If you’ve been told you need a new consumer unit (or fuse board, as it’s often called), you might be wondering what that involves. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect, why it matters, and how I go about doing it.
What’s Involved in a Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) Upgrade?
Why upgrade your consumer unit?
Your consumer unit is the heart of your Rotherham home’s electrical system. It controls and protects all the circuits in your house. If it’s old, doesn’t have RCD protection, or can’t cope with modern electrical demands, it’s time for an upgrade. A new consumer unit gives you better protection against electric shocks, power surges and reduces the risk of electrical fires. It also makes it
easier to isolate circuits if something goes wrong.
What’s involved in the upgrade?
When I upgrade a consumer unit, it’s not just a case of swapping the box and walking away.
There’s a proper process to follow to make sure everything is safe and compliant:
- Initial inspection: Before I touch anything, I check the existing wiring to make sure it’s safe to connect to a new unit. If there are any major issues with the wiring, they’ll need sorting first.
- Power off: I turn off the electricity to the whole house so I can work safely.
- Remove the old unit: I carefully disconnect and remove the old fuse board.
- Install the new consumer unit: I fit the new board, connect all the circuits, and label everything clearly so you know what’s what.
- Testing: This is the important bit. I test every circuit to make sure it’s safe and working as it should. This includes insulation resistance tests, earth fault loop impedance tests, and RCD tests.
- Power back on: I switch everything back on and check that all your appliances and sockets are working.
- Certification: Once everything passes testing, I issue an Electrical Installation Certificate and register the work with building control via NAPIT, as required.
How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
A standard consumer unit upgrade usually takes around a day, depending on the size of the property and the condition of the existing wiring. I always aim to keep disruption to a minimum and leave everything tidy at the end.
Do you need to be home?
Yes, I’ll need access to the property and the existing fuse board throughout the day. It’s also handy if you’re around at the end so I can walk you through the new setup and answer any questions.
Final thoughts
Upgrading your consumer unit is one of the best ways to bring your Rotherham home’s electrics up to modern safety standards. It’s not the cheapest job, but it’s an investment in your family’s safety and peace of mind. If you’re not sure whether yours needs upgrading, I’m happy to take a look and give you honest advice.
Need help or have questions? Get in touch and I’ll be happy to talk it through.
