Your consumer unit, or fuse box, is the heart of your home's electrical system.
Outdated systems with re-wireable fuses and no RCD protection could be putting you and your family at risk of electric shocks, fires, and electrical faults.
Let's discuss why upgrading your consumer unit to a modern system that includes RCDs and modern fuse systems is essential. Whether you live in Weston-Super-Mare or anywhere else in the UK, ensuring your home's electrical system is up-to-date and safe is vital, though if you do live in Weston-Super-Mare, please give Perform Electrical Services Ltd. a call on 01934 707 142.
Safety
The first reason to upgrade your consumer unit is safety. RCDs, or residual current devices, are designed to protect you from electric shocks by immediately cutting off the electricity supply if a fault is detected. According to Electrical Safety First, RCDs could prevent up to 75% of electric shock incidents in the home. Older fuse boxes don't have this protection, which means you and your family could be at risk. Modern systems also include miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), which are faster and more reliable than old rewireable fuses. In the event of a fault, MCBs will trip, cutting off the electricity to the affected circuit, and reducing the risk of fires and electrical damage.
Regulations
The second reason to upgrade your consumer unit is to comply with regulations. Building regulations state that all new electrical installations must include RCD protection. If you have an old system without RCDs, you're not meeting these requirements. If you're planning to sell your home in the future, a modern consumer unit with RCD protection and MCBs will be more attractive to potential buyers. It will also give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is up to standard.
Convenience
The third reason to upgrade your consumer unit is convenience. Older systems with rewireable fuses can be tricky to maintain, and it's not always easy to tell which fuse needs replacing. With a modern consumer unit, MCBs trip instead of fuses blowing, making it easier to identify faults. It also means that if a circuit is overloaded, you can easily reset it by flicking the switch. Here at Perform Electrical Services Ltd., on many occasions have been called to replace a rewireable fuse because the homeowner or tenant has been unable to do so.
Peace of Mind
Finally, upgrading your consumer unit provides peace of mind. You'll know that your home's electrical system is safe, efficient, and compliant with all necessary regulations. You can feel secure in the knowledge that everything is in good working order, protecting your family and safeguarding your property against electrical dangers.
Is it time to upgrade?
If your consumer unit looks like a relic from a bygone era, it's time to upgrade. It's not just a matter of aesthetics; it's about ensuring that your home's electrical system is up-to-date, compliant with regulations, and safe for your family. Upgrading your consumer unit is a smart investment that provides peace of mind, increased property value, and improved capacity for all your electronic needs. Contact Perform Electrical Services Ltd. on 01934 707 142, Your Local Electrician in Weston-Super-Mare, today for an upgrade quote!