When Does Your Consumer Unit Need Replacing?

Your consumer unit (what most people still call the fuse board) is the most important part of your electrical system. It’s what protects you, your family and your property from electrical faults.

But how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade?

Signs your consumer unit needs replacing

It’s got a wooden back or old rewirable fuses

If your fuse board has a wooden backing or uses rewirable fuses (the ones with wire inside that you have to replace manually), it’s seriously outdated. These were standard decades ago but they offer nowhere near the level of protection that modern units provide.

There’s no RCD protection

An RCD (Residual Current Device) trips the power in milliseconds if it detects a fault that could cause an electric shock. If your consumer unit doesn’t have RCD protection, you’re missing a critical safety feature. Since 2008, all new installations require RCD protection as standard.

You keep getting trips or blown fuses

Frequent tripping can be a sign that your consumer unit is struggling to cope with the demand you’re putting on it. Modern homes have far more electrical devices than the systems in older properties were designed for.

The unit looks damaged or old

Burn marks, cracks, buzzing noises or a warm consumer unit are all warning signs that something isn’t right. Don’t ignore them.

You’re having other electrical work done

If you’re getting a rewire, an extension or any significant electrical work, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your consumer unit at the same time.

What does a replacement involve?

A consumer unit upgrade typically takes half a day to a full day. We’ll isolate the power, remove the old unit, install the new one with full RCD or RCBO protection, test everything and issue you with an electrical certificate.

It’s one of the most cost-effective safety upgrades you can make to your home.

Need advice? Give us a call on 01695 664375 and we’ll let you know whether an upgrade makes sense for your property.