Replacing A Consumer Unit

Replacing Consumer Unit

When considering replacement consumer units (often referred to as fuse boxes), it’s important to take several factors into account to ensure safety, compliance with regulations, and compatibility with your electrical system. Here’s a guide on key considerations:

1. Types of Consumer Units:

• Main Switch Consumer Unit: Has a single main switch controlling the power to all circuits; suitable for homes where all circuits are protected by RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overload).
• Split Load Consumer Unit: Includes a main switch and an RCD (Residual Current Device) that protects several circuits. Common for medium-sized homes.
• High Integrity Consumer Unit: Allows certain circuits to be isolated from the main RCD, offering more flexibility and safety.
• Fully RCBO Consumer Unit: Each circuit has individual protection, offering the highest level of safety and the least inconvenience if one circuit trips.

2. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure the consumer unit complies with the latest regulations (e.g., BS 7671). Regulations are updated frequently, so using up-to-date units ensures compliance and safety.
• New installations or replacements require consumer unit to include surge protection.

3. RCD Protection:

• RCD`s and RCBO`s protect against electric shock by cutting off power if they detect an imbalance between live and neutral currents.
• Modern units often have multiple RCD`s or RCBO`s for added safety and convenience.

4. Number of Ways (Circuit Breakers):

• We will install a consumer unit with enough circuits (ways) for your current needs and potential future expansion. Common sizes range from 6 to 18 ways.

5. Installation:

• PDI Electrical Ltd have changed hundreds of consumer units over the years and will ensure that it is installed to the highest standards, we will always issue certification and register with building control under part P.
• When installing a new consumer unit on an existing installation we will always do an EICR (electrical installation condition report) and check the entire electrical system for faults, as the new consumer unit may be more sensitive to existing issues and start tripping when installed, again we will always issue certification.

6. Brand and Quality:

• Choose a reputable brand such as Hager or Schneider. These brands offer reliable products with good support and warranty options.

7. Additional Features:

• Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) can provide additional protection against arc faults, which are a leading cause of electrical fires.