When to replace your fuse box? 7 signs
The fuse box (consumer unit) is the heart of your electrics. An outdated or overloaded unit is not only inconvenient, but also a safety risk. You can recognise from these signs that replacement is wise.
A modern fuse box distributes power over sufficient circuits and protects you with RCDs against electrocution and fire. Many homes in The Hague still have an old box with too few circuits or without proper RCD protection. These are the signs that it is time.
7 signs that replacement is sensible
One or more of these points? Then have your fuse box professionally assessed.
The fuses trip often
Does a circuit trip regularly? Then your fuse box is overloaded for your current electricity consumption.
Still old-fashioned fuse wire
Rewirable fuses (porcelain fuses) indicate an outdated installation without modern protection.
No RCD or one RCD
A modern fuse box has at least two RCDs. If they're missing, you lack essential protection.
Too few circuits
Washing machine, dishwasher, oven and microwave at the same time? With too few circuits the fuse box is constantly overloaded.
New heavy consumers
Solar panels, a heat pump, induction hob or EV charging point often require additional (power) circuits.
Warm or discoloured cupboard
Does the box feel warm, do you smell burning or see brown discolouration? Call for help immediately — this is a fire risk.
Renovation or extension
With an extension, loft conversion or extra bathroom, it's the logical moment to future-proof the fuse box straight away.
Protection against electrocution and fire
An RCD measures whether current is "leaking" — for example via a wet appliance or a person. At the slightest difference it switches off the power within milliseconds. That difference between having or not having RCD protection can literally be life-saving.
- RCD protects people against electrocution.
- Circuit breakers protect cables against overload and short circuits.
- Sufficient circuits prevent the power tripping during normal use.
What you can expect
A neat, safe approach:
- We assess the current fuse box and your electricity needs.
- An appropriate number of circuits plus RCD protection.
- Neatly installed, tested and with a guarantee on the work.
How replacing a fuse box works
Installing a new fuse box is more than swapping a box. The installer first looks at what you currently have in the house and what you'll need in the coming years. This prevents you having to expand again shortly after replacement.
Step by step
- Survey. Which circuits are there, what's on them and which heavy appliances do you use? Also think about plans such as induction cooking, a heat pump, solar panels or an EV charging point.
- Design. Heavy consumers get their own circuit and the circuits are distributed across multiple RCDs or get their own RCBO. This way, if there is a fault, the whole house does not go out.
- Check the connection. The main connection and the meter belong to the grid operator. If more capacity is needed, you request it from the grid operator. Only the grid operator works on the connection and the meter.
- Replacement. The power is off for a while. The old box is removed and the new box is installed and connected.
- Testing and explanation. Every circuit and every RCD is measured and tested. You receive an overview of which circuit serves which area.
What you can safely do yourself
Write down which lights and sockets are on which circuit. You can do this by switching off one circuit and seeing what goes off. Also press the test button on your RCDs from time to time; they should trip immediately. Otherwise, stay away from the fuse box: never remove a cover plate and don't replace fuses or switches yourself.
Old installation, more control
With an old installation, the electrician also inspects the wiring in your home. If there are still old cables without earth or if cables are damaged, he will discuss with you what is sensible. Sometimes only a new fuse box is enough, sometimes it is wise to also renew part of the wiring. Read more on our page about the fuse box (consumer unit).
Related services
Need help? View the related service or call us directly.
Good to know
Short answers to questions we're often asked.
A standard replacement is often completed within half a day. If extra circuits or three-phase power are added, it may take longer. We agree this with you in advance.
Yes, the property will be without power for a short time during the replacement. We schedule this to minimise inconvenience and switch everything back on and test it afterwards.
That depends on your appliances and property. Rule of thumb: heavy consumers (oven, washing machine, dishwasher, hob) each get their own circuit. We'll determine the right number together with you.
Need help in The Hague or the Randstad?
Feel free to call us for advice or an appointment. In emergencies we're available 24/7.