A consumer unit, also known as a fuse board or electrical fuse box, distributes electricity from the mains supply to individual circuits around a property. It acts as the control centre for the power supply while helping to prevent electrical shocks and fires, as each circuit is monitored and will trip the system if any overloads are detected. A distribution board typically includes a main switch which can be used to manually turn the power off and on if required to isolate the supply. Various devices are then fitted according to the requirements of the building and the occupants.