If you’re wondering why you should replace your old fuse box, you’re in the right place. This article will discuss the safety, reliability, and cost benefits of replacing an old fuse box with a new one. It will also cover which types of fuses should be changed, as well as the benefits of upgrading to a consumer unit. Depending on your property and the number of circuits, the cost of a new consumer unit may be greater than upgrading an old one.

Changing an old fuse box with a consumer unit

You may need to change the consumer unit of your electrical system, which is also known as a fuse board. You will need to replace it if it is outdated, needs to be updated, or has problems. It is likely that your old unit will need to be upgraded to provide more sockets, RCD Testing, or some other type of safety feature. You should consider the type of consumer unit you need for your home and the price it will cost to replace it.

Cost

The cost of replacing your old fuse box with a new one depends on many factors, including the size of the house and the number of circuits. A qualified electrician will charge around PS300 for a small consumer unit. The same electrician will charge up to PS600 for a twelve-circuit system in a four-bedroom detached house. The cost will also depend on whether your old unit is switched or not.

Safety

When replacing an old fuse box, you should consider the safety of the replacement. While you’ll want to update any circuits in your home, a new unit can also add extra sockets. RCD protection is also likely to be necessary. Luckily, consumer units are not dangerous if you replace them with newer ones. These boxes come with all necessary certification and are compliant with Part P of the Building Regulations.

Reliability

While it’s not illegal to use an outdated fuse box, these won’t have the latest RCD protection, which makes them a liability. These outdated fuse boxes were probably installed between the 1950s and 1990s, and they’re not nearly as safe as 18th edition dual RCD units. Plus, the cost of replacing an old fuse box can run into several hundred pounds.

Efficiency

There are many benefits of upgrading the efficiency of your old fuse box. For one thing, you can save money. In addition, you do not need to rewire your house to make this change. Instead, you only need to replace the faulty wiring. But you should be aware that upgrading your fuse box can be dangerous. That is why you should only hire a competent electrician to do the job. Make sure the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme and self-certified to Part P of the building regulations. Unfortunately, many electricians do not have the proper certification and refuse to answer emails or return phone calls. Ultimately, the customer is stuck paying for the work without reassurance.