The increasing amount of technology in the home means that there are more and more electrical appliances being plugged in every day. The more items that are plugged into your fuse box, the more strain is put on it and the harder it has to work.
Older Properties
If you live in an older property, you may be utilising a fuse board which will struggle if it has to bear too many appliances. Games consoles, TVs, computers, hairdryers and straighteners to name a few, as well as electric power showers, ovens, indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures are all loaded onto your fuse box, which could cause it to short or ‘trip’.
Modern Fuse Boxes
Modern fuse boxes are much better equipped to deal with multiple appliances, meaning that you can power more electrical equipment without having to worry about suddenly being plunged into darkness when your power is cut.
More contemporary models have the capacity for 6 to 24 devices, although some of these may take up the capacity of two. Modern fuse boxes also feature surge protectors, which are designed to protect your fuse box from spikes in voltage, such as those stemming from lightning.
RCD Protection
A feature of modern fuse boxes is RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, which is a common reason for most fuse boxes being replaced or repaired. RCD protection is designed to prevent you from suffering electric shocks, and it has been found to be so useful and important that its inclusion is now enforced in most circuits. This change was brought about via the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, which came into effect on the 1st July 2008. When one fuse short circuits or one wire is cut, the RCD Protection cuts off all electricity, to ensure you can’t get any electric shocks.
Not Sure About Your Home Setup?
If you are unsure whether your fuse box is unsafe or not, it is very advisable to call in a professional for electrical safety advice. They will assess your fuse box and the electrical load it takes, and give you the appropriate advice on what to do. This may mean a small repair or a complete replacement, but it is incredibly important that your fuse box is as safe as possible, both for the function of your electrical equipment and for the safety of those in your home.
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Here at VHL, all our electricians hold the necessary accreditation from the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors, ensuring we are fully qualified to carry out inspections on all types of electrical equipment. If you’d like to arrange an inspection, get in touch with us today by giving us a call, sending us an email or using the contact form on our site. Our friendly team will be more than happy to help!