So one would question
why all new dwellings have to have modern consumer units fitted by law, and
older houses do not? Time for a change maybe? Well you do not have to wait for
the law to change as getting your old fuse box changed. For a consumer unit is
a very straight forwards job for a competent electrician, and should take them
less than a day to fit. If you have just bought an older property then changing
an old fuse box over should be your first priority, particularly if you are
going to be doing a lot of refurbishment, which may put a higher than normal
load on the electrical system. Firstly, there is the safety aspect with regards
to electrocution, a modern consumer unit features Brisbane safety switch RCD testing
that sense. Any current imbalance between the positive and neutral conductors
such as you drilling through the live cable in a wall. The beauty of them is
that they sense this imbalance in milliseconds, and cut out the power before it
has had chance to electrocute you.
This alone is a good
enough reason for anyone to replace their fuse box as soon as possible unlike a
fuse box, the modern units have mini-circuit breakers that do not blow out like
a fuse but just trip out. Unlike a fuse they can be instantly re-switched on by
flicking the breaker back up. This means goodbye to trying to find the right
grade fuse wire in the dark, and no more running out of the right grade of fuse
wire full stop. They can also be fitted with residual current circuit breakers
with overload protection which also sense current overload. Whilst the fitment
of safety switch RCD testing in new boxes is mandatory is the next logical
progression. These would be for residual current circuit breakers with overload
protection to also be made mandatory to fit. Also the safety benefits in
replacing an older fuse box with a new consumer unit far outweigh the cost of
fitting. Particularly with new way units plus the cost of the Brisbane safety switch RCD testing and mini-breakers.
By fitting a new
consumer unit is a great risk-free on being electrocuted or having an
electrical fire, so do it today before it is too late. The most common use is Brisbane safety switch RCD testing for electrical devices used at work that covers equipment
that can be moved such as computers, kettles, printers and mobile phone
chargers. These tests should take place regularly, usually annually, by someone
who has had the proper training. Once items have been tested a small sticker
will be added with the date the next inspection will be due. There are parts to
the safety switch RCD testing through checking for visual signs of damage to
cables, plugs and other components. Making sure that the device is used in a
suitable place where it won’t overheat like earth continuity between the plug
and the device and insulation testing of the cable for weakness and faults.
