Your fuse board or consumer unit is essential to your electrical safety. The control centre of your electrical supply, it protects you from electrical fires and damage.
If you need an electric fuse board upgrade, then it is vital you find an electrician who takes your safety seriously. They must be suitably qualified and registered to perform a fuse board upgrade and comply with the current regulations. JP Electrical are your Huddersfield based qualified, experienced and fully accredited fuse board electricians.
Back to top1) Why do I need an Electric Fuse Board Upgrade?
There are several reasons to perform an electric fuse board upgrade. The most common is the age of the existing fuse board. If your property has an older style fuse board featuring fuses which melt in a trip event, then it is likely to need an upgrade to a modern consumer unit. Consumer units are safer than a fuse box, comply with all current building regulations and are much easier to use. You will also need to consider if your existing fuse board meets current legislation and safety standards. Is the current location of your fuse board easily accessible in the event of an electrical emergency? Is your supply cabling and safety earthing sufficient to protect you? Your electrician will be able to advise and guide you if you are unsure.
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2) Existing Consumer Unit Upgrade
If you already have a consumer unit then you may be looking to upgrade to one that is better able to meet the demands your household places upon it. Your fuse board electrician will ask a series of questions to determine whether an upgrade is necessary and which type of consumer unit is most appropriate. To discover your electric needs, both current and long term they may ask:
• What are your long-term plans for your home?
• Will you be installing a new kitchen and what appliances will it feature?
• Are you planning an extension or garden office?
• Do you need an EV charger point?
• Are you planning on upgrading to a more energy efficient heating system such as a heat pump?
Your answers will help your electrician to determine if your system needs to include capacity for more demanding appliances in the future. They will then give you their qualified advice on which type of consumer unit would be best for you and your needs. For example, they may recommend a consumer unit that has individual circuit protection, an RCBO, that allows the rest of your property to continue to receive power when one circuit trips. These also make it far easier to identify the origin of a fault and work particularly well in a home with multiple and complex electrical demands.
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3) What will happen during my fuse board upgrade?
When your electrician performs your electric fuse board upgrade, they do more than just install your new consumer unit. They will be checking your earth bonding and cabling and upgrading as necessary. They will be identifying each individual circuit and assigning it to a miniature circuit breaker, creating a clear chart for future use. Your electrician will carry out full function testing and ensure the installation is compliant with Part P regulations. They will submit notification to your local council building control office and will provide you with a NICEIC Electrical Installation Certificate. After the installation they will ensure you understand how your new consumer unit works.
If you are looking for a competent and trustworthy electrician to perform an electric fuse board upgrade in the Huddersfield area, then please contact JP Electrical on 01484 212091. We are fully qualified, NICEIC registered and highly experienced in fuse board and consumer unit upgrades.
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