Fuses
Rewirable fuses have a piece of special wire running between two screws designed specifically to melt and break When a fault or overload current flows through the circuit. The melted fuse breaks the circuit, disconnecting the faulty circuit and keeping you safe.

MCB’s – Mini Circuit Breakers

These are automatic protection devices in a household consumer unit that switch off a circuit if they detect a fault. They are similar in size to fuses, but give more precise protection. When they ‘trip’ you can simply reset the switch, but make sure you correct the fault first.

An MCB is a form of fuse (protective device) which overcomes the traditional problem associated with fuses in so much as when one blows it does not need to be replaced as a fuse does. MCB’s operate when they sense an overload, or over current, and become an automatic switch, turning off, or tripping, the MCB when it detects such an overload.

RCD – Residual Current Devices
See what our customers had to say about our work with RCD’s here.

A residual current device (RCD) is an electrical safety device that turns off the electricity supply automatically if there is a fault in either your wiring or something you plug in and use. RCD’s are far more sensitive than normal fuses and circuit-breakers and so provide you with much needed extra protection against an electric shock.

Having an RCD can save your life. An RCD constantly monitors the electric current flowing around your system. If it detects electricity flowing down an unintended path, such as into a person who has touched something live, it will switch the circuit off very quickly as they usually operate within 25-30 milliseconds, thereby significantly reducing the risk of death or serious injury. Circuit breakers and wire fuses can take significantly longer to turn off the power, as they are primarily designed to protect the wiring, and this can prove fatal if a person was getting an electric shock. If your home has one or more RCD’s, then you must test them regularly.

Testing the button every three months is important. The device should switch off the electricity to a number of circuits; you should then switch it back on to restore the electricity. Do not hold the test button for a long period if the RCD does not trip. If it doesn’t switch off the electricity when you press the button, contact a registered electrician. To test, just follow the instruction label, which you should find near to the RCD. It should read as follows:

“This installation, or part of it, is protected by a device which automatically switches off the supply if an earth fault develops. Test every three months by pressing the button marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’.” More on RCD’s

We employ reliable professionals who are trained to deal with all aspects of electrical faults. AA Electrical Services is a reputable installation, repair and maintenance service company covering the South East area. Our team of electricians provides you with maintenance of your electrical installation and appliances as well as a fast and reliable breakdown service. Recognising current British standards, our electrical engineers are NICEIC registered, Part P accredited and qualified to 17th edition standard, as certified by the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE). This enables us to offer the highest levels of professional service to you.