Is Your Consumer Unit Putting Your Leicester Home at Risk? The Crucial Benefits of an Upgrade

Your consumer unit, often still referred to as a "fuse box," is the very heart of your home's electrical system. It's designed to safely distribute electricity throughout your property and, crucially, to cut off power quickly in the event of a fault. But like any vital component, consumer units age, and older models simply don't offer the level of protection that modern homes and appliances demand.

At 786 Electricals, we regularly see older properties in Leicester and Leicestershire that are still relying on outdated consumer units. While they might appear to be working, they could be harbouring hidden dangers.

Why Upgrading Your Consumer Unit is Crucially Safer

A modern consumer unit offers a dramatically enhanced level of safety compared to its older counterparts. Here's why upgrading is not just recommended, but often essential:

Superior Protection Against Electric Shock:

• Residual Current Devices (RCDs): Modern consumer units come equipped with RCDs as standard. These life-saving devices detect even small imbalances in the electrical current (known as earth faults) and trip the power almost instantly – much faster than traditional fuses or older circuit breakers. This is vital for protecting you and your family from potentially fatal electric shocks, for example, if you accidentally cut through a cable or if an appliance develops a fault.
• Many older fuse boxes lack RCD protection entirely, leaving residents vulnerable.

Enhanced Fire Prevention:

• Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs): These automatically trip if a circuit becomes overloaded or a short circuit occurs, preventing wires from overheating and significantly reducing the risk of electrical fires. Unlike old-style fuses which need replacing, MCBs can simply be reset once the fault is cleared.
• Non-Combustible Enclosures: Since January 2016, UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) require consumer unit enclosures in domestic premises to be made from non-combustible materials, typically metal. This is a critical safety upgrade, as it helps to contain any potential fire originating within the unit, preventing it from spreading into your home. Older plastic units can contribute to the spread of fire.

Increased Capacity for Modern Living:

• Today's homes are packed with more electrical appliances than ever before – dishwashers, electric showers, EV chargers, smart home tech, and more. Older fuse boxes simply weren't designed to handle such high demands, leading to frequent tripping, inconvenience, and potentially dangerous overloading. A new consumer unit provides the capacity and robust protection needed for modern electrical loads.

Clarity and Convenience:

• Modern units have clearly labelled circuits and easily resettable switches, making it much simpler to identify and isolate a faulty circuit compared to fumbling with old wire fuses in the dark.

How 786 Electricals Makes Your Upgrade Easy

Thinking about upgrading your consumer unit? 786 Electricals makes the process straightforward and stress-free.

Here's how we can help:

• Initial Advice Over the Phone: We understand you might have questions. Simply contact us and send over details or even a few images of your current consumer unit. We can often provide initial advice and discuss potential options with you right over the phone, helping you understand the process before we even visit.
• Expert Assessment: Our certified electricians will carry out a thorough assessment of your existing electrical installation. This isn't just about looking at the fuse box; it involves checking your earthing and bonding, meter tails, and the overall condition of your wiring to ensure a safe and compliant upgrade.
• Tailored Solutions: We'll recommend the best consumer unit for your specific needs, considering the size of your property, your electrical demands, and any future plans (like an EV charger or extension).

Why Professional, Certified, and Notified Installation is Non-Negotiable

A consumer unit upgrade is not a DIY job. It's a significant electrical installation that carries serious risks if not handled correctly.

• Qualified Professionals: At 786 Electricals, our electricians are highly trained, qualified, and experienced in consumer unit replacements. This ensures the work is carried out safely and to the highest standards.
• Certified to BS 7671: All our work complies with the latest IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), the national standard for electrical installations in the UK. This means your new consumer unit will be installed to current safety requirements.
• Part P Building Regulations & Building Control Notification: Replacing a consumer unit is classed as "notifiable work" under Part P of the Building Regulations. This is a legal requirement designed to ensure electrical safety in homes. As a NICEIC certified company, 786 Electricals is authorised to self-certify our work. This means:
• We carry out the work to the required standards.
• We notify your Local Authority Building Control on your behalf.
• You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate upon completion, proving the work is safe and compliant. This is crucial for insurance purposes and when you come to sell your property.

Don't compromise on electrical safety. If your home in Leicester or Leicestershire has an old fuse box, or if you're experiencing electrical issues, it's time to consider a consumer unit upgrade.



Contact 786 Electricals today. Send us your details and images, and let our certified professionals provide you with a safe, modern, and reliable electrical heart for your home.