# Understanding your fuse box

> The fuse box, or consumer unit, protects every circuit in your home. Knowing how it works helps you stay calm when the power trips.

The fuse box, or consumer unit, protects every circuit in your home. Knowing how it works helps you stay calm, and safe, when the power trips.

## Breakers and RCDs

Each switch is a breaker for one circuit. The wider switches are residual current devices, which cut the power in a fraction of a second if current leaks to earth.

## When a switch trips

- Unplug the appliances on that circuit.
- Reset the switch.
- Plug things back in one at a time to find the culprit.

If a switch keeps tripping with nothing plugged in, leave it off and book an electrician.

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Source: https://oakline.etchwpkitstest.site/understanding-your-fuse-box/
Updated: 2026-11-02