If your fuse board keeps tripping, it’s usually trying to tell you that something needs looking at rather than simply being something you should keep resetting.
At MES Electrical Services, a fuseboard upgrade can typically cost around £500–£1,000, depending on the property and the board required. We recently visited a detached home on Saxon Way, Bradley Stoke where the homeowners were dealing with repeated trips, particularly in the evenings when everyone was home cooking, watching TV and using the Xbox.
Why does my fuse board keep tripping?
It’s incredibly frustrating when the power suddenly goes off, especially when you’re halfway through cooking dinner or someone is in the middle of an Xbox game! There are a few different reasons a fuse board might trip. It could be a faulty appliance, a problem with the wiring, an overloaded circuit or an issue with the board itself. Sometimes you can reset everything and carry on as normal, but if it keeps happening, it’s worth getting it checked rather than treating it as one of those annoying things that happens in an older house.
That’s what happened on Saxon Way. The homeowners had noticed that the electricity was regularly tripping, and it seemed to be happening most often in the evenings. With everyone home and several appliances being used at the same time, it was becoming a real nuisance. We came out to investigate rather than simply recommending a new board straight away, because the important thing is finding out why the trips are happening in the first place.
Can an old fuse board struggle with modern electrical demand?
When we inspected the installation, we found that the board was around 30 years old and showing signs of mechanical wear and tear. On top of that, the amount of electricity the family was using was considerably higher than it would have been when the board was originally installed.
Think about how many electrical appliances we have in our homes now compared with 30 years ago. There might be several TVs, computers, games consoles, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens, chargers and all sorts of other equipment running throughout the day. The way we use electricity has changed quite a lot, so an older installation may not always be the best fit for a busy modern household.
In the case of the Saxon Way property, the age and condition of the board, combined with the increased demand, meant a fuseboard upgrade was the sensible option.
Do I need a fuseboard upgrade?
Not every case of fuseboard tripping means you need a new board. Sometimes the problem is caused by one particular appliance or circuit, and once that issue is found and dealt with, the existing board can continue doing its job.
That’s why we’d always recommend having the problem investigated before deciding what needs replacing. If the board is old, showing signs of wear or simply no longer suitable for the demands being placed on it, then an upgrade can make sense. A modern board can provide improved protection and give you an electrical installation that’s better suited to how you use your home today.
It’s also worth paying attention to anything else that seems unusual. If you’re noticing buzzing from the board, burning smells, scorch marks, damaged sockets or switches, or the board feels unusually warm, don’t ignore it. And if you’re regularly having to reset the same circuit, that’s another good reason to get an electrician to take a look.
At MES Electrical Services, we’ll investigate what’s causing the problem, explain what we’ve found and talk you through your options. We won’t simply tell you that you need a new board without first understanding what’s going on.
If you’re experiencing fuseboard tripping at your home in Bradley Stoke, or you’re wondering whether a fuseboard upgrade could be worthwhile, contact MES Electrical Services today by phone on 07929 346089 or via our contact form. We’d be happy to have a chat and arrange a visit.
