Fusebox Circuit Protection single phase

Fusebox have taken the UK electrical market by storm with their nicely contoured Metal Consumer Units, also known as fuse boards. This intelligently marketed brand, packaged in brightly coloured pink boxes and loved by electricians, can be found on many electrical trade counters across the UK. They are competitively priced, in-fact, we’ll use the phrase cheaply priced for such a well-loved and quality product.

Like all 18th edition fuse board manufacturers, the Fusebox brand offers a host of accessories that once fitted, provide varying degrees of safety and convenience for the homeowner, not to mention an easy to install Fusebox for your electrician.

Moreover, if your Fuse board is going to be on show in your hallway for example, consider the attractive looking Fusebox brand. Powder Coated to RAL9001 in cream, it provides a calm and subtle finish.  

What single phase Fusebox accessory products are available from your electrical supplier?

a) AFDD’s provide the most up to date technology available within the circuit protection market. Arc Fault Detection Devices are now required in Higher Risk Residential Buildings such as Care Home’s, HMOs (Home of Muti Occupancy), and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. An AFDD will immediately detect and disconnect any dangerous ARC faults which would previously have gone un-checked by circuit breakers and RCD’s. By far the most popular AFDD available is the Fusebox AFDD063230B.

b) An RCD which is a vital piece of safety equipment that immediately disconnects the electrical supply in a situation where the alternative could likely be an electric shock, likely causing death or potential life changing injuries.

c) RCBO’s are Residual Current Circuit Breakers and provide circuit overload protection against short circuits, overcurrent, and earth leakages. Our RTA060630B 6amp, typically used for lighting circuits, is a popular size of RCBO.

d) SPD is an abbreviation for a Surge Protection Device. SPD’s protect electronic and electrical devices from unwanted high voltage peaks, normally caused by a lightning strike or switching operation. You will be pleased to know that the majority of the Fusebox domestic boards come complete with an SPD.

e) Flush Mounting Frames such as the AFMF14, AFMF18 and AFMF24.

f) Spacer brackets for surface mounted Fusebox consumer units, such as the AFSS14 or AFSS18

Do I need to install an AFDD?

Electrical training college students, apprentice electricians and 18^th edition update electricians are reminded of the need to install AFDD devices in higher risk residential homes and buildings. Care homes, Student accommodation and HMOs are examples of where this legislation is now a necessity on certain electrical circuits. Arc faults have been the cause of hundreds of fatal and costly electrical fires over the years, often producing frightening temperatures of 1000Deg Celsius. These innovative AFDD devices, coupled the strict legislation to fit them, is a giant step in the right direction in helping to stamp out unnecessary fires.    

What happened to plastic fuseboards:

In 2016, new 18th edition regulations were set in stone that stopped manufacturers making plastic consumer units, so modern steel fuse boxes, in their various shades of white or cream, very quickly became the new norm. Steel is non-combustible and these new metal Fusebox units helped greatly in reducing fires in homes across the UK.

House fires very often started inside fuseboards and in the old days, with fuse boards being plastic, plastic did very little to quell or slow down a fire.

Do I need to use a Torque Screwdriver when installing an RCBO or AFDD?

A gentle reminder to electricians that an RCBO, AFDD, or RCD, tightened to their correct torque, will make the installation of a Fusebox far safer than using a standard screwdriver. Under-tightening or over-tightening of electrical safety devices within a Fusebox can create very serious and dangerous consequences. Torque screwdrivers are therefore the way to go and yes, should be used. A good example of a quality torque screwdriver set is the 102700/PZ1

Is it safe to install a Fusebox under the stairs?

Plastic fuseboards in the 80s and 90s were more vulnerable to fire and were often installed directly under a staircase, or at the bottom of a staircase, and in an emergency your stairs become the primary escape route for your family. With the modern-day array of Fusebox safety accessories such as SPDs, AFDDs and RCBOs, not to mention Fuse boards now being metal, the chances of fire, albeit still there, are greatly reduced. 

Do I need to install a smoke or fire alarm by my fuseboard?

Despite technology coming on leaps and bounds over the last decade, Fuseboards are by their very nature vulnerable to fire so we would recommend installing a nearby smoke/fire alarm such as an EI3024, this market leading product dynamically reacts to both slow burning and flaming fires.

Where should our electrician install the Fuseboard?

If practical and possible, particularly in a complete house renovation, a Fuseboard might be best placed away from emergency escape routes, thus avoiding areas around the stairs.

We would also recommend that flammable liquids, such as petrol for a lawnmower, is not kept anywhere near your fuseboard.

What is the most popular Fusebox on the market?

As the Fusebox range of circuit protection has evolved over the last few years, by far the most popular fuseboard within their range is the F2014MX. Competitively priced and with it’s sleek design, it really is a favourite for electricians.

Who is this document on Fuseboards helpful for?    

This educational document is written for trainee electricians or homeowners needing to upgrade their electrical circuits. It provides answers as to why Metal Consumer Units, such as the innovative Fusebox brand, along with its associated safety accessories that make up a Fusebox such as RCBOs, AFDDs and SPDs, are replacing the old plastic consumer units.