Bath and Somerset are home to some incredibly beautiful historic properties, but what’s hiding behind the walls isn’t always as charming. Many older domestic properties in our area are still running on outdated electrical systems that were never built to handle the demands of modern living.
At the heart of your home’s electrical safety is the consumer unit, often still called a fuse box. If yours is looking a little tired, it might be time for an upgrade.
How do you know if your current setup is no longer fit for purpose? Look out for these common warning signs:
Frequent tripping: If you find yourself constantly resetting the breakers when you boil the kettle and run the washing machine at the same time, your system is likely overloaded.
Wooden backing or cast iron switches: If your fuse box has a wooden back, cast iron switches, or no cover at all, it is incredibly outdated and poses a significant fire risk.
Lack of RCD protection: Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are life-saving switches that trip the circuit instantly if they detect a fault. Modern regulations require them, but older fuse boxes often lack them entirely. You can read more about the current rules in our guide to the 18th Edition wiring regulations.
Flickering lights or scorching: Any signs of thermal damage around your sockets or consumer unit need immediate professional attention.
Upgrading to a modern, metal-clad consumer unit that complies with the latest BS 7671 wiring regulations isn’t a box-ticking exercise, it provides real peace of mind. A new unit significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires, protects your family from fatal electric shocks, and makes sure your home can safely handle the load of modern appliances, EV chargers, and smart technology.
If you live in an older property, an upgrade is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make, and it often pairs well with a full home rewire. As experienced electricians in Bath, we see the difference it makes every week. While you are making your home safer, it is worth looking at running costs too. Our guide to reducing your energy bills at home has five practical places to start.
Need a professional assessment? At Darrington Electrical Services Bath, we specialise in keeping domestic properties safe and compliant. Contact us today to book an inspection of your current consumer unit.
Have a question or want to get in touch? Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you’d like a quote for a specific job, you can request a free quote here.
During our time serving the Bath area, Darrington Electrical has built a firm reputation as being a reliable and trustworthy company who complete the job on time and within budget.
When you get in touch, you will be dealt with quickly and professionally with all efforts made to meet your exacting requirements at a time to suit you. Let us take care of your electrical project, let us know how we can help you.