What You Need to Know from Start to Finish
Purchasing a consumer unit, or fuse board, is one of the most critical decisions a homeowner can make to ensure the safety and efficiency of their home’s electrical system. Whether you’re upgrading an outdated system, expanding your existing setup, or planning for future electrical needs, selecting the right consumer unit is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making this important investment, from understanding your current system to the installation of your new consumer unit by a fully qualified electrician.
What is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit acts as the hub of your home’s electrical system, distributing electricity safely across various circuits in your house. It prevents electrical overloads and short circuits by isolating faulty circuits to protect the rest of your system. Modern consumer units are equipped with a range of protective devices to keep you and your home safe from electrical faults.
Understanding Your Existing Consumer Unit
Before upgrading, it’s important to evaluate your current setup. Many older homes have fuse boards that use traditional fuses instead of modern circuit breakers. These older systems may not meet current safety standards, increasing the risk of electrical fires or shocks.
Check the condition of your consumer unit—if it’s over 20 years old or shows signs of wear like melted fuses or corrosion, it’s likely time for an upgrade. A qualified electrician can assess whether your current unit meets legal and safety requirements and recommend necessary improvements.
What to Consider in Your New Consumer Unit
When purchasing a new consumer unit, several key factors must be taken into account, including the size of your home, the number of circuits you need, and the safety features you require. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Number of Circuits
Ensure the unit has enough circuits to accommodate your household’s needs. Larger areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom often require their own circuits, as do high-demand appliances like ovens and washing machines.
2. Room for Expansion
If you’re planning to future-proof your home, select a consumer unit with extra capacity. This allows you to add circuits later, whether for new appliances, loft conversions, or home extensions.
3. Key Protective Devices: RCBOs, MCBs, SPDs, and AFDDs
- MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers): MCBs protect individual circuits from overloads and short circuits. When a circuit overloads, the MCB trips, cutting off power to prevent damage or fire.
- RCBOs (Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection): RCBOs offer combined protection against overcurrent and earth faults. Unlike MCBs, they ensure other circuits remain unaffected when one trips, providing more precise protection.
- SPDs (Surge Protection Devices): SPDs protect your home from voltage spikes caused by lightning or faulty appliances. These devices are critical for safeguarding sensitive electronics like computers and TVs.
- AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Devices): AFDDs detect dangerous electrical arcs, which can result from damaged or loose wires. These devices are highly recommended for enhanced fire protection in new consumer units.
4. Nuisance Tripping
Nuisance tripping occurs when multiple devices on the same circuit draw excessive power, causing the system to trip unnecessarily. Choosing a consumer unit with RCBOs can help minimise this, as they protect each circuit individually.
Future-Proofing Your Consumer Unit
Your consumer unit should serve you for many years, so choosing one with future-proof features is essential. Look for:
- Spare Capacity: Ensure your unit has extra slots for adding more circuits later.
- Modern Protection Devices: Opt for RCBOs and AFDDs to maximise safety.
- Smart Home Integration: Some consumer units now come with smart features, allowing you to monitor and control circuits remotely.
Electrical Regulations for Consumer Units
In the UK, all consumer units must comply with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018). This includes the installation of RCBOs, SPDs, and AFDDs in appropriate circuits. Since 2015, new consumer units must also have a metal enclosure to reduce fire risk. If you’re uncertain whether your current consumer unit meets these standards, a qualified electrician can advise you.
Types of Consumer Units
There are several types of consumer units available to suit different needs:
- Main Switch Consumer Unit: The simplest type, containing a main switch and MCBs for circuit protection.
- SPD Consumer Unit: Equipped with Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), this unit safeguards your home against voltage spikes caused by power surges, lightning strikes, or faulty appliances. SPDs protect sensitive electronics and provide enhanced safety, ensuring your home remains protected from electrical surges.
- RCBO Consumer Unit: Provides individual protection for each circuit, reducing nuisance tripping and offering better safety.
Recommended Brands
- FuseBox: Known for affordability and meeting safety standards, FuseBox offers reliable units equipped with AFDDs and SPDs.
- Hager: A global leader in electrical distribution systems, Hager units are respected for their durability and advanced safety features.
- Live Electrical Known for versatility, Live’s consumer units are flexible, making them suitable for various home configurations.
- WCED is known for manufacturing high-quality consumer units that are well-engineered and reliable. They offer a wide range of options, from basic models to advanced units.
The Buying Process
When upgrading your consumer unit, trust the experts at MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd to guide you every step of the way. Here’s how we make the process simple and stress-free:
1. Assess Your Current System
Our fully qualified electricians will assess your existing consumer unit and electrical system to ensure it meets modern safety standards. We’ll provide a detailed report and recommendations for upgrading if needed.
2. Determine Your Needs
We work with you to understand your specific requirements, from the number of circuits to future expansion plans. Our team will recommend the best consumer unit options to meet your home’s electrical demands.
3. Choose the Right Unit
At MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd, we offer a range of high-quality consumer units from trusted brands like FuseBox, Hager, Live, and WCED. We’ll help you select the right unit that meets current regulations and future-proofs your home.
4. Professional Installation
Our fully qualified electricians will install your new consumer unit safely and efficiently. We ensure the entire system is correctly configured and compliant with local building and electrical codes, giving you peace of mind.
5. Ongoing Support & Registration
After installation, we’ll register your new consumer unit with the appropriate local authority to ensure compliance. Plus, our team is always available for support and maintenance, ensuring your system continues to operate safely.
Let MGB Electrical Solutions Ltd handle your consumer unit upgrade from start to finish, ensuring the highest level of safety and satisfaction.
