an overloaded fuse box, while noises could suggest a faulty circuit breaker.

Solution: This is an urgent issue which requires the immediate services of a professional electrician. Left unattended, it could result in a fire. The likely solution will be to replace the fuse board with a consumer unit.

5. The fuse board lacks capacity

Not all fuse board problems are dangerous. In some cases, older style fuse boxes might simply lack sufficient capacity for modern demands. For example, if you add an extension or garden office to your property, install an electric shower, or want a home EV charger, you might need to add extra capacity to allow for a safe and reliable electricity supply.

Solution: If your fuse board needs to be replaced then upgrading to a consumer unit will offer the extra capacity you need. However, a second option is to add a small consumer unit, which is designed for garages and outbuildings. Dedicated shower consumer units and EV consumer units are also available.

Overall, the fuse board is such a critical part of your electrical system that any concerns should be investigated by a professional who can diagnose the issue and offer the best solution.

For more, visit our homepage to download our free guide: Is your fusebox outdated, inefficient or even dangerous?

Fuse board FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a fuse board?

The cost of replacing a fuse board will depend on various factors, such as the size of the property and the type of consumer unit you select. In general, you should budget around £500+ for the unit and labour.

Can I replace the fuse board myself?

You can purchase the unit yourself from a reputable retailer. However, the installation should be carried out by an electrician experienced in that type of work.

As well as the obvious risks of fire and electric shock, an amateur installation could result in damaging the unit and invalidating any warranties. In addition, the work needs to be signed off by a qualified electrician to confirm compliance with building regulations.

Is it illegal to have an older-style fuse box?

No, it’s still legal to have a fuse board. However, when yours is ready for an upgrade, it will be replaced by an up-to-date consumer unit. If you have rental properties, you might need to upgrade to obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report.

If my fuse box has reached the end of its lifespan but is showing no problems, should I still have it replaced?

In this case, it would be worth seeking professional advice. Lifespans are a general indicator and do not take into account things like heavy day-to-day demand. In addition, not all fuse board problems are obvious, so calling in an expert electrician will put your mind at rest that your electrical system is safe.

Have fuse board questions or concerns?

With over 15 years’ experience of providing domestic electrical services to properties across West London, we are confident we can solve all your fuse board problems. Based in Hammersmith, we are NAPIT accredited and TrustMark approved, so you can rest assured that we uphold the highest professional standards.

Contact SparkPro Electrical today for advice or for a free, no-obligation quote.