Fusebox Safety
Power consumption in our homes has increased in modern times. We now require WiFi to be ‘always-on’, phones need charging almost on a daily basis and TVs and other devices have become smarter. The pressures on our electrical system at home have become greater, especially on the fusebox which is at the heart of the system.
What’s the importance of the fusebox?
Technically speaking, the fusebox is a concealed box, hidden away somewhere such as in the garage that contains fuses for the various electrical ‘areas’ of your home such as lighting, kitchen appliances and bathroom electrics. This simplistic definition underestimates its importance. If anything goes wrong and there is a risk of danger, the fusebox is there to protect you and your family. If you don’t have the right capacity of fuses for a particular application then unnecessary strain can be placed on the electrical system.
Here are some tips for looking after your fusebox - and your safety!
Test the box regularly
If your trip switch hasn’t cut out recently that’s a good thing, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t test your fuse box to ensure it’s working OK. It’s recommended that you test the RCDs every 3-6 months to make sure that they are doing their protective duties! To test an RCD, press the T (or ‘Test’) button. The power should cut out and you will need to put it back on. If the power isn’t cut then contact a qualified electrician immediately.
If you are unsure how to test your fusebox or you feel something isn’t right then get n touch with us.
Don’t overload sockets
It’s very easy to overload a socket using an extension lead but this puts extra strain on the fusebox and the fuse related to that specific circuit. Under normal circumstances, a single extension lead should be fine but if the RCD for that circuit cuts out then remove the extension lead immediately. Never combine extension leads to add more available plug sockets or to extend the distance for an appliance from the original socket.
Solar panels, power showers and extensions beware!
If you are building an extension to your home then make sure that your existing fusebox and fuses have the capacity to cope with the changes. You may need new fuses or a new fusebox. Some appliances such as power showers also require fuses that have a higher amp rating.
Keep objects away from the fusebox
In some homes, fuseboxes are positioned high up (in a garage, for example) so that they are away from everyday items but in cupboards, it’s harder to separate stored items from a fusebox. Wherever your fusebox is stored, always try to keep a distance between a fusebox and any storage items to avoid the risk of damage to the fusebox.
Any concerns? Or have an old fusebox? Get it replaced
As the well-known phrase goes ‘it’s better to be safe than sorry’ and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to electrical wiring in your home. If you have any concerns with your fusebox, contact a professional, qualified electrician to check that everything is safe.
If you have an old fusebox then we strongly recommend having it checked to see if it conforms to the latest safety regulations and that - most importantly - it’s safe! If your fusebox has a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a strange mix of fuses then you might have a fusebox that dates back to the 1960s or even earlier! In these circumstances, an immediate replacement is needed.
Call us for a quick chat and an electrical review
Fusebox rewiring specialists
We all love electrical devices and the benefits of having gadgets and devices such as Google home assistants, smart TVs and easy to use kitchen appliances that make life easier, but we shouldn’t take for granted the electrical system that makes these things work.
At Lloyd Hallowell Electrics, we can help you install and set up devices for a better home life. We also make sure that our customers’ homes are safe and that the system is able to cope with the demands that we have become accustomed to.
Get in touch today by calling 074657860 to make sure you have a safe and happy, modern home!
