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1) Why a Fuse Box Replacement is Important

Installing a Consumer Unit

A fuse box, or fuse board, is an essential part of any building but it is often overlooked. With modern electrical demands increasing due to the rise of technology and household gadgets, an older fuse box may no longer be able to handle all the demand. Therefore, a fuse box upgrade to a new modern consumer unit ensures reliability, safety, and improved energy efficiency for your home or business.

2) Electrical Wiring Regulations

The UK's electrical regulations, specifically BS7671, have been updated to enhance safety, requiring new consumer units to be fire-resistant. The 18th edition consumer units are user-friendly and provide enhanced protection against electrical faults. ML Electrician specialise in fusebox replacement for West Midlands homes, to ensure safety and compliance with the latest standards. Rewirable fuses are used in many older fuseboxes instead of RCD protection, which instantly turns off power during electrical faults to prevent the danger of electric shocks.

3) Why Should I Replace My Fuse Box with a Modern Consumer Unit?

• Function: They provide protection by "tripping" circuits when a fault is detected.
• Safety: Modern consumer units offer superior safety features, including protection against electric shocks and fire hazards.
• SPD : Surge Protection Device, all our fuseboards have SPD’s fitted to them. In the event of your property being struck by lightening or a big surge of power from the grid. The SPD is designed to diffuse these and protect your property and electrical items that are plugged in like your TV’s, laptops, EV Cars etc.
• Future : We install fuseboards that have multiple spare ways for future expansion of your electrical needs, from extending your property to having an Electric car.

4) When Should You Consider a Fuse Box Replacement?

• Age: Modern electrical appliances may be too much for a fuse box that is more than 15 years old. While consumer units typically last 20 to 30 years, older versions may need an upgrade.
• Wear and Tear: Signs of wear, such as arcing, sparking, or melted fuses, indicate that it’s time for a fuse box change.
• Upgrading Electrical Systems: If you are adding new circuits, appliances, or making significant electrical upgrades, an older fuse box may not be able to handle the extra load and therefore require a fuse box replacement.
• Safety Concerns: Old-style fuse boxes with wooden backboards or cast iron switches should be replaced for safety reasons.
• Faulty Wiring: Inappropriate wiring may be indicated by flickering lights, burning smells, discoloured outlets, or small shocks when handling equipment. If necessary, an expert electrician may evaluate your system and suggest a fuse box replacement.
   

5) Types of Consumer Units

Each type of consumer unit serves a unique purpose, so it's important to choose one that suits the specific electrical needs of your home or business when replacing your old fusebox...

• Split Load RCD Consumer Unit: This type divides circuits into two sections, both protected by an RCD, balancing safety and cost, but posing risk of simultaneous circuit shutdown.
• Individual RCBO Consumer Unit: This is our preferred method of consumer unit; every circuit has its own dedicated RCBO providing full protection and no nuisance tripping.  If there’s a fault on your shower you only loose the shower circuit till its fixed rather than multiple circuit’s throughout your property.
• Garage Consumer Unit: This unit is designed for outbuildings, garages, or sheds, with simplified circuits and an RCD for safety, and is intended for powering lighting or electrical outlets.
• Shower Consumer Unit: A shower consumer unit is a compact unit designed to handle high electrical demand in an electric shower, typically incorporating an MCB and RCD for fault protection.
• High Integrity Consumer Unit: MCBs provide high-level safety for critical circuits like lighting or security systems, ensuring individual protection without RCD tripping, making them ideal for complex installations requiring dedicated circuit protection. These fuse boards are for commercial and industrial installations only.

6) Factors That Affect the Cost of Fuse Box Replacement

Several factors can influence the overall cost of a fuse box replacement or consumer unit replacement:

• Size of the Property: Larger homes with more electrical appliances and circuits will need a higher-capacity consumer unit, which may be more expensive.
• Type of Consumer Unit: Different types of consumer units vary in price based on their features and capacity.
• Condition of the Existing Unit: If your current fuse box is in poor condition, removing it might require additional labour, which could increase the overall cost.
• Electrical Inspection: An electrical inspection may be necessary to ensure your home’s wiring is safe. This typically costs around £160
• Additional Work: If you decide to add new sockets, lighting, or wiring during the fuse box replacement, these will add to the total cost. Electricians generally charge around £45 per hour for additional work.

7) Contact Us for A Fuse Box Replacement Quote

A fusebox replacement with a modern consumer unit is crucial for both legal compliance and safety in your home or business. Modern consumer units are designed to protect against electrical faults, reduce fire risk, and improve efficiency. A qualified electrician can perform a fusebox change with quality and safety in mind.

Contact us today