Fuse Board Replacement

Has the time come to upgrade to a safer, new consumer unit for your Yate & Chipping Sodbury home? Maybe you need to add a higher capacity fuse board to cope with some planned home improvement projects? Allied Electrical Services are here to help, whatever the reason for your fuse board replacement.  We are your local, reliable, and experienced fuse board replacement electricians covering Yate and Chipping Sodbury. 

Fuse board and consumer unit – what’s the difference?

You will see the both the term fuse board and the term consumer unit used when describing electrical installations. A consumer unit is the modern, safer upgrade to a fuse board but essentially they perform the same function. Each plays a central role in your electrical installation, controlling the flow of electricity through your home. A fully functioning fuse board or consumer unit is essential for your safety. When a fault occurs in your circuitry, the power is cut to prevent damage, electrical fire, or shock.

The main differences are:

• Fuse Board – The older of the two electrical safety devices, a fuse board features rewireable fuses that melt when a fault occurs. This cuts the power until that fuse is rewired. It can take a few seconds for the fuse wire to melt and this means there is an increased risk of electrical fire or shock with this system. When a fuse blows or trips then you must manually find the correct fuse and rewire it to turn the power back on. This can be fiddly – especially in the dark!
• Consumer Unit – A consumer unit is simply the safer, upgraded version of a fuse board. Just like its predecessor, a consumer unit cuts the power by breaking the circuit when it detects a fault. A consumer unit does this instantaneously, reducing the risk of fire or injury considerably. Each area of your home e.g., upstairs sockets, will have its own circuit breaker with a small switch that toggles off during a fault. This makes it simple to identify where the fault has occurred and to restore power afterwards as you just simply flip the switch back on.

Why replace my fuse board?

For many Yate & Chipping Sodbury homeowners, their fuse board will need to be replaced because of its age. A new consumer unit is advised if you have an older fuse board to ensure your continued safety. A consumer unit is far safer and easier to use than a traditional fuse board. An older style fuse board with rewireable fuses no longer meets the required safety standards. This is especially important for landlords to consider as you will need to ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations.

For some homeowners, their existing consumer unit will need to be replaced to meet the changing demands of the household. The addition of solar panels, installation of an EV car charger or a new extension to the property can all require additional capacity on your consumer unit. If you are planning any major works to your Yate & Chipping Sodbury home, Allied Electricals’ qualified electricians will be happy to discuss your options. They will advise if your electrical system needs any upgrades, including a fuse board replacement, to cope with your project.

Can I replace my fuse board?

Only a registered, qualified electrician should replace a fuse board or consumer unit. It is notifiable work, and a Part P registered electrician must complete and sign off the works. As a complex task, requiring a high level of skill and experience, it is vital only a trusted electrician is called in. Electricity is dangerous to work with and a layperson could either injure themselves or leave your home at risk. As NICEIC registered electricians, Allied Electrical Services have been independently assessed to work competently and to be fully compliant with all relevant regulations. Choosing a registered electrician like us to work in your Yate & Chipping Sodbury home holds other benefits too; we are fully insured and our work carries certain guarantees.  

If you are looking for a reliable, experienced electrician to perform a fuse board or consumer unit replacement in Yate & Chipping Sodbury, Allied Electrical Services can help. Fully qualified and NICEIC registered, our electricians are friendly, professional, and come highly recommended. Call us today.