Fuse Boards
Fuse Boards
Fuse boards, also known as consumer units or fuse boxes, are a critical component of the electrical system in any building or home. They are responsible for protecting the electrical circuits in your home or business from overloading and potentially causing a fire, as well as preventing other dangers. In the UK, fuse boards must meet the standards set by the British Standard (BS) to ensure they are safe and reliable. In this article, Y.E.S. Electrical Supplier explores the importance of BS (British Standards) fuse boards and how they help to keep your property safe.
What are 'British Standard' Fuse Boards?
Fuse Boards made to British Standards are electrical distribution boards that are designed to meet the safety standards set by the British Standards Institution (BSI). The BSI is the national standards body of the United Kingdom and they are responsible for setting the standards for a wide range of products and services, including electrical equipment. Y.E.S. Electrical Supplier only distributes electrical products made in factories who guarantee that their products meet the stringent requirements of British Standards.
In the UK, all electrical installations in domestic and commercial properties must comply with the BS 7671:2018 Wiring Regulations. This includes the installation of a consumer unit or fuse board that meets the relevant British Standards.
British Standards for fuse boards ensure that they are safe and reliable, and that they meet the minimum requirements for electrical safety. The availability of modern safety accessories and devices for fuse boards nowadays help to safeguard against Short Circuits, Circuit Overload, Excess Current and Earth Leakage. They also keep buildings safe from Arc Faults, unwanted Electrical Surges and High Voltage Peaks.
Why is it that a Fuse Board made to British Standards is so vital?
Fuse Boards compliant with BS (British Standards) are essential because they help keep your property safe from electrical hazards. With a correctly installed and maintained 18th Edition fuse board, your property is at far less risk of electrical fires and several other dangerous hazards.
How do I keep my family, or tenants, safe from electrical faults and other hazards?
Your home needs to be a place of safety for your family and visitors. This important document, written for your convenience by Y.E.S. Electrical Supplier, enables homeowners and landlords to learn, appreciate and understand so much more about what is electrically available nowadays in regards electrical safety devices.
In the case of a tenant and landlord agreement however, electrical fuse board safety is just as important because Landlords can find themselves in court should they not provide tenants with electrical safety documentation ascertaining to the electrical circuits within a rented dwelling. This documentation applies to both the fuse board and all wiring circuits from the fuse board. There are national standards, which are set out in the current (18th) edition wiring regulations, and these are are published within BS7671. They expertly detail that rental properties should be inspected at least very five years and that tenants, or letting agents, be provided with appropriate certificates confirming the property is electrically safe.
What is a Miniature Circuit Breaker, also known as an MCB?
When there is too much current flowing through your fuse board but installed within it are MCB’s, these will instantly stop the associated lighting or power circuit causing further danger. This is why Miniature Circuit Breakers were designed, they are also known as MCB’s. They prevent a circuit from overloading and potentially causing a fire. Fuse Boards to British Standards are designed to provide this protection reliably and safely, which is why, at the very least, MCB’s are essential for any property that uses electricity.
Can I manually switch off a lighting or power circuit in my home?
In addition to providing safety, British Standards rated Fuse Boards from Y.E.S. Electrical Supplier also provide convenience. They allow you to manually, and quickly, switch off individual circuits if there is a fault, or if an electrician needs to carry out maintenance work. It is vital however that you telephone an electrician as soon as you possibly can should you suspect a fault exists on any electrical circuit within your home or other building.
How to choose the right Fuse Board from Y.E.S. Electrical Supplier
Choosing the right fuse board for your property is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of your electrical system and here are some factors to consider when choosing a fuse board:
Capacity: The capacity of your fuse board should be appropriate for the size of your property and the number of electrical appliances and devices you have.
Number of circuits: Your fuse board should have enough circuits to accommodate all the electrical appliances and devices within your property. Consider how many circuits you need now but also in the future, are you likely to add an extension or electric shower for example. A qualified electrician can help you determine how many spare ways you may require for potential future power or lighting circuits. Y.E.S. Electrical Supplier would be happy to put you in touch with a suitably qualified electrician, wherever you live in the UK.
Brand: Choose a reputable brand with a good reputation for quality and safety. Y.E.S. Electrical Supplies stock only quality fuse boards that are provided with an industry leading warranty, provided they are fitted by a qualified electrician. They are available for next day delivery.
Price: While price is an important consideration, it should not be the only factor. Choose a fuse board that meets your needs and provides safety for your family or tenants.
We mentioned above that certain devices fitted within your fuse board greatly reduce the risk of fire. Besides the risk of fire, other safety devices exist that can prevent electric shock and unwanted electrical surges that can damage electrical equipment.
For your Fuse Board, what safety devices are available from Y.E.S. Electrical Supplier?
Besides an RCD, which most properties (but not all) tend to have, also consider fitting these life and property safety devices inside your fuse board:
1) AFDD’s are very much cutting-edge technology for electrical safety within fuse boards. Arc Fault Detection Devices as they are also known, are now needed in Higher Risk Residential Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Care Homes, and HMO’s. They detect and subsequently disconnect dangerous ARC faults which would have previously gone unnoticed by circuit breakers or RCD’s.
2) MCBs, also known as Miniature Circuit Breakers – they extremely quickly protect electrical circuits from damage caused by excess current from overload or short circuiting.
3) An RCBO’s is also known as a Residual Current Circuit Breaker and built with automatic overload protection. An MCB within a fuse board will provide protection against overcurrent and short circuit only, on the other hand, an RCBO will provide excellent protection against short circuit, over-current as well as earth leakage.
4) SPD is also known as a Surge Protection Device. They protect electrical & electronic devices from high voltage peaks, normally caused by lightning strikes and switching operations.
Maintaining Your Fuse Board
Y.E.S Electrical Supplier recommend periodic inspections of your fuse board because these maintenance checks are essential in ensuring its safety and reliability. Here are some tips for maintaining your fuse board:
· Check for damage: Regularly inspect your fuse board for any signs of damage, such as cracks, burns, or corrosion.
· Test your circuits: Have an electrician test your circuits regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
· Keep it clean: Keep your fuse board clean and free from dust and debris.
· Hire a qualified electrician: Hire a qualified electrician to carry out any maintenance or repairs on your fuse board and obtain a receipt and certification for works carried out.