Electrical safety in your council home
A modern fuse board, also known as a consumer unit, is made up of a series of switches. Each switch relates to a circuit, such as the lights or sockets, or individual appliances like an oven or electric shower.
Usually there will be labels on the switches indicating which circuit or appliance each switch relates to.
When an electrical fault occurs – either in a circuit or an appliance – the switch on the fuse board is designed to detect this and ‘trip’ the switch to the ‘off’ position. This is a safety measure to prevent any electrical power going to the faulty circuit or appliance and potentially causing a fire.
How to reset a fuse board
Dealing with a tripped fuse board is a common household task, but it’s important to approach it safely and precisely.
To reset a trip switch you will need to:
- Open the cover on the fuse board so you can see the trip switches
- Check which switch has tripped to the ‘off’ position
- Reset the trip by pushing the trip switch in or up
Repeated tripping
If you try putting the tripped switch back to the ‘on’ position but it either immediately trips again or it just won’t go back ‘on’ then try the following.
- Turn off and on the main switch: This may be labelled ‘main switch’ or it can be the biggest switch or the red switch on or next to the fuse board. Turn off the switch, count to 10 and switch it back on. Note that this will reset all plugged in electrical devices with timers and clocks in the property
- Turn off and unplug all appliances: Check the label of the tripped switch on the fuse board to identify the circuit or appliance where the fault lies. Turn off or unplug all appliances and lights on the affected circuit
- Reset the switch: Reset the switch by pushing the trip switch in or up
- Reconnect appliances: One by one, start reconnecting appliances to the circuit. If the fuse board trips again after connecting a particular appliance or switch, it may be the source of the problem. Stop using the appliance, consult an electrician or report the issue as a housing repair
If the fuse board doesn’t reset or continues to trip repeatedly, avoid further attempts and request a repair. if you are a leaseholder you should consult a professional.
Continuously resetting a tripped fuse board without resolving the underlying issue can lead to electrical hazards.
How to reset a fuse board with LED indicator lights
New fuse boards, installed from 2024 onwards, have different breakers with lights. A red light indicates the circuit or appliance has no faults and is operating as normal.
Should you have no power with a yellow light on or flashing light press the T button.
If it does not reset, follow the process above by resetting the main switch, disconnecting and reconnecting appliances. If it does not resolve the issue, call an electrician or arrange a repair.