Common Myths and Misconceptions about a fuseboard upgrade. Pt 1

With so much information about fuseboard upgrades and plenty of DIYers or handymen in Bath and West Wiltshire happy to attempt a fuseboard upgrade themselves, this is all about Myths and Misconceptions of a fuseboard upgrade direct from your your trusted Electrician in Bath and West Wiltshire.

Misconception 1: I have modern trip switches in my fuseboard so it doesn't need replacing. 

You could be right but more often than not, when viewing jobs as an electrician in Bath I see older fuseboxes that have a modern trip switches (MCB) but no RCD protection. Having a trip switch doesn't necessarily mean your fuseboard meets the regulations. For domestic properties like your home, you need to have RCD protection for practically every circuit. A lot of older properties with trip switches will have older non-compliant RCD protection which would mean upgrading the RCD at a minimum but it's usually best to upgrade the fuseboard to bring it up to standard. 

Misconception 2: Fuseboard upgrades are only for really old houses. 

Older properties with older wiring and fuseboxes are more susceptible to needing a fuseboard upgrade but in fact, new build houses from around 17 ish years ago would benefit from a fuseboard upgrade depending on the work being carried out in the home. 
Homes around 17 years old would have had a 'split load' fuseboard installed with a single RCD protecting the sockets circuits so if any alterations were being made to the lighting circuits RCD protection will have to be installed. Whilst this is possible to do without a fuseboard upgrade, if the property is undergoing a full renovation and an extension, a lot of different circuits will be altered so upgrading the fuseboard would be a sensible solution to ensure your home is future proofed. 

Misconception 3: I can upgrade my fuseboard myself.

For your own safety it is so much better to use a registered electrician to carry out your fuseboard upgrade. For starters, they have all the right tools and test equipment to be able to safely isolate the supply and then test all the circuits and new RCD's after the fuseboard upgrade to ensure everything is functioning properly. 
A fusebox upgrade is also a 'notifiable' job which means legally, the homeowner has to ensure that the fuseboard upgrade is notified to building control, this can cost upwards of £400, however, using a registered electrician means they can notify building control on your behalf it it would only cost a few additional pounds. 

If you're considering a fuseboard upgrade you should definitely get in touch by filling out the form on the right.