It's hard to know if you need a new consumer unit in a property for a homeowner.
Things have come a long way in terms of electrical safety over the years.
This should help you decide if it's a good idea to upgrade to your fuse board, or if you actually need to.
What does the consumer unit actually do?
A consumer unit or fuseboard is the heart of every electrical installation.This is where every cable is controlled.
To stop Overload, Fault Protection and load management.
The board will usually contain 1 main switch and a number of different size fuses to each circuit in the property.
The smaller the fuse, the smaller the load in that particular circuit.
One of the very common fuseboards are the Wylex boards with rewireable fuses.
These boards began to be installed in the 1950s.
Each fuse had rewireable fuse wire.
Although very efficient in the past, they are not good enough for the modern day electrical installation.
Fuse wire is no longer sold in wholesalers
This is one of the reasons the only option when working in a property with a fuseboard of this age is to upgrade the whole lot.
Newer boards are fitted with MCBs(miniature circuit breakers) ; these are switches that can detect the circuit overload and shut the supply off.
Then came the RCD (Residual Current Device).
An RCD could detect a fault on a circuit and isolate the supply quickly.
There are boards that are installed today in 2024 that are called dual RCD boards.
These boards are fitted with 2 x RCD that protect more than one circuit.
Also protected by the MCB for overloading to that circuit.
The only problem with these boards is, when one circuit has a fault it will isolate other circuits that are completely fine.
The solution to this is having a MCB and a RCD in one device.
A fully loaded RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current) will protect each circuit in the property for fault protection and overload.
You also have the option of and AFDD(Arc Fault Detection Devices)
The AFDD device is the latest protection device for electrical installation, but is not required unless the property is a HMO.
The most commonly used consumer unit installed in the UK is a fully loaded RCBO board equip with SPD.
SPD are surge protection devices that protect the electrical installation from power surges or transient overvoltages. These can be caused by lighting strikes and switching sources.
How Long Will A New Consumer Unit Last?
Although once installed the fuse board will last for a number of years in that property, there are however many reasons to upgrade early.
If you have an extension and need more circuits added to the property, then you will need to upgrade the board or have another one installed.
This is why when an electrician install a consumer unit, they install it with room for expansion in the future.
When an electrician is called to do extra work in a property, the existing installation has to meet a certain criteria.
One of those criterias for a new light position or socket outlet is RCD protection.
This could be one new double socket in a property could cost you from £600.
What Are The Benefits Of Having a New Consumer Unit?
Enhanced Safety:
Protection from Electrical Faults: Modern consumer units come with Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Circuit Breakers, which provide better protection against electrical faults, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire.
Improved Fire Safety: Upgrading to a new consumer unit can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by outdated or faulty wiring and components.
Compliance with Regulations:
Current Standards: An upgraded consumer unit ensures that your electrical system complies with the latest electrical safety standards and regulations, such as the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations in the UK.
Insurance Requirements: Many insurance companies require properties to have modern, compliant electrical installations. Upgrading your consumer unit can help you meet these requirements and avoid potential issues with insurance claims.
Better Energy Efficiency:
Load Management: Modern consumer units allow for better management and distribution of electrical loads, which can lead to improved energy efficiency and lower electricity bills.
Smart Features: Some new consumer units come with smart technology that can monitor energy usage and provide insights into how to reduce consumption.
Future-Proofing:
Increased Capacity: Upgrading allows for additional circuits to be added, which is essential if you plan to extend your property or add high-demand appliances like electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, or home automation systems.
Adaptability: A modern consumer unit is better equipped to handle the increasing electrical demands of today’s technology-driven homes and businesses.
Reduced Maintenance and Repair Costs:
Reliability: New consumer units are more reliable and less prone to issues, reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.
Longevity: Investing in a modern consumer unit can extend the overall lifespan of your electrical system, providing long-term savings.
Improved Functionality and Convenience:
Easier Troubleshooting: Modern units often come with clearly labelled circuits and advanced features that make it easier to identify and troubleshoot electrical issues.
Remote Monitoring and Control: Some advanced consumer units offer the ability to monitor and control your electrical system remotely, providing greater convenience and peace of mind.
Property Value:
Increased Market Appeal: Upgrading to a modern consumer unit can enhance the appeal of your property to potential buyers, as it signals a safe and up-to-date electrical system.
What Are The Bad Points To A New Consumer Unit?
There are a number of Electricians who can change a consumer unit. There are less that can do it properly.
When upgrading the consumer unit, the wiring will need to be tested to make sure the new devices will work properly under fault conditions.
Terminals have to be torqued to the correct setting to ensure a good connection. A good electrician will test their own work and make sure the installation is 100% before leaving it live.