Do I Need A New Fuseboard?
Your fuseboard is one of the most integral parts of your electrical installation. There is any chance if you’re looking at this article you may be wondering is it time to change? Is your fuseboard up to current standards? That’s why in this article we are going to jump right into this topic and help you come up with a definitive answer for yourself.
What is a fuseboard?
Your fuseboard (otherwise known as consumer unit) is the point where the main supply coming into your home gets distributed into each individual circuit for your home. It will usually have a main switch, an array of MCB’s (trip switches) and a main RCD. There are other examples but this would be the typical set up in an Irish home. These will typically be in a plastic enclosure.
What does it do?
The main objective of your fuseboard is to protect the cables in your home from going on fire. Each MCB in your home should be rated at a level of current which will match the amount that the cable coming out of that circuit can handle. For example - a socket circuit is typically run in 2.5sq cable which can typically (depending on multiple factors) handle up to 20 amps in a domestic environment. As a result your socket MCB’s will be rated at 20 amps.
Your fuseboard will protect you from the following faults:
Short Circuit
Overload
Your board should also have at minimum a main RCD offering ‘earth leakage protection’ which will prevent you from getting an electric shock off a faulty appliance etc.
What Are Some Signs You Need A New Fuseboard?
Old ‘Fuse’ Style: If you have an older style fuseboard with screw in fuses as opposed to MCB’s then it is definitely time that you look into getting your board upgraded. This is due to the age of the board and the fact that it doesn’t offer enough protection for you and your home.
Old ‘Trip Switch’ Style: If you have a fuseboard with MCB’s in it that’s 10+ years old it could still very well be time for an upgrade - depending on the condition of it. It is recommended that a periodic inspection gets carried out every 5 years which includes full testing of the fuseboard.
Damaged Enclosure: If there is a crack or any damage on the enclosure then this is a sign that it should be upgraded. If there is any access to live parts from the enclosure then this could be seen as a serious hazard as you could easily get electrocuted by being in close proximity or a fire could spread.
Gaps Between Switches: Similar to having a damaged enclosure, any gaps between MCB’s or components of fuseboard should be treated with the same level of urgency. It is also very important to maintain the IP rating of the enclosure as moisture/dust particles can cause harm to the fuseboard. If there have been gaps for quite some time then it may be time for a change.
General Workmanship: The two previous points are both signs of poor workmanship being carried out. However if these are both in order then it’s hard for a homeowner to know what condition the inside of their board is in. This is why getting the periodic inspection done can be a good idea. Otherwise if you have a registered electrician working on your fuseboard it may be a good idea to ask him about the quality of workmanship on the board as the inside of it could be a fire hazard waiting to happen.
What Are The Advantages Of Upgrading Your Fuseboard?
Surge Protection Device: These days, a ‘surge protection device’ (SPD) will be added to your new fuseboard. This is a device which will detect any sudden increases in voltage from the main supply which can damage any electronic components in your home.
Type A RCD: Modern day RCD’s are now ‘Type A’ as opposed to ‘Type AC’. In basic terms this means that the RCD will now also protect against DC current meaning it can detect any faults in things such as computers, laptop chargers, phone chargers, tv’s etc.
MCB for Main Current Device: Modern fuseboards will also have an MCB as the main over-current protection device as opposed to a fuse. This means that when it trips you can just flick the switch back up and not worry about replacing the fuse. It will also offer better protection.
Best Protection For Your Home: Lastly it will just give you piece of mind knowing that your home has been made that much safer.
So after this article you should have a fair understanding of your fuseboard and whether or not it may need upgrading. If you have any questions feel free to get in touch with us.