If you have found a hole in your fuse box, this could be a potentially serious situation⚠️
A hole in a fuse box can expose electrical wiring, components and equipment and can compromise the safety of you and those around you. A hole in the consumer unit can allow, dust, moisture, and debris to enter the electrical system which can cause further problems leading to malfunctioning components, arcing, sparking and even fires in some cases.
If you have this kind of problem then you should:
- Turn off the power immediately. Before you check the fuse box any closer, you must ensure that all the power is completely turned off to the system. This may not be possible in all cases as some electrical systems do not have an external isolator which makes it impossible to fully isolate the power from the fuse box. Locate the main switch for the electrical installation, this is normally separate to the fuse box / consumer unit and will isolate the power to the whole installation. If you are AT ALL unsure then call your local emergency electrician. We cover the North West.
- Assess the extent of the damage to the fuse box or consumer unit. If the hole is a small opening, then it may be possible to cover the hole temporarily with some electrical tape or a make shift cover to prevent anyone coming to harm. Care should be taken if attempting any kind of cover up as electric shock is a very dangerous and real possibility. If the hole is large or damage is significant then NO ATTEMPT should be made to cover the hole and a professional should be consulted immediately to attend your home and make the necessary repairs.
- Contact a professional. We would recommend contacting a professional electrician to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs. Working with electricity requires skill, knowledge and specialist tools in order to comply with safety regulations and ensure everyone’s well-being.
- Avoid using the electrical system and turn off the power until the professional arrives to make safe the situation for you. This will minimise the electric shock risk to yourself and those around you. A professional should be able to make safe the fuse box or completely repair this for you. We carry a multitude of spare parts and covers to fix issues such as this, first time, every time and, unless the damage is substantial, we are able to fix things for you quickly.
- If the damage is extensive then it may be necessary to completely replace the consumer unit or fuse box. In these cases, a quote will be given for further works and the situation explained to you.
Electrical issues are not a trivial matter. The electrical system in our homes can be potentially deadly and requires the utmost respect and care when it is dealt with. Left unchecked, electrical issues can develop into deadly situation that we see all too often with our emergency works and many of which could have been avoided if early action had been taken.
What should I do if there is an electrical problem?🤔
If you have an electrical problem like a hole in consumer unit then early intervention is key. Remember, this is just one problem that can BE SEEN. Electrical systems should be regularly tested ad inspected by a qualified professional to ascertain if there are dangerous situations with the wiring or earthing of the system. Typically, when a problem is found there are often further problems that are hidden and are uncovered when testing and inspection is carried out. Only a qualified professional can determine the safety of a wiring system.
Safety should be the number one priority for your home and we aim to provide that for you along with peace of mind.
How often should a wiring system be inspected?💭
The IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) are responsible for producing and updating the safety wiring regulations relating to electrical installations. They recommend that a private domestic property is inspected and tested every ten years as a minimum.
If your home has not had an electrical inspection carried out in over ten years OR you do not know when the last check was then please get in touch with us and we will advise. The relatively low cost of a thorough, extensive electrical check fade in comparison with the peace of mind obtained through finding out the condition of the wiring system in your home.
Buying or selling a house?🏡
If you spot a hole in the consumer unit when buying or selling a house then there may be further issues with the electrical system. Holes in consumer units can easily be rectified by an electrician and costs little to do. As such, a hole in a consumer unit can indicate neglect and it is likely that there is further neglect that cannot be seen. A full and thorough electrical inspection (not to be confused with cheap quick inspections) will take several hours and produce a 6–8-page report detailing any defects or dangerous situations with the wiring allowing you time to make decisions about your sale or purchase.
