Distribution Board Upgrade

Consumer Unit Upgrades for Domestic Properties

Upgrading your home’s consumer unit (also known as a distribution board) is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. A modern consumer unit provides enhanced protection against electrical faults, reduces the risk of fire, and ensures compliance with the latest electrical regulations. Here’s everything you need to know about upgrading your consumer unit.

Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?

  • Enhanced Safety: Modern consumer units come equipped with Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), providing superior protection against electrical faults and potential fires.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Upgrading ensures your electrical system meets the latest standards and regulations, such as those outlined in the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
  • Increased Capacity: With the growing number of electrical appliances in homes, an upgraded consumer unit can handle higher electrical loads, preventing overloads and potential hazards.
  • Futureproofing: A new consumer unit is designed to accommodate future expansions and upgrades, making it easier to add new circuits for additional rooms, appliances, or renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Our Upgrade Process

  • Initial Assessment: Our certified electricians will assess your current consumer unit and overall electrical system to determine the need for an upgrade. This includes checking the age, condition, and capacity of your existing setup.
  • Planning and Consultation: We will discuss the best options for your home, considering the number of circuits you need, the type of protection devices, and any future requirements you might have.
  • Professional Installation: Our team will safely remove the old consumer unit and install a new, state-of-the-art unit. We use high-quality components to ensure reliability and safety.
  • Testing and Certification: After installation, we conduct comprehensive tests to ensure everything is functioning correctly. We provide an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and update your circuit schedule.
  • Regulatory Notification: In compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations, we notify the local authority of the upgrade to ensure all work meets the required standards.
  • Ongoing Support: We offer regular maintenance checks and are available for any future upgrades or modifications you may need.

Types of Consumer Units

  • Standard Consumer Units: Suitable for small to medium homes, offering basic protection with MCBs.
  • Dual RCD Units: Provide additional safety with two RCDs, ensuring that if one RCD trips, the other continues to protect the remaining circuits.
  • Fully RCBO Units: Each circuit is individually protected by an RCBO, offering the highest level of protection and minimizing the risk of total power loss.

Get in touch

Please use the form below to request a call with our team. We will arrange a site visit to discuss your installation options and confirm your quote
Or call our team on
01480 772010

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    Upgrading Your Consumer Unit

    FAQs

    What is a consumer unit?

    A consumer unit, also known as a fuse box or distribution board, is the main control point for
    your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to various circuits within the property
    and contains safety devices like circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs).

    Why should I upgrade my consumer unit?

    Upgrading your consumer unit ensures better safety, compliance with current regulations,
    increased capacity for electrical load, and improved functionality. Modern units provide
    enhanced protection against electrical faults and reduce the risk of fire and electric shock.

    How do I know if my consumer unit needs upgrading?

    Signs that you may need to upgrade your consumer unit include:

    • An old fuse box with rewireable fuses
    • Frequent circuit breaker trips
    • Scorch marks or burning smells around the unit
    • No RCD protection
    • Adding new electrical circuits or major appliances
    • Electrical installation condition report (EICR) indicating non-compliance
    What are the benefits of a modern consumer unit?
    • Enhanced Safety: Modern units include RCDs and circuit breakers that provide better protection against electrical faults.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Ensures your electrical system meets the latest safety standards.
    • Increased Capacity: Can handle higher electrical loads, suitable for modern homes with numerous electrical devices.
    • Future-Proofing: Easier to add new circuits for future needs.
    What does the upgrade process involve?
    • Initial Assessment: Our certified electrician assesses your current unit and electrical system by carrying out an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).
    • Planning: Discuss the best type of consumer unit for your needs.
    • Installation: The old unit is safely removed and the new unit installed.
    • Testing: Comprehensive testing to ensure everything is working correctly.
    • Certification: An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued, and your circuit schedule is updated.
    How long does it take to upgrade a consumer unit?

    Upgrading a consumer unit typically takes between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity of the installation and the condition of the existing wiring.

    Will I need to turn off the electricity during the upgrade?

    Yes, the power will need to be turned off during the installation process. Our electricians will work efficiently to minimize the disruption to your daily routine.

    How much does it cost to upgrade a consumer unit?

    The cost of upgrading a consumer unit can vary based on factors such as the type of unit, the number of circuits, and the complexity of the installation. On average, you can expect to pay between £650 and £1200. Please note this is only an estimate, please contact us for a more precise quote.

    What types of consumer units are available?
    • Standard Units: Basic protection with circuit breakers.
    • Dual RCD Units: Enhanced protection with two RCDs.
    • Fully RCBO Units: Each circuit is protected by its own RCBO, offering the highest level of protection and reliability.
    What is RCD protection?

    A Residual Current Device (RCD) is a safety device that automatically cuts off the electricity supply if it detects a fault, such as a current leak. This helps to prevent electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires.

    Will upgrading my consumer unit make a mess?

    Our electricians aim to keep disruption and mess to a minimum. Any necessary cutting or drilling will be done with care, and we will ensure a thorough cleanup once the installation is complete.

    What should I do if I have more questions or want to schedule an upgrade?

    Contact us today for more information. to schedule a consultation go to our contact us page. Our team of certified electricians are here to help you ensure your home’s electrical system is safe, efficient, and up to date.