How to Tell If Your Fuse Board Needs Replacing
If your home still has an older fuse board or you’ve started noticing electrical issues, it may be time to think about an upgrade. A modern consumer unit is one of the most important safety features in your home, protecting against electrical faults, overloading and potential fire risks.
In Brighton—where many properties date back to the 1930s–1970s—older fuse boards are extremely common, and many homeowners don’t realise they no longer meet current standards.
In this guide, we break down the key signs your fuse board may need replacing and why upgrading to a modern consumer unit is one of the best decisions you can make for your home’s safety.
1. Your Fuse Board Is Over 20–30 Years Old
Older fuse boards often lack the safety features required by today’s wiring regulations (BS 7671). These outdated units typically include:
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- Rewireable fuses
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- No RCD protection
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- Plastic casings
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- Limited fault detection
While age alone doesn’t make a fuse board unsafe, most older systems were never designed to handle modern electrical demand from appliances, chargers and home tech.
If your fuse board looks dated or uses old-style fuses, it’s worth having it checked by a qualified electrician.
2. You Have a Fuse Board With No RCD Protection
A modern consumer unit includes RCDs (Residual Current Devices)—safety switches that cut power instantly if they detect a fault.
RCDs are now considered essential because they provide life-saving protection against electric shock and fire risks.
If your fuse board doesn’t have RCDs, it does not meet current safety standards.
3. Frequent Tripping or Overloaded Circuits
If your electrics trip regularly when you:
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- Boil the kettle
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- Use multiple kitchen appliances
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- Turn on high-demand devices
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- Run the washing machine and oven together
…it’s usually a sign that your fuse board can’t cope with modern usage or that the circuits need reviewing.
A new consumer unit can help balance your electrical load more safely and efficiently.
4. Buzzing, Crackling or Heat Around the Fuse Board
Any unusual sounds or warmth coming from the fuse board is a serious red flag. This can indicate:
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- Loose connections
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- Overheating
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- Faulty breakers
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- Potential fire risk
If you notice noise, burning smells or heat, you should contact an electrician immediately.
5. Adding New Electrical Installations or Extensions
If you’re planning:
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- A new kitchen
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- A bathroom renovation
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- An EV charger
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- A garden room or loft conversion
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- Additional sockets or lighting circuits
…your existing fuse board may not be suitable.
Upgrading to a new consumer unit ensures your home can safely support new circuits and installations.
6. You’re Buying or Selling a Property in Brighton
Consumer unit upgrades are commonly recommended during:
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- Homebuyer surveys
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- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
A modern consumer unit can increase buyer confidence and help avoid issues that appear later in the process.
Why Brighton Homes Often Need Fuse Board Upgrades
Brighton has a large mix of older housing stock:
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- Victorian terraces
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- 1930s semis
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- 1950s/60s homes
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- Flat conversions
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- Period properties
Many still rely on fuse boards that were installed decades ago.
Upgrading ensures your home meets modern safety standards and reduces risk dramatically.
Need Your Fuse Board Checked? We Can Help
We provide:
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- Consumer unit inspections
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- Full testing & certification
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- Rewiring and electrical safety upgrades
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- Honest advice with no pressure
Serving Brighton, Hove, Patcham, Kemptown, Saltdean, Portslade and surrounding areas.
If you’re unsure whether your fuse board needs replacing, we can carry out a quick check and give clear, professional guidance.