Your straightforward guide from BuildSpark’s 18th-Edition certified electricians
Why Your Fuse Board Matters
Your fuse board (also called a consumer unit) is the heart of your electrical system. A modern unit equipped with the right protective devices keeps your family, tenants, and appliances safe from electric shock, overloads, and surges.
1. Understand the Core Protective Devices
| Device | What It Protects Against | Where You’ll See It |
|---|---|---|
| MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker | Over-current & short-circuits on individual circuits | Lighting & socket circuits |
| RCD – Residual Current Device | Electric shock & earth-fault currents | Main switch or individual circuits |
| RCBO – RCD + MCB in one unit | Both overloads and earth-faults on a single circuit | High-risk areas (kitchens, bathrooms) |
| SPD – Surge Protection Device | Voltage spikes from lightning or grid switching | Whole-house protection for electronics |
Tip: The 18th Edition wiring regulations (BS 7671) recommend surge protection in most UK homes, and RCBOs are quickly becoming the gold standard for zoned safety.
2. Choose the Right Fuse Board Size
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Count your circuits (lights, sockets, cooker, EV charger, etc.).
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Add 2–4 spare ways for future upgrades.
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Opt for a metal-clad 18th-Edition compliant board for fire resistance.
3. Decide Between Dual-RCD, High-Integrity, or Full-RCBO
| Board Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual-RCD | Cost-effective | A fault can knock out half the house | Small flats / budgets |
| High-Integrity | Mix of RCBO & RCD | Slightly higher cost | Most family homes |
| Full-RCBO | Individual fault isolation | Highest upfront cost | Premium safety & minimal downtime |
4. Don’t Forget Surge Protection
Modern TVs, laptops, and smart tech are sensitive to spikes. A single SPD in the fuse board is an inexpensive way to protect thousands of pounds of electronics.
5. Always Use an 18th-Edition Certified Electrician
Installing or upgrading a consumer unit is not DIY:
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It’s notifiable work under Part P Building Regulations.
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Requires testing & certification.
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Insurance may be void if unqualified work is carried out.
BuildSpark’s Fuse Board Upgrade Service
✅ NAPIT-registered, £2 million insured
✅ FREE safety check & quote
✅ No call-out charges, fixed £70 hr labour
✅ Serving Tooting, Clapham, Wimbledon, Kingston, Croydon & across Surrey
Ready to upgrade?
📞 Call 0203 488 7378 | 💬 WhatsApp us | 🖱️ Book online now
Quick Checklist Before You Book
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House built or rewired before 2005
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Fuse box still uses re-wirable fuses
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No surge protection fitted
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Planning an EV charger or kitchen remodel
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Lights frequently trip or flicker
If you ticked any of the above, a new consumer unit with modern protective devices is the safest choice.
BuildSpark keeps South-West London & Surrey properties safe, compliant, and future-ready—one fuse board at a time.
