What is a Fusebox?
The fuse box is the central control centre of the electrical system. Its main responsibilities are to protect cables against damage, overheating and to prevent electrical fires.
The incoming electrical supply into our homes is via a thick cable that can carry a lot of electrical current. Without the fuse box, all electrical cables in our home would have to be the same thickness which would make it impossible to connect the lights, switches and plug sockets.
How long does a Fusebox last?
As your local electrician in Walton-on-Thames, we see some very old fuse boxes and as such the answer depends on a lot of factors, such as:
• Amount of wear on the fuse box
• Frequency of maintenance
• Quality of the original installation
• Installation environment
Whilst an old fuse wire fuse box may still be in service in some homes and may last for several years longer it does not mean that the wiring installation is safe. Waiting for a complete failure of the fuse box is not wise and will likely result in damage to your home and the wiring system.
A modern consumer unit (fuse box with trip switches) should last at least 25 years as long as it is professionally inspected and maintained by an electrician. Beyond this, failure can occur to the components through corrosion, use and age.
Amount of wear on the Fuse box
Modern homes demand much more power than homes of several decades ago. Car charging equipment, electric showers, electric cookers, and the addition of extra plug sockets can not only increase demand on the wiring but the ability of a fuse box to supply the power to the system.
Burnt out connections and overheating can occur if the fuse box is not up to the job or is becoming old. Circuits are commonly doubled up over the years where there has not been enough room to install additional wiring and as such, this can put additional stress on the fuse box and its components.
Frequency of maintenance
An important aspect that is often overlooked by many is the maintenance and repair of domestic electrical systems especially. We wouldn’t dream of not changing the oil in the car or having its MOT check carried out.
Where a fuse box is installed and ignored for decades, problems can occur. The consumer unit or fuse box is not a maintenance free component and should be regularly inspected and checked by a professional to avoid premature failure and fire risk.
You may be due a fuse box upgrade and there are signs of this.
A thorough electrical safety check is recommended where the electrical system has not been inspected for 10 years or more.
Quality of the original installation
A poorly installed consumer unit or fuse box is likely to lead to shorting out, damaged cables, premature switch failure, fuses that blow regularly and a whole host of other potential problems. Installation of these units should be carried out with longevity in mind and always in accordance with the wiring and building regulations.
When we install a new consumer unit, we always work the building and wiring regulations and issue the appropriate paperwork to our customers for your peace of mind and to comply with the law.
We use high quality parts and follow the recommended manufacturers guidance for their products to ensure that any installation will be of the highest quality and stand the test of time.
Installation Environment
Many consumer units or fuse boxes are situated in environments that mean their lifespan will be reduced. One of the worst places for a consumer unit to be installed is within a damp basement. In these cases, corrosion and rust is likely to occur on the consumer unit and within the metal parts of the switches and internal components.
This will significantly reduce the lifespan of the consumer unit or fuse box and as such, relocation should strongly be reconsidered. There is also the massive degree of inconvenience involved when resetting a trip switch in a dark damp basement.
Fuse box upgrade electrician in Walton-on-Thames
If your electrical system has not been checked in the last ten years or more then call your local electrician in Walton-on-Thames. Here at Precision Electrical Services, we are committed to providing the very best, trustworthy, and honest advice on your electrics.
