Fuseboard Upgrades - Everything You Need To Know

If you live in an older property in Rustington, chances are your fuseboard (also known as a consumer unit) has been quietly doing its job for years, maybe even decades. It’s one of those things we often forget about…until something goes wrong.

But just like you wouldn’t drive a car for 30 years without checking the brakes, your home’s electrics deserve the same care. In this blog, we’ll explain why upgrading your old fuseboard isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about keeping your family safe and your home future-ready.

What exactly is a fuseboard?

A fuseboard is the control centre for your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to different circuits (like your lights, sockets, cooker etc.) and is designed to protect you if something goes wrong, like an overload or a fault.

If your current board has old-fashioned fuse wire or just a couple of big switches, it’s probably time to bring it up to modern standards.

So, why upgrade?

1. Safety first

Older fuseboards don’t offer the same level of protection as modern consumer units. Today’s boards include devices called RCBOs and RCDs, which are far more sensitive. They’re designed to trip instantly if they detect an electric shock risk, often before you even realise there’s a problem.

This is especially important if you’ve got grandchildren running around, or pets who like to taste cables. Modern protection gives you peace of mind.

2. Fire risk reduction

Loose connections, overloaded circuits, and worn-out fuses are all fire hazards. Upgrading reduces the risk of electrical fires, which are sadly still one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK.

3. Meet today’s electrical demands

From electric ovens and tumble dryers to phone chargers and EVs, modern homes are using more electricity than ever. An old fuseboard simply wasn’t designed with this in mind.

Upgrading helps avoid nuisance tripping and power cuts when your home is working hard, like during Christmas dinner or a Sunday roast with all the gadgets going.

4. It future-proofs your home

Planning a kitchen refit? A new garden office? Thinking about an electric vehicle charger in the next few years?

A modern consumer unit makes these additions easier and often more cost-effective. It’s a smart move if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term or thinking about resale value.

What’s involved in an upgrade?

At Tide Electrical, we make it as simple and stress-free as possible. A typical upgrade takes about a day. We’ll:

• Carry out full testing and inspections of your current circuits by carrying out an EICR
• Install a new, up-to-date board with RCD and surge protection
• Label everything clearly so you know what’s what
• Provide a full certificate for your records and peace of mind
• There may be a few hiccups if your wiring is very outdated, but we’ll explain everything clearly, no jargon, no surprises.

How do I know if mine needs replacing?

If your fuseboard looks like this:

• It uses fuse wire (you replace it manually when it blows)
• It has no RCD protection
• It looks like a clutter of switches with no labelling

…then it’s definitely worth getting it checked.

We offer free, no-pressure safety inspections for homeowners in Rustington and the surrounding areas. We’re local, tidy, fully qualified and - most importantly - we care about doing the job right.

Fuseboard upgrades in West Sussex

A fuseboard upgrade might not be the most exciting way to spend money on your home - but it is one of the most important. It protects the people and things you care about most. Question? Get in touch with Tide Electrical - Your local electricians serving West Sussex residents & business owners.