The Ticking Time Bomb in Your Home: Why Your Old Consumer Unit and Gas Meter Are a Deadly Combination
Electricity and Gas meters
Have you ever taken a close look at your home’s electrical consumer unit (fuse box)? For many homes in Leicester and Leicestershire, the image we recently inspected is an all-too-common sight: an outdated, black consumer unit, likely dating back to the 1970s or '80s, sitting dangerously close to the gas meter.
This isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s a serious safety hazard that could put your family and property at risk of electric shock and fire. At 786 Electricals Limited, we are dedicated to making homes in our community safer, and this type of installation is a major red flag that requires immediate attention.
The Two-Fold Danger
There are two primary reasons why this setup is a ticking time bomb.
1. The Outdated Consumer Unit
Consumer units from the 1970s and '80s are simply not built to meet modern safety standards. The old-style rewireable fuses offer minimal protection compared to today's technology.
Most critically, these units lack Residual Current Devices (RCDs). RCDs are a modern safety requirement and are designed to cut the power in milliseconds if they detect an electrical fault, such as a short circuit or a person receiving a shock. Without this crucial protection, a simple fault can quickly lead to an arc flash, overheating, or a fatal electric shock.
2. The Proximity to the Gas Meter
A single spark from an old, faulty consumer unit could have catastrophic consequences if it occurs right next to a potential gas leak. Even a small, undetected leak could be ignited, leading to a devastating explosion.
This is why the official UK wiring regulations, BS 7671, state that electrical equipment—including a consumer unit—must maintain a minimum clearance of 15cm from the gas meter and any associated pipework. The installation we recently saw was well within this danger zone, a clear violation of safety regulations.
Our Recommendation: Inspect, Test, and Upgrade
If your consumer unit looks anything like the old, black plastic or metal boxes from the last century, it’s highly probable that your home’s electrical system is not adequately protected. The combination of an old, unprotected unit and its close proximity to a gas meter creates an unacceptable level of risk.
For the safety of your family and your property, we would highly recommend that your electrical installation is professionally inspected and tested. Our certified electricians at 786 Electricals Limited can perform an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the condition of your wiring and consumer unit.
Following a thorough inspection, we can provide a clear plan to upgrade your system. A modern consumer unit will come equipped with the latest safety features, including RCDs on every circuit, giving you the peace of mind that your home and loved ones are fully protected.
Don't ignore the warning signs. If your electrical installation looks like it's from a bygone era, it's time to act.
Contact 786 Electricals Limited today for a professional safety inspection. We are your local, trusted electricians serving Leicester and Leicestershire, ready to help you make your home a safer place.
