Is your consumer unit at home in need of updating?

Upgrade Your Consumer Unit for Enhanced Safety and Peace of Mind

If your property's electrical system hasn't been recently inspected or maintained, we highly recommend upgrading your consumer unit. Modern consumer units, specifically those with Type A RCDs and integrated surge protection, represent the latest in electrical safety technology and can significantly reduce risks, potentially saving lives.

Why is this upgrade so important?

• Superior Protection: Older fuse boxes primarily offer basic protection against overloads. Modern consumer units go far beyond this, incorporating Residual Current Devices (RCDs) that detect even small electrical leakages to earth, which can prevent severe electric shocks and significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires. Type A RCDs offer enhanced protection against a wider range of fault currents compared to older types.
• Protection from Power Surges: Integrated surge protection devices (SPDs) shield your valuable electronic appliances and sensitive equipment from damaging voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes or fluctuations in the mains supply. These surges can silently degrade or instantly destroy your electronics, leading to costly replacements.
• Compliance with Regulations: The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) now mandates metal consumer units for improved fire resistance and strongly recommends, or in some cases requires, RCD protection for all circuits and surge protection where consequences of overvoltage could be significant. Upgrading ensures your property meets current safety standards.
• Easier Fault Finding and Resetting: Unlike old fuse boxes where you might struggle to identify a blown fuse and then have to replace a wire, modern consumer units use circuit breakers that simply trip. This makes it much easier to identify the faulty circuit and safely reset the power.
• Increased Capacity: Modern homes use far more electrical appliances than in the past. An older consumer unit may not have the capacity to handle the increased electrical load, leading to frequent tripping and potential overheating. A new unit ensures your system can safely meet your current and future demands, including for things like electric vehicle charging points or heat pumps.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your electrical system is up-to-date and protected by the latest safety features offers invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.

How long do consumer units typically last before needing replacement?

While there's no strict "expiration date," consumer units generally have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. However, several factors can necessitate an earlier replacement:

• Age and Type: If your consumer unit is significantly older than 20-30 years, especially if it's an old fuse box with re-wirable fuses, it will lack essential modern safety features like RCDs and SPDs.
• Frequent Tripping: If your circuit breakers are frequently tripping, it could indicate an overloaded system, faulty wiring, or an old unit struggling to cope.
• Visible Damage: Signs of wear and tear, burn marks, scorching, or a burning smell coming from the unit are serious red flags that require immediate attention.
• No RCD Protection: If your current unit lacks RCD protection for your circuits (you'll often see a "test" button if it has them), it's a strong indicator that an upgrade is needed for shock protection.
• Renovations or Additions: If you're undertaking major renovations, adding new circuits, or installing high-power appliances (like electric showers, car chargers, or solar panels), your existing unit may not have sufficient capacity or the necessary protection.
• Property Sale/Purchase: When buying or selling a property, mortgage lenders often require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). If the report highlights deficiencies in the consumer unit, an upgrade will likely be required for the sale to proceed.
• Landlord Obligations: For landlords, an EICR is legally required at least every five years, or at the start of a new tenancy, to ensure electrical safety standards are met.

786 Electrical offers a comprehensive consumer unit replacement service starting from £700.00. This price includes all necessary parts, an Electrical Installation Certificate, and a Building Control Notification Certificate, ensuring the work is fully compliant and officially registered.

Contact us today to learn more about how a new consumer unit can benefit your home and provide enhanced safety for years to come. We're always happy to help!