Your fuse board, also called a consumer unit, is the central hub of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to all your circuits and protects your family and property from electrical faults.

But like any key piece of technology, it can become outdated. Many UK homes still rely on old fuse boards that weren’t designed to handle modern electrical demands. If yours is over a decade old or shows warning signs, it might be time for an upgrade.

At MAKSE Electrical & Renewables, we provide professional fuse board upgrades across Staffordshire, ensuring homes are safe, compliant, and prepared for today’s energy needs.

Why Fuse Board Safety Matters?

An outdated or faulty fuse board can lead to:

• Electrical fires
• Power outages
• Damage to appliances
• Increased risk of electric shock

Electrical faults account for around 13% of house fires in the UK. Upgrading your fuse board is a crucial step in protecting your home and family.

5 Signs You Need a Fuse Board Upgrade

Here are the five most common signs that your electrical system needs attention.

1. Your Fuse Board Is Old or Outdated

If your fuse board uses ceramic fuses, a wooden backing, or lacks modern RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, it’s outdated.

Other warning signs include:

• Yellowing or cracked casing
• Buzzing or unusual sounds
• Rewireable fuses instead of circuit breakers

Older boards were not designed for today’s high-demand appliances like EV chargers, dishwashers, or home office setups.

2. Frequent Circuit Trips

Does your power cut out whenever multiple appliances run at once? Frequent tripping often means your system is overloaded or struggling with faulty circuits.

Modern fuse boards safely handle multiple appliances, whereas older boards may not cope, leading to nuisance trips or worse, hazards.

3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks

If you notice:

• A burning smell
• Scorch marks around your fuse board
• Buzzing or crackling sounds

These are serious warning signs.

They may indicate:

• Loose connections
• Overheating wiring
• Electrical arcing

Immediate action is required, as these issues significantly increase the risk of fire.

4. You’re Adding New Electrical Loads

If you plan to install:

• An EV home charger
• Solar panels
• A new kitchen appliance
• A home extension

Your current fuse board may not support the extra electrical load safely. Upgrading ensures your system can handle new technology without tripping or overheating, and keeps you compliant with UK regulations.

5. Failed EICR or Safety Inspection

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal check of your electrical system. If your inspection report lists C1 or C2 faults, your fuse board may need replacing.

For landlords, EICRs are mandatory every five years, and failing to act can result in legal issues and safety risks.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Fuse Board

Upgrading your fuse board offers more than safety:

• Enhanced protection from electric shocks and fires
• Reliable power supply for modern appliances
• Future-proofing for EV chargers or renewable energy systems
• Compliance with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
• Increased property value and buyer confidence

A modern fuse board is the foundation of a safe, efficient home.

How Long Does a Fuse Board Upgrade Take?

Most domestic upgrades take 4–6 hours, depending on property size and complexity.

• Power will be temporarily switched off
• Our qualified electricians ensure minimal disruption
• Full testing and certification are provided after installation

Why Choose MAKSE Electrical & Renewables?

At MAKSE Electrical & Renewables, we provide:

• Fully qualified and NICEIC-approved electricians
• Safe, compliant fuse board upgrades
• Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs
• Post-installation testing and certification
• Related services, including EV charger installation and solar panel electrical integration

We ensure your home is safe, efficient, and ready for modern electricity demands.

Key Facts & Statistics

• Electrical faults cause over 20,000 house fires annually in the UK
• Over 30% of these fires are linked to outdated consumer units
• Homes with RCD protection reduce the risk of electric shock by over 60%

FAQs

1: Can I upgrade my fuse board myself?

A: No. Upgrades must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

2: Will my power be off during installation?

A: Yes, temporarily, usually just for a few hours.

3: How do I know if my fuse board is outdated?

A: Look for ceramic fuses, old wooden boards, buzzing sounds, or frequent tripping.

4: How often should a fuse board be replaced?

A: Typically, every 25–40 years, or sooner if your system fails an EICR or shows warning signs.

Conclusion

Ignoring the signs of an outdated fuse board can put your home, family, and property at risk. Frequent tripping, burning smells, or failed inspections are red flags that require urgent attention.

MAKSE Electrical & Renewables provides professional, safe, and compliant fuse board upgrades across the Staffordshire. Our team ensures your home is protected, reliable, and ready for modern energy demands. Book your fuse board upgrade today and secure your home’s electrical safety for years to come.