Do I Need to Upgrade My Fusebox?
A safe and efficient electrical system is an important part of any home – and the fusebox is integral. This vital piece of equipment is the control centre for electricity in your home, regulating and distributing power to various circuits.
As you manage your home electricity, you might wonder whether you need to upgrade your fusebox. In the following guide, we’re going to give you some pointers, so you know when it’s time for a fusebox upgrade.
How old is your fusebox?
Like any electrical device, your fusebox will have a lifespan. While they are designed to last for a long time, modern electrical loads require updated models.
Crucially, older units tend to lack critical features like RCDsor Arc Fault detection devices (AFDDs), which are important for protection against electrical fires.
If your fusebox is several decades old, it probably won’t have these features. The result is an increased risk of electrical fires and other problems – which we’ll expand on below.
Issues with overloaded circuits
If you notice persistent tripping of circuit breakers, or blown fuses in your home, then this is a good indication that it’s time for an upgrade. These occurrences can mean that the circuits in your home are becoming overloaded, which is a common issue with older fuseboxes.
Frequent overloading can pose significant safety risks to your home, including fires. By upgrading your fusebox to accommodate increased electrical demands, you can mitigate these risks and provide a more reliable power supply.
Not enough capacity
Modern households demand more power! This is because we are using increasingly more complex electrical devices that need more electricity. Consider the number of mobile devices, TVs and games consoles in a house compared to a few decades ago, for example.
If you have an outdated fusebox, there’s a good chance it lacks the capacity to support these additional loads. Upgrading to a higher-capacity fusebox means that your electrical system will handle modern demands without the risk of overloading.
Insurance/building regulation requirements
Some insurance companies and building regulations may have specific requirements about your electrical system. Because of the danger it might pose, an outdated fusebox might not meet these standards. This could result in higher insurance premiums or regulation violations. To ensure your property stays safe and insurable, it may be time for a fusebox upgrade.
This is particularly relevant for landlords, who will need an EICR check at least every five years. An old fusebox will be flagged as part of your inspection and need to be replaced for your certificate to be issued.
Get a new fusebox installed with SparkPro Electrical
Fuse box replacement can eliminate recurring issues like blown fuses, tripped circuits and power outages. A new fuse box will be better equipped to cope with the power demands of your modern home. As well as replacing old units, it’s a good idea when completing renovations like extensions or home refurbishments.
Based in Hammersmith, SparkPro Electrical can supply and install a modern fuse box (also known as a consumer unit). Your unit will be equipped with RCDs/RCBOs to minimise the risk of electrical fires and ready to cope with increased electrical demands. With more than 15 years of industry experience, we can provide honest, expert advice that you can rely on. Contact us today for more information.
