A fuse board is almost like the electrical hub of your building, monitoring the supply of electricity to your appliances, outlets, and equipment.
This vital component of your power supply requires attention and consideration on a regular basis, and may even need replacing or upgrading once in a while.
When does a fuse board need replacing?
When a fuse board is installed in a building, it will be subject to the rules and regulations of the time, designed to cope with the nature and number of electrical devices in circulation at the time.
As the world of electrics advances, these standards shift, meaning that older fuse boards become increasingly likely not to be able to cope with the sheer number of devices we use in modern environments.
In these circumstances, the existing fuse board can become easily overloaded, and some older units don’t feature residual current devices (RCDs). RCDs ensure an automatic shut-off in the case of a fault current, protecting building occupants from electrical malfunctions.
There are three primary reasons to upgrade your fuse board:
Electrical work is being conducted on your property and it needs to comply with regulations
Your current fuse board is overloading and beginning to cause issues with the wider system
Your wiring installation has degraded but a re-wire is prohibitively expensive, in which case an updated fuse board would offer a degree of increased protection
In addition, there are a few warning signs that might indicate that you need a change in fuse board:
Your breaker frequently trips
Your breaker trips when you plug in a certain device
Sings of blackened scorch marks on the breaker panel or a wall outlet
A burning smell from the breaker outlet
A hissing sound from the breaker box
If you’re experiencing power surges or flickering lights when you turn on a power-hungry device such as heavy equipment
Appliances overheat quickly or often
Lights flickering continuously on and off
Why is my fuse board tripping?
A fuse board is designed to control the circulation of electricity within your premises. As such, it is also designed to keep you safe and help prevent electrical fires, meaning that if it detects a surge in power or a fault current, it will cut the supply.
If you attempt to draw more power than your fuse board is designed to handle, it will cut the power supply, preventing the development of fires.
This is usually caused by an inadequate or outdated wiring system and is usually a prime indicator that your fuse board requires an update.
Who can change a fuse board?
When any electrical work is conducted, it should always be carried out by a trained professional, who is insured and qualified; ensuring that the work conducted is also covered by a lengthy guarantee.
In the case of fuse boards, in particular, this is especially important, as a result of their vital role within a residential electricity supply.
Work conducted by anyone other than a trained professional will also lack the all-important certification, which will hinder your future chances of selling or renting your property, as occupant safety cannot be guaranteed.
By allowing someone who is unqualified to perform work on such a sensitive component, you place yourself and every other occupant at risk, as poor work can cause life-threatening electrical hazards and fires.
How much does it cost for a fuse board change?
For those looking to upgrade or replace their fuse board, one of the most important pieces of advice we can give is not to focus on the price.
A new fuse board will not be a cheap job, but the right contractor will undertake the work to the required standard and at a reasonable price. Those who focus on cost above all else with such a crucial feature of their electrical network will pay more in the long term.
At NLT, we are accredited and trained and we care about our work and balance this with providing our customers with cost-effective services.
To learn more, contact us today.
Comments