Fuse Board vs Consumer Unit: What’s the Difference?

Despite the two terms often being used interchangeably, fuse boards and consumer units are not the same thing. Consumer units have taken over from traditional fuse boards, offering enhanced safety features and electrical capacity fit for modern homes.

Join us as we discuss the main differences between the two units, comparing how they work and the features they provide.

What is a fuse board?

A fuse board distributes electricity around your home, directing the main electricity supply into different circuits around the house. It will ensure that all your lights, appliances, and sockets receive the correct electricity levels to operate efficiently.

Fuse boards use fuses, which melt and break in the case of overloads, cutting off the electricity supply and preventing fires. While they can be effective, the fuses are single-use, and will require manual replacement when they trip.

In their older age fuse boards are vulnerable to recurring problems, including frequent tripping, and burnt out insides.

What is a consumer unit?

Consumer units are modern equivalents to fuse boards, distributing electricity around your home to power your devices and appliances. Modern consumer units contain circuit breaking devices which will cut off the electricity in case of an overload or electrical surge.

These circuit breakers are different to fuses, as they don’t usually require manual replacement. Instead, they can simply be reset, saving you time and resources.

Physical differences between fuse boards and consumer units

Major differences between fuse boards and consumer units can be found when you take a look at their internal workings. Let’s start by comparing the different forms of circuit breakers both devices use.

Circuit breakers

Modern consumer units can be fitted with a range of different circuit breakers. These can include Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), Residual Current Devices (RCDs), and Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overload Protection (RCBOs). Each of these devices is designed to cut off electricity in case of an overload.

What’s best about the circuit breakers in consumer units is that they don’t need to be manually replaced after a fault. Instead, they can be flicked back on again with a switch.

This is in contrast to traditional fuse boards, which contain single-use fuses that require manual replacement when they’ve blown. Not only does this require you to have spare fuses on hand, but it can also be dangerous. The less experience you have in changing fuses, the more likely you are to suffer an electric shock.

Surge protection

Sudden spikes in voltage can cause serious damage to your appliances and devices, while increasing the risk of a fire breaking out. Consumer units are fitted with surge protection, as required in the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.

Fuse boards, on the other hand, aren’t guaranteed to have this feature. So, while they’ll protect you from circuit overloads, you’ll forever be vulnerable to surges in voltage.

Non-combustible materials

Many older fuse boards are made out of plastic, which poses a fire hazard if it’s exposed to extreme temperatures during a malfunction. Plastic also releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere when it burns, creating a danger to life in case of a fire.

Modern consumer units are required by regulation to be made from non-combustible materials, such as steel.

Technological differences between fuse boards and consumer units

On the surface, fuse boards and consumer units are very similar, performing the same tasks to provide you with electricity and keep you safe. However, when you dig a little deeper, you’ll start to notice some key differences between them.

Capacity

With modern homes being filled to the brim with electricity-guzzling gadgets, appliances, and devices, old-fashioned fuse boards just cannot keep up. Consumer units can handle this increase in the need for electricity safely and efficiently.

If you try to persist with an old fuse board, it will likely lead to regular overloads and put you at risk of electrical hazards and fires.

Energy efficiency

Modern consumer units are far more energy efficient than their older fuse board counterparts. They can distribute electricity with greater efficacy, which will in turn reduce electricity wastage.

Modern consumer units are often fitted with timers, which will allow you to automatically turn circuits off during times when they’re not needed. They will also reduce power surges, which can have a negative impact on your consumption of electricity.

So, while you’ll have to pay the original cost to upgrade your fuse board, you’ll save money in the long run.

Regulation and standards compliance

Keeping up with electricity regulations and standards is vital for ensuring the safety of yourself and your home. Fuse boards are highly unlikely to adhere to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, meaning they pose an electrical hazard.

It may not be illegal to keep using your old fuse board, but it’s certainly recommended that you swap it for a modern consumer unit.

Quick reactions

Consumer units will be able to detect electrical faults at a much faster speed than fuse boards, reacting within milliseconds. This minimises the chance of a fire breaking out even further, helping to keep you and your home safe.

Long lifespan

As well as being safer and more efficient, modern consumer units have a longer lifespan than fuse boards. Consumer units can last between 20 to 30 years, compared to a fuse board’s 15 years.

This will save you money in replacements, and give you peace of mind that your unit will remain in good nick for a long time.

Should you upgrade to a consumer unit?

In short, yes. Upgrading your fuse board to a consumer unit will increase the safety, reliability, efficiency, and capacity of your electrics.

Unfortunately, fuse boards are no longer fit for purpose, lacking vital features such as surge protection, and falling short of compliance regulations. The latter is especially important if you’re a landlord, or if you’re planning to sell your property.

Make your upgrade with SparkPro Electrical

Modern lives are powered by electricity, so it’s only right that you invest in a modern consumer unit. Not only will it keep your home safe, but it will also save you a bit of cash on your monthly electricity bill.

At SparkPro Electrical, our highly-qualified team of electricians can supply and install your new consumer unit, answering any questions you may have along the way. We are NAPIT-accredited, and have been operating on homes around West London for over 15 years.

Contact us today to find out more, or to request a free, no obligation quote.