We have seen firsthand how the heart of a home’s electrical system – the consumer unit and fuse box – can be overlooked. Tucked away, usually in a cupboard under the stairs, out of sight can often mean out of mind. However it is really important to remember that this important component ensures your electricity supply’s safety and efficiency. 

Consumer units and Fuse boxes are integral to your home’s electrical system. They distribute electricity around your house and protect against electrical faults. A consumer unit, often called a fuse box, houses circuit breakers and RCDs (Residual Current Devices), which prevent electric shocks and fires.

Modern consumer units have come a long way from the old fuse boxes. Today, they are designed to meet higher safety standards and accommodate our ever-growing dependence on electrical appliances. They are equipped with RCD/RCBOs protection and/or individual circuit breakers for each part of your home. This not only enhances safety but also makes troubleshooting much more straightforward.

It is interesting to see how far home electrical systems have come along in the last 50+ years:

1960s Fuse boxes with rewireable fuses were standard. 
1980s Introduction of circuit breakers for better safety. 
2000s and beyond Consumer units with RCD protection became the norm,
significantly reducing the risk of electric shocks.

Your consumer unit needs to comply with the latest electrical regulations. These regulations are updated regularly to reflect technological advancements and safety research. Non-compliance not only poses a safety risk but can also affect your home insurance and property value.  

If you are worried about the compliance of your fuse box why not get in touch.