Is my fuse box safe? When to arrange an assessment

Concerned about your fuse box? Understand the signs worth reporting and why the condition of the installation needs assessment before replacement.

For an assessment or quotation, see our consumer unit replacement. The service page explains how to discuss the work for your property.

A photograph cannot establish the whole condition

An accessible photograph can help an electrician prepare an enquiry, but it cannot replace assessment of the installation. The board, connected circuits, protective arrangements and intended use need to be considered together. An old appearance alone does not prove that the whole home needs rewiring.

Report warning signs promptly

Describe repeated tripping, visible damage, scorching, a burning smell or unexpected buzzing. Do not touch damaged equipment, remove covers or keep resetting a circuit. If there is smoke, fire or immediate danger, leave the property and call 999.

Choose the appropriate investigation

A specific active fault may need a fault-finding visit. A wider review of the fixed installation may call for an EICR. Explain the reason for the concern so the scope can be agreed before booking.

Ask what any replacement would address

If replacement is recommended, ask for the findings behind it and the proposed work. Existing circuit defects may require separate attention. A new consumer unit should not be presented as a guarantee against every fault or as an automatic way to reduce electricity bills.

Keep the records

Send any existing electrical report with your enquiry. Ask which documentation will be supplied after the agreed work, and retain it with the property paperwork. Confirm access and electrical interruption arrangements before an installation appointment.

Further reading: the IET explains how existing installations are assessed; an older installation is not automatically unsafe because a standard has changed.