If your board is showing signs of faults such as a buzzing sound, a constant burning smell or find the fuses blowing frequently, advice from Paradigm Electrical Solutions is to have the fuseboard inspected immediately as an upgrade may be required. If you’re planning any home renovation projects such as an extension or plan on adding high power systems like solar panels to your home in Haddenham, you will need a fuse board upgrade to manage the additional load without overloading circuits at your home.
Paradigm Electrical Solutions are local electricians who carry out fuse board upgrades on a regular basis, a quick visual inspection of the fuse board will better inform us of next steps.
How dangerous are older fuse boards?
Very! Older fuses lack a number of modern safety features so do increase the risk of hazards such as electrocution and electrical fires. A recent fuseboard upgrade carried out by the team was at a property on Churchway. Like most of the homes built in the 1970’s, the electrical systems were outdated and hadn't been upgraded by previous homeowners. The customer we worked with was right in being concerned with the lack of RCD protection and inaccessible location of the fuseboard. The customer noticed outlets and plug sockets overheating quickly which indicated poor energy efficiency, often caused by increased electrical resistance within the aging fuse board.
What's the difference between a fuse board and a consumer unit?
Essentially they do the same thing, safely distribute electricity throughout your home. A fuse board is the older term used to describe a thin fuse which would melt when a power surge was detected. These particular fuse boards were phased out from the 1990s and replaced with modern consumer units. Consumer units include devices such as MCB or Mini Circuit Breakers which “trip” or switch off power when a fault is detected. To reset the device, you simply flick the switch back. Another great feature in consumer units is SPD or Surge Protection Devices which acts quickly to protect household appliances from sudden voltage spikes.
How long does a fuseboard upgrade take?
A standard upgrade takes our highly experienced team a day. Prior to installation day, we would have inspected the existing fuseboard and wiring to make sure connecting the two is safe. On the day, power will need to be switched off for a brief period to ensure all occupants are safe while carrying out the upgrade. The older unit will be removed to make way for the new consumer unit. Once connected, each individual circuit at your home in Haddenham is tested by running tests such as insulation resistance and RCD checks.
Once power is reinstated and all safety precautions have been checked, Paradigm Electrical Solutions issue an EIC or Electrical Installation Certificate to confirm work is compliant with industry regulations.
Why contact Paradigm Electrical Solutions?
As NICEIC approved electricians, customers can rest assured that electrical work such as a fuse board upgrade is in line with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. We’re a local team with a successful reputation amongst the local community in Haddenham.
Once one of the team has inspected the unit, we can then take next steps towards a fuse board upgrade. Call us today.
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