With electricity consumption in households at an all-time high, your old fuse board is no longer fit for purpose. In fact, old fuse boards are likely to do more harm than good, with inefficient electricity distribution and a lack of modern safety features turning your home into a fire hazard.

Thankfully, with the help of a qualified electrician, the process of upgrading your fuse board is simple. In this article we’ll run through the process, as well as discussing the importance of switching to a modern consumer unit.

Why upgrade your old fuse board?

Old fuse boards no longer have the capabilities to keep up with modern electrical and safety standards. This can turn them into more of a hindrance than a help, as well as turning your home into a fire risk.

Fuse boards also have a limited lifespan, which is often around 15 years. If you’ve moved into a home with an existing fuse board, it’s recommended that you make replacing it a priority.

Here are a handful of reasons why you should upgrade your old fuse board:

• Increased capacity: With so many electronics in modern homes, old fuse boards do not have the capacity to cope. This will result in frequent blown fuses and electricity blackouts.

• Safety standards: While it’s not illegal to have an old fuse board installed, it’s far from safe. Modern consumer units are built with advanced technology, including residual current circuit breakers. These will rapidly shut off electricity in the case of electrical faults, lowering the risk of house fires.

• Practicality: Modern consumer units are a lot more practical than old fuse boards. For example, the fuses in fuse boards are single-use, meaning they’ll need replacing every time they blow. This isn’t the case with modern circuit breakers.

• Efficiency: Consumer units are far more efficient, and will end up saving you money on your electricity bills. They will ensure optimal electricity distribution across your home, reducing wastage.

The process of upgrading an old fuse board

There are multiple stages to go through when replacing an old fuse board. The first task that your professional electrician will undertake is a thorough assessment of your current fuse board situation.

Assessment

The electrician will take a look at the fuse board that you currently have installed. They will then assess a number of factors, including wiring and other technical aspects. It’s likely that an EICR (Electrical Condition Installation Report) will be filled out.

After assessing your current fuse board, the electrician will recommend a suitable consumer unit that matches your home’s electrical needs. The new consumer unit will also be up to current safety standards and regulations.

Preparation

After assessing your current fuse board situation, the electrician will begin the preparation stage. This will involve shutting off the power at the mains. Disconnecting your entire home’s electricity is vital, ensuring the electrician can carry out the task in complete safety.

Removing the fuse board

After your home’s electricity has been shut off, the electrician will begin the fuse board removal process. The box will be carefully unscrewed and the individual fuses will be removed.

The electrician will then inspect the wires further, checking that nothing is untoward. If all is in good order, they will begin the process of installing the new consumer unit.

Installing the new consumer unit

The electrician will then screw on the new consumer unit, ensuring it is in a suitable location. When it has been safely attached to the wall, the electrician will begin to connect individual circuits.

Testing the consumer unit

The final stage in your fuse board upgrade will involve the electrician testing the consumer unit to make sure everything works as it should. Testing will be thorough, ensuring no stone is left unturned and no risks are posed to the homeowner.

After testing is complete, you will be handed the documentation proving that the consumer unit complies with regulations.

Fuse board upgrade FAQs

How long does it take to upgrade a fuse board?

A fuse board upgrade can take between two and five hours to complete. This includes the removal of your old fuse board, the installation of the consumer unit, and its subsequent testing.

Can I upgrade my fuse board by myself?

Upgrading a fuse board is not a simple task and will need to be carried out by a professional electrician. There are plenty of risks associated with fuse board replacement, including electrocution, which can cause serious injury. There’s also the risk of leaving your home at risk of fire if the new consumer unit hasn’t been properly installed.

Plus, the work needs to be signed off by a professional electrician, who will issue you with a regulation compliance certificate.

How much will it cost to upgrade my fuse board?

The cost of upgrading your fuse board will vary, depending on location and the level of consumer unit you need. Consumer units with a higher capacity will naturally cost more to purchase.

However, the median cost for this sort of job will be around £500, including both materials and labour. It’s always best to seek the advice of a professional, who will be able to offer you an accurate quote.

Is a consumer unit the same as a fuse board?

Not quite. A consumer unit does the same job as an old fuse board, but with greater efficiency and with the help of modern safety features. Consumer units also have a longer lifespan than fuse boards, lasting for around 30 years, compared to a fuse board’s 15 years.

Make the process of upgrading your old fuse board simple with SparkPro Electrical

At SparkPro Electrical, we have over 15 years of experience in providing domestic electrical services, including fuse board replacement, across Hammersmith and West London. We are NAPIT and Trust Mark accredited, so you can ensure our work will be completed to the highest possible standard.

Contact us today for more information about replacing your old fuse board, or to get a free, no-obligation quote.