A fuse box, also known as a consumer unit, is a metal box that contains fuses or circuit breakers. It is located in your home's electrical panel and is responsible for distributing electricity to the different circuits in your home.
The fuse box contains three main components:
- The main switch: This is the master switch that turns off the electricity to your entire home.
- The fuses or circuit breakers: These protect individual circuits from overloads and shorts.
- The residual current device (RCD): This is a safety device that trips if there is a difference in current between the live and neutral wires. This can help to prevent electric shocks.
If you have a fuse box in your home, it is important to know where it is and how to use it. In the event of an electrical emergency, you will need to be able to turn off the power to your home.
Here are some tips for understanding your fuse box:
- Locate your fuse box. The fuse box is usually located in a closet, hallway, or basement. It is usually a metal box with a clear or opaque door.
- Identify the main switch. The main switch is usually a large, red switch. It is located at the top or bottom of the fuse box.
- Identify the fuses or circuit breakers. The fuses or circuit breakers are usually small, cylindrical devices with a metal strip running through the center. They are located in slots on the inside of the fuse box.
- Label the fuses or circuit breakers. If your fuse box is not labeled, you can label the fuses or circuit breakers yourself. This will help you to identify which fuse or circuit breaker controls which circuit in your home.
If you have any questions about your fuse box, you can contact us or call us on 01472 241881.
Here are some additional safety tips for fuse boxes:
- Never touch a live fuse or circuit breaker.
- Do not overload a circuit. Overloading a circuit can cause the fuse or circuit breaker to trip.
- Replace a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker immediately. Leaving a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in place can create a fire hazard.
- Have your fuse box inspected by a qualified electrician every 10 years. This will help to ensure that your fuse box is in good working order and that it is properly protected.
By following these safety tips, you can help to keep your home safe from electrical fires and other hazards.
Have problems with your consumer unit? We're here to help call us on 01472 241881 or fill out the form here.