Why Upgrade Your Fuse Board? A Guide for Shrewsbury Homeowners

If your property still has an older rewireable fuse board, upgrading to a modern 18th Edition consumer unit with RCBOs and surge protection isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a smart investment in safety, reliability, and peace of mind.

At RW Electrics Ltd, we help homeowners across Shrewsbury and the surrounding villages stay protected and up to date. Here’s why it’s worth considering a fuse board upgrade.

Safety First – Why Old Fuse Boards Fall Short

Traditional rewireable fuse boards rely on bits of wire or metal that “blow” when too much current passes through. While this was clever stuff decades ago, it’s not exactly cutting-edge safety today.

Older fuse boards can pose a real fire and electrocution risk, especially since many lack proper RCD (Residual Current Device) protection – the thing that saves you if a fault occurs.

Modern consumer units, on the other hand, use RCBOs (Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection). Each circuit has its own individual protection, so if a fault occurs, only the affected circuit trips – not your entire house.

That means fewer blackouts, better fault detection, and most importantly, a much safer home for you and your family.

The Power of Surge Protection – Guarding Your Gadgets

With everything from smart TVs to WiFi routers plugged in around the clock, a power surge can be an expensive nuisance. Surges can be caused by lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or faulty wiring, and they can fry your electronics in an instant.

A modern consumer unit with built-in surge protection safely diverts excess voltage away from your devices – protecting your gadgets (and your wallet).

It’s particularly useful here in Shrewsbury, where weather and grid conditions can sometimes be, shall we say, unpredictable.

Staying Compliant – 18th Edition Standards Explained

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations set the benchmark for electrical safety in the UK. Upgrading your fuse board ensures your home meets these current standards – a key consideration for both homeowners and landlords.

If you’re selling or renting your property, compliance isn’t just recommended, it can actually boost your property value and prevent legal headaches down the line.

Consumer Unit vs Old Fuse Box – More Control, Less Hassle

Modern consumer units make life easier. With individual RCBOs protecting each circuit, fault finding becomes straightforward, and there’s no guesswork involved in getting the power back on.

Instead of rewiring a fuse in the dark with a torch between your teeth (we’ve all been there), you simply flick a switch. Quick, clean, and safe.

Future-Proofing Your Home

As homes become more dependent on technology – EV chargers, smart thermostats, energy monitors, and the rest – older fuse boards simply can’t keep up.

A new consumer unit gives you the capacity and flexibility to handle today’s electrical loads while preparing for tomorrow’s upgrades. Think of it as giving your home’s electrics a much-needed MOT and a bit of future-proofing for good measure.

Why Choose RW Electrics Ltd?

• Local Expertise – As your friendly Shrewsbury electrician, we understand the quirks of both period properties and newer builds in the area.
• NAPIT Approved – All our work meets the highest professional and safety standards, complete with certification.
• Highly Rated by Locals – Our customers consistently praise our reliability, tidy workmanship, and clear communication (no jargon, no mess).
• Respectful & Tidy – We treat your home as if it were our own – dust sheets down, tidy-up after, job done properly.

Ready to Upgrade Your Fuse Board?

Upgrading to a modern consumer unit isn’t just a safety improvement – it’s an investment in your home’s reliability and value.

If you’re in Shrewsbury or the surrounding areas, contact Ray today at RW Electrics Ltd for a free, no-obligation quote and fuse board inspection.

Let’s make your home safer, smarter, and ready for whatever the future brings