1. Your fuse box still uses rewireable fuses
Older fuse boxes may contain fuse wire that must be manually replaced when a circuit blows. Although the presence of rewireable fuses does not automatically mean the installation is unsafe, it does indicate that the electrical system may be several decades old.
Modern consumer units use circuit breakers and additional protective devices that can disconnect the electricity much more quickly when certain faults occur.
2. Your electrics frequently trip
An occasional trip can be caused by a faulty appliance. However, if your consumer unit trips repeatedly, there may be an overloaded circuit, damaged wiring or another underlying fault.
Continually resetting it without investigating the cause is not a suitable long-term solution.
3. You can smell burning
A burning or unusual fish-like smell near a socket, switch or consumer unit requires urgent attention. It could indicate overheating plastic, a loose connection or damaged electrical components.
Switch off the electricity if it is safe to do so and contact a qualified electrician immediately.
4. There are visible signs of heat or damage
Look out for scorch marks, discolouration, cracking or melted components around the consumer unit.
Never remove the cover or touch internal components yourself. A qualified electrician should inspect any suspected damage.
5. Your consumer unit does not appear to have RCD protection
A residual current device, commonly called an RCD, is designed to disconnect the electricity rapidly when it detects certain faults.
RCD protection is particularly important for circuits serving areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor equipment. An electrician can check whether your existing protection is appropriate for your property and how it is being used.
6. You are renovating or adding high-powered equipment
Extensions, new kitchens, electric showers, air-conditioning systems, hot tubs and electric vehicle chargers can all place additional demands on an electrical installation.
Before adding new equipment, it is sensible to establish whether the existing consumer unit, circuits and incoming supply are suitable.
7. Your home has not been electrically inspected for years
Electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. Connections can loosen, components can become damaged and previous alterations may not have been completed correctly.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, assesses the condition of the fixed electrical installation and identifies deterioration, damage and safety concerns.
