No-Nonsense Guide to Electrics, Fuse Boxes & Keeping Your Home Safe
- Jubo Heating & Electrical
- Aug 7, 2025
- 4 min read
Understanding your home’s electrics can feel like learning a new language. But if you're a homeowner, knowing the basics - especially about your fuse box, electrical safety, and rewiring needs - is essential for keeping your home safe and futureproofed.
Whether you're upgrading your property, installing a new kitchen, or just wondering why the lights keep flickering, this no-nonsense guide will walk you through what you need to know about electrical installations, consumer units, and more, without the jargon.
Why Your Fuse Box (Consumer Unit) Matters
Your fuse box, now more commonly referred to as a consumer unit, is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It controls and distributes electricity across your house, and it’s responsible for shutting off power during a fault.
Suppose your fuse box is outdated or doesn't comply with modern safety standards. In that case, your home may be at risk, and you could be in breach of building regulations, especially if you’re planning renovations or an extension.
Key signs your fuse box might need upgrading:
It still uses fuses with wire rather than circuit breakers
There’s no RCD (Residual Current Device) protection
It's more than 25 years old
It trips frequently or smells of burning
An electrical fuse box upgrade ensures your home meets current regulations and reduces the risk of fires or electric shock.
What's the Difference Between a Fuse Box and a Consumer Unit?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a key difference.
Old fuse boxes use rewirable fuses that you manually replace when they blow.
Modern consumer units use circuit breakers and RCDs that trip instantly when they detect a fault - far safer and quicker to reset.
If your home still has an old-style fuse box, upgrading to a modern consumer unit should be top of your to-do list.
Do I Need a Full Rewire?
A full house rewire isn’t something you want to do unless it’s absolutely necessary - it’s a major job. But in many older homes, especially those built before the 1980s, the original wiring may not meet today’s safety standards.
You might need a rewire if:
You notice burn marks, buzzing sockets, or a burning smell
The wiring is covered in black rubber, lead or fabric
Your lights dim or flicker without reason
You’re planning a major renovation (e.g. kitchen extension)
Your fuse box constantly trips, especially when using appliances
A professional electrical inspection can help determine if a partial or full rewire is needed. At Jubo, we offer safe, compliant rewiring services throughout London and Kent.
What is an Electrical Safety Certificate?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), commonly known as an electrical safety certificate, is a report issued after a qualified electrician inspects your home’s electrical system. It identifies any defects or areas not meeting current regulations.
Who needs one?
Landlords (it's legally required every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy)
Homebuyers (especially if the survey raised concerns)
Homeowners planning work involving electrics
If your EICR shows 'unsatisfactory' results, you’ll need to carry out remedial works to bring your system up to standard.
When Should You Call an Electrician?
You should always call a qualified professional if:
You're experiencing frequent power outages or tripping
You’re installing new appliances that require wiring
You want to fit new EV chargers, outdoor lighting, or solar panel systems
You're renovating or extending your property
You just moved into an older property and want peace of mind
Don’t risk DIY electrics. Aside from the obvious safety concerns, any non-certified work could invalidate your insurance or make it harder to sell your home later.
What About Solar Panels & EV Chargers?
Thinking about the switch to renewable energy or electric vehicles? Smart move.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels need to be integrated into your home’s existing electrical setup by a qualified installer. They require modern consumer units and safe electrical routing, not to mention compatibility with battery storage if you’re planning to go further.
EV Charger Installation
Installing an EV charger at home requires proper load calculation, a dedicated circuit, and compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations. It’s not a plug-and-play job, and it definitely isn’t one for the local handyman.
Electrical Work Without the Headache
At Jubo Services, we keep things simple. No jargon. No over-engineering. Just honest advice, certified work, and a reliable team that shows up when they say they will.
From consumer unit upgrades and rewires to electrical safety testing, we help homeowners and landlords stay safe, compliant, and future-ready.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for a Shock
Electricity is easy to forget about until something goes wrong. But the consequences of faulty electrics range from annoying to life-threatening.
If you’ve been putting off that fuse box upgrade or you’re unsure about your home's wiring, get in touch with Jubo today.
