5 Signs Your Winchester Home Needs a Fuse Board Upgrade

Many homes across Winchester and the surrounding Hampshire villages still have older-style fuse boards that were installed decades ago. While they may still function, they lack the modern safety features that could protect your family from electrical fires and electric shock.

Here are five signs that your fuse board may need upgrading:

1. You Still Have Rewirable Fuses

If your fuse board uses rewirable fuses — the type with a piece of fuse wire that you replace when it blows — your system predates modern safety standards. These fuses don't provide the same level of protection as modern MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers), which trip instantly when a fault is detected.

2. There's No RCD Protection

RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are life-saving devices that detect earth faults and cut the power in milliseconds. If your fuse board doesn't have RCD protection, you're missing a critical safety feature. Since the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, RCD protection has been required on most circuits.

3. Your Fuse Board Is Made of Plastic or Wood

Current regulations require consumer units to be manufactured from non-combustible materials — typically metal. If yours is plastic or, in very old properties, mounted on a wooden board, it doesn't meet current fire safety standards.

4. You're Experiencing Frequent Tripping or Blown Fuses

While occasional tripping can be normal, frequent issues suggest your electrical system is struggling to cope with modern demands. Today's homes use far more electricity than when many Winchester properties were originally wired.

5. You're Planning a Property Sale or Renovation

A modern consumer unit with RCD protection is increasingly expected by buyers and mortgage surveyors. Upgrading before a sale can prevent delays and demonstrate that the property's electrical system is safe and compliant.

What Does a Fuse Board Upgrade Involve?

A consumer unit upgrade typically takes half a day. Your electrician will replace the old board with a modern, metal-clad unit fitted with MCBs and RCDs. Every circuit will be tested as part of the installation, and you'll receive a full Electrical Installation Certificate.

If you're unsure about the condition of your fuse board, Orsidaen Electrical Services offers free estimates for consumer unit upgrades across Winchester and all surrounding areas. Call us on 07801 201783 to arrange a visit.