15 August 2025
What to Do During a Power Outage: Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses
Are you still relying on an outdated fuse box that could be putting your property at serious risk? Many homes and businesses across Southern England still operate with old-style fuse boxes that lack the modern protection systems we need today.
Without proper safeguards like RCDs and surge protection, you’re facing potential electrical fires, costly damage, and serious safety hazards. At Mission Road Electrical, we specialise in seamless fuse box upgrades that bring your electrical system up to current standards with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Let’s explore the advantages of upgrading your fuse box and why upgrading your fuse box isn’t just smart thinking – it’s essential for protecting what matters most.
Your consumer unit (the modern term for a fuse box) serves as the control centre for your property’s entire electrical system. It distributes electricity safely throughout your circuits whilst protecting against dangerous faults and overloads.
When comparing circuit breakers vs fuse wire, the key difference between old fuse boxes and today’s consumer units lies in their protection capabilities. Whilst traditional fuse wire systems simply cut power when overloaded, modern consumer units feature sophisticated circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs) that detect even minor electrical faults.
Think of it as the heart of your electrical safety system, constantly monitoring every circuit and ready to shut off power instantly if something goes wrong.
Understanding the benefits of a new fuse box helps you see why a consumer unit upgrade represents one of the most valuable investments in your property’s safety and functionality.
Modern consumer units feature RCDs that automatically trip within milliseconds when they detect earth leakage, preventing potentially fatal electric shocks. These life-saving devices monitor the electrical current flowing in and out of circuits, cutting power instantly if they sense any imbalance that could indicate a fault.
New units dramatically reduce the risk of electrical fires by incorporating advanced circuit breakers that respond faster to overloads and short circuits. Unlike old fuse wire that could fail dangerously, modern breakers provide reliable fire safety protection that could save your property and potentially lives.
Circuit breakers are infinitely more convenient than traditional fuses. When a circuit trips, you simply flip a switch to restore power rather than hunting for spare fuse wire and struggling with outdated components. This makes electrical maintenance straightforward and eliminates the temptation to use incorrect fuse ratings.
Upgrading ensures your electrical installation meets the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, keeping you compliant with current legal requirements. This compliance is crucial for insurance validity and demonstrates your commitment to electrical safety standards.
Modern consumer units appeal to prospective buyers and insurance companies alike. Many insurers now require updated electrical systems, and estate agents often highlight recent electrical upgrades as selling points. Your investment in safety becomes an investment in property value.
Today’s consumer units provide the capacity and compatibility needed for emerging technologies. Whether you’re planning EV chargers, solar PV systems, or additional circuits for home extensions, a modern unit gives you the flexibility to embrace new electrical demands.
For more insight into protecting these valuable additions, read our blog discussing why surge protection is essential for your property.
Recognising the signs you need a fuse box upgrade can prevent serious problems before they occur. Watch for these warning signs that indicate your electrical system needs attention:
If you’re unsure about EICR requirements or what these inspections reveal about your electrical safety, our blog explains what an EICR certificate is and why it matters for your property’s compliance and insurance.
When you choose us for your consumer unit upgrade, we follow a systematic approach that prioritises safety and compliance.
Our NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)-approved electricians begin with a thorough assessment of your existing installation, providing clear advice about necessary upgrades and transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
We safely remove your outdated unit and install your new consumer unit with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Every installation undergoes comprehensive testing to ensure perfect operation and full compliance with 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
You’ll receive an updated Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for insurance and compliance purposes, giving you complete peace of mind about your electrical safety upgrade.
Our team brings specialist expertise to every modern consumer unit installation across Southern England. As NICEIC-approved electricians with extensive experience in both residential and commercial electrical safety upgrades, we’ve built our reputation on delivering reliable, high-quality electrical work that our customers trust completely.
We take a customer-first approach to every project, ensuring safety, clarity, and compliance at every stage. Since our establishment, we’ve become the go-to choice for property owners who demand professional excellence backed by our 100% guarantee on workmanship and parts.
Don’t wait for electrical problems to put your property and loved ones at risk. Contact Mission Road Electrical today for your free consumer unit assessment and discover how our fuse box upgrade service delivers the fire safety and surge protection your property deserves.
Call us on 01202 283643 or complete our contact form to book your upgrade consultation.
As MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)-approved contractors with competitive pricing and highly trained professionals, we’ll ensure your electrical system meets current standards whilst providing the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is properly protected.
