Do you need to upgrade your consumer unit (fuse board), the complete guide!
At Manchester EICR Limited, we understand how essential it is to maintain the electrical safety of your home, business, or rental property. One key element in ensuring electrical safety is your consumer unit (also known as a fuse board), which acts as the heart of your electrical system. Over time, these units can become outdated or insufficient for modern electrical demands, posing a potential safety risk. In this blog post, we’ll cover when and why you should consider upgrading your consumer unit/fuse board, and provide insights into different options for better protection, such as RCD main switches, dual RCDs, and individual RCBOs.
What is a Consumer Unit/Fuse Board?
Before diving into the importance of upgrading, let’s define what a consumer unit (or fuse board) is and its role in your electrical system.
A consumer unit is an essential part of any modern electrical installation. It contains the circuit breakers, fuses, and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) that protect your home or business from electrical hazards such as overloads, short circuits, and electric shocks. The unit receives power from the electrical supply and distributes it to different circuits in your property, protecting each circuit separately. Over time, consumer units may need upgrading for various reasons, including age, insufficient protection, or the addition of new electrical appliances.
When Should You Upgrade Your Consumer Unit/Fuse Board?
1. Age of the Consumer Unit
Consumer units installed many years ago, especially pre-2000, may no longer meet current safety standards. Older fuse boards, which rely on fuses, may not have the safety features required by modern regulations, such as RCD protection. If your consumer unit is more than 20 years old, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a qualified electrician to assess whether it needs an upgrade.
Key Regulations:
- BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) mandates that all new installations should be fitted with RCD protection.
- Regulation 411.3.4.1.2 of BS 7671 requires RCDs to be fitted for final circuits supplying socket outlets of 32A or less, providing protection against electric shock and fire risks.
2. Insufficient Protection for Modern Electrical Loads
Our electrical demands have increased dramatically over the years. Homes and businesses now contain more powerful appliances, from dishwashers and microwaves to laptops, air conditioners, and electric vehicles. If your fuse board can’t handle these additional loads, it could become overloaded, resulting in potential fire risks or circuit failure.
Upgrading your consumer unit to one with RCD protection and adequate circuit breakers is crucial to preventing such hazards.
3. Lack of RCD Protection
If your current consumer unit doesn’t include RCDs, you should consider an upgrade. RCDs are essential devices that cut off the electrical supply if they detect any leakage of current, preventing electrical shocks or fires. In fact, RCDs are required by law for any circuit that supplies socket outlets or outdoor installations, according to the latest regulations.
Key Regulations:
- Regulation 411.3.2.2 in BS 7671 requires RCD protection for all socket outlets in residential installations.
- Regulation 411.3.4.1 of BS 7671 mandates RCDs for circuits used outdoors, and circuits in bathrooms or kitchens, to prevent electric shock.
4. Upgrading to Meet Legal or Insurance Requirements
If you’re a landlord or business owner, upgrading your consumer unit may be necessary to comply with safety standards and regulations. For example, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers are required to ensure electrical safety for employees, including the use of RCDs in certain situations. Similarly, landlords should ensure the electrical safety of their properties to protect tenants and meet insurance requirements.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Consumer Unit/Fuse Board?
Upgrading your consumer unit is not only about meeting safety regulations—it’s also about peace of mind. Here are some reasons why it’s essential to keep your fuse board in top condition:
1. Enhanced Electrical Safety
As mentioned, older consumer units may not provide adequate protection against electrical shocks, fires, or overloads. A modern consumer unit, particularly one with RCD protection, offers better protection for everyone in the property, reducing the risk of potentially fatal electrical accidents.
2. Improved Circuit Isolation and Control
Upgrading allows you to install a more efficient system for isolating circuits in case of faults. Modern consumer units come with better separation between circuits, which means you can turn off one circuit without affecting others. This is especially important if you run multiple appliances or have a larger property.
3. Future-Proofing Your Electrical System
Upgrading your fuse board ensures that your property is equipped to handle modern electrical loads. With more devices relying on electricity than ever before, future-proofing your electrical system can help avoid overloads. Plus, an upgraded consumer unit may help accommodate future electrical additions, such as electric car charging points.
RCD Options for Your Consumer Unit
When upgrading your consumer unit, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is which type of RCD protection to choose. The three most common options are:
1. RCD Main Switch
The RCD main switch is the most basic form of protection. It is placed at the beginning of your consumer unit and provides protection for all circuits within the unit. It’s a simple option that ensures the entire installation is protected against earth leakage faults.
Pros:
- Protects all circuits with one device.
- Generally more affordable compared to more advanced options.
- Simple and reliable.
Cons:
- If the RCD trips, it disconnects the entire consumer unit, which may cause inconvenience, especially in properties with many circuits.
- May not provide individual protection for specific circuits.
2. Dual RCD Consumer Unit
A dual RCD consumer unit separates the circuits into two groups, each protected by an individual RCD. This allows for greater circuit isolation—if one RCD trips, only a portion of the circuits will be affected, and the other circuits will continue functioning.
Pros:
- Greater reliability compared to a single RCD.
- Reduces the chances of the entire property losing power if a fault occurs on one circuit.
- Provides more protection than a single RCD main switch.
Cons:
- Still relies on RCDs for protection, so if a fault occurs on an unprotected circuit, it could still cause damage or safety issues.
- Slightly more expensive than a single RCD main switch.
3. Individual RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overload)
RCBOs combine both RCD protection and overload protection in a single device, providing circuit-level protection. Each circuit in the consumer unit is protected by its own individual RCBO, offering more specific and targeted protection.
Pros:
- Provides individual protection for each circuit.
- Can isolate faults to a specific circuit without affecting others, minimizing disruption.
- Ideal for larger properties or businesses with multiple high-load circuits.
Cons:
- The most expensive option for upgrading your consumer unit.
- Requires more space in the consumer unit, which may not be feasible in all properties.
Conclusion: Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit/Fuse Board?
Upgrading your consumer unit/fuse board is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your electrical system. Whether it’s to meet new regulations, accommodate modern electrical demands, or provide better protection for your family, tenants, or employees, an upgraded consumer unit offers peace of mind.
At Manchester EICR Limited, we specialize in upgrading consumer units to meet the latest safety standards. Our expert electricians can guide you through the process of selecting the best protection for your needs, whether it’s a simple RCD main switch, a dual RCD system, or individual RCBOs.
If you’re considering an upgrade or need advice on your electrical safety, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team will ensure your electrical system is safe, modern, and compliant with all relevant regulations, including BS 7671 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Relevant Legislation and Regulations
- BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) – Sets the standard for electrical installations in the UK, requiring RCD protection in certain situations.
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers to ensure electrical safety in the workplace.
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Details the requirements for electrical safety, including RCD use and maintenance.
- Regulation 411.3.4.1.2 (BS 7671) – Mandates RCD protection for socket circuits and outdoor circuits.
- Regulation 411.3.2.2 (BS 7671) – Requires RCD protection for all socket outlets in domestic properties.