Lights flickering, frequent tripping, or a strange burning smell coming from the fuseboard are all signs you need a fuseboard upgrade at your Bristol home. Adding new technology such as an EV charger or solar panels can also mean you need a new fuseboard to cope with the increased demands. A fuseboard upgrade at the average 3 bed home takes around a day and costs an average of £600 - £1100 + VAT.
Signs you need a fuseboard upgrade
Signs you need a fuseboard upgrade include electrical faults such as flickering or dimming lights, small shock from appliances, burning smell or discoloured power outlets. You’ll also notice frequently tripped fuses. If you are having issues with fuses tripping regularly, it is a sign that you are overloading your circuit and the fuseboard cannot cope. If you notice any of these signs at your Bristol home, contact Allied Electrical Services urgently as you are at risk of an electrical shock or fire occurring.
We recently carried out a Fuseboard upgrade at a house in the Yew Tree Drive area of Bristol. The house was typical of the area, a 3-bed mid-century family home. The homeowner had been noticing some problems with their electrics, flickering lights, repeated tripping of the fuseboard, and most worrying - a strange buzzing from the fuseboard itself. They called us out to investigate and we discovered that the fuseboard was struggling to cope with the demands of a busy modern household and needed an upgrade.
Do I need a fuseboard upgrade to add new technology?
Adding an EV car charger, solar panels, or a new kitchen can mean you need a new fuseboard to cope with the increased energy demands. Many of us have upgraded our home appliances multiple times in the last 10 years, yet people have forgotten that our aging fuseboards may not be able to keep up with the way technology is supercharging our power needs.
Our homes have become full of devices and technology (Wi-Fi, heating, kitchen appliances etc). An aging fuseboard can no longer safely handle the load placed upon it by modern technology. The home in Yew Tree Drive had several appliances that simply didn't exist when the fuseboard was originally installed. Computer equipment for working from home, an induction hob in the kitchen and games consoles in the two teens bedrooms.
What happens during a Fuseboard Upgrade?
During a Fuseboard Upgrade, your electrician will safely disconnect the power, remove the old Fuseboard and install a new one with improved safety features such as an RCD (Residual Current Device). Once installed, the electrical circuits will be tested to ensure everything is working correctly and meets the current safety standards. The power will then be restored, leaving your Bristol home with enhanced electrical protection and you with greater peace of mind.
Should I check my fuseboard?
You should aim to be doing a homeowners check every couple of months, taking a quick look at your Fuseboard and checking for no signs of damage, burning smells, discolouration, buzzing noises or loose covers.
Every 6 months you should test your RCDs (Residual Current Device) by pushing the test button. If your RCD does not trip when tested, you will need to contact us!
It’s also highly recommended to have an EICR electrical inspection carried out every 10 years for owner occupied households to ensure your electrical system is safe for continued use. For rented properties, it is a legal requirement every 5 years.
Life can get so hectic with general day to day jobs that important things like checking your Fuseboard often gets forgotten. As a homeowner, we need to ensure our fuseboards are working safely to keep our homes running smoothly and to avoid our day being affected by a faulty Fuseboard!
Fuseboard Upgrade in Bristol
Thinking about having your Fuseboard upgraded in Bristol? Contact us today for a free, no obligation, quotation.
