What to Know Before Upgrading the Fuse Box in Your Business
Posted on: 11 October 2016
The fuse box is the piece of equipment that divides, directs and controls the electricity that is consumed in your business premises. Fuse boxes are not designed to last forever, and as the electrical needs of your business begin to change, you may be forced to upgrade to a fuse box that can accommodate the change. Also, old fuse boxes can overheat or even pose electrical hazards at the workplace. To avoid this, it is essential to replace the fuse board with a newer and safer model that will meet the electrical needs of the business.
What does a fuse box consist of?
It is paramount to understand the various components and the role they play in controlling electricity. These components are the main switch, circuit breakers, and residual current devices:
- The main switch allows you to turn off power in the business premises. It is possible to have more than one main switch depending on the electrical design. In this case, you will have more than one fuse box.
- Circuit breakers are protective devices that turn off electrical current in the event of a fault to prevent overheating. When ther trip, the electrical fault should be fixed before turning them on again.
- Residual current devices are life-saving switches that disconnect electricity in a particular circuit to prevent an electrical shock if one touches an exposed live wire. Also, it can disconnect electricity to avoid electrical-related fires.
All these components of the fuse box are critical for electrical safety, and they should be in good working condition at all times.
Should you upgrade the entire fuse box?
If a certain component of your fuse box is not working properly, you may be thinking about replacing the particular component only. However, this may not be a good idea for your business electrical needs. Remember, technological advancements have led to the introduction of new fuse boxes with advanced components. The newer models are safer and work more quickly than earlier versions. By upgrading the entire fuse box together with the parts, you can increase its capability in promoting safety and controlling electricity in your business.
How long does an upgrade take?
The idea of experiencing downtime during a fuse box upgrade may be a turn off for most business owners. However, the process of upgrading should take a few hours. Unless there are any faulty components, you can schedule the upgrade during off-peak hours, or over the weekend when the business is closed. Negotiate with your electrical contractor to ensure minimal interruption of business operations during the upgrade.
Upgrading the fuse box in your business premises can improve electrical efficiency, and promote safety when handling electrical equipment and appliances. Find an experienced electrical contractor who can recommend and install the latest and most efficient fuse box models that will be suitable for your business.
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