Welcome to Precision Electrical Services, Walton-on-Thames. We are going to look at the fuseboard, the components and the common FUSEBOARD PROBLEMS that can occur in properties and business premises.
What exactly is a fuse board?
A fuse board is the name for the mains box that divides the incoming power supply into electrical circuits. This box is known by other names such as the fuse box, the consumer unit, the electrical panel, the trip switch box, the distribution board and more.
These names all generally refer to the same thing. The box has several responsibilities including:
- To protect against overload
- To protect against electrical shock
- To offer some fire protection
- To prevent cable damage
- Surge protection
- To offer protection from short circuits
What are the parts inside a fuse board?
There are several components inside a fuse box that perform key functions in the operation of your electrical system.
The main switch
The main switch received the mains power cables and acts as a point of isolation for the power supply.
The busbar
The busbar is the metal (usually copper) bar that runs from the underneath of the main switch to each of the circuit breakers and RCD devices that control the supply to each circuit.
The RCD
The RCD is a residual current device which when installed and tested correctly, protect against electrical shock. There are various forms of these devices but nearly every electrical system should have some form of RCD protection whether domestic or commercial.
What can go wrong with a fuse board?
Main Switch Problems
One of the most common problems with a fuse board is when a main switch burns out or fails. This switch failing will cause complete power loss to most, if not all, of the property. These devices should be checked by an electrician regularly to ensure there are no signs of damage, overheating or impending failure.
Trip Switch Issues
RCD devices and circuit breakers will trip when there is an electrical fault. Many people will assume that a switch is faulty if it trips when, in reality, it is more likely that a serious electrical issues is present on the one of the electrical circuits in the property. Trip switches should NOT be reset more than once in a short period as in doing so, it is likely that more permanent and expensive damage will occur to the electrical system.
Loose Connections
Another common issue that causes FUSEBOARD PROBLEMS is that of loose connections. Each wiring installation along with the fuse board, should be regularly inspected and tested by a professional electrician to ensure that connections are tightened correctly in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Loose connections can cause trip switch failures, power loss and even fire under the right circumstances.
Why do Fuse Board Problems happen?
FUSEBOARD PROBLEMS can happen as a result of poor maintenance, wear and tear, overloading, and age.
The fuse board is one of the most neglected components in an electrical system and can often be overlooked when building or renovation works are being carried out. In domestic properties it is unfortunately common that, once installed, the electrical installation will likely never by inspected by a professional electrician again until there is some kind of emergency or failure.
When should checks be carried out?
Domestic properties should be checked, at a minimum, every ten years and more frequently if rented or upon the discovery of electrical issues. You can check when your system was last inspected by looking for the sticker on your fuse board to see when the “date of last inspection” was.
Commercial properties are checked more regularly in general in order to ensure that insurance is valid and to prevent any breakdown issues that would affect the business. These more regular checks are also necessary as commercial premises tend to put much more stress on their electrical systems when compared to domestic properties.
Fuseboard Problems in Walton Upon Thames?
If you are experiencing Electrical Fuse Board problems in Walton Upon Thames or surrounding areas then contact us to discuss your needs. We are experts in finding electrical faults and carrying out repairs to Fuse Boards. Where repairs would be unsafe, we are able to replace the fuse board for you and always happy to offer quotes for this.
