- What Is a Consumer Unit?
- A consumer unit is the modern equivalent of a traditional fuse box. It serves as the central hub for distributing electricity within your home.
- It contains circuit breakers (MCBs or RCBOs) that protect individual circuits from overloads or faults.
- Upgrading your consumer unit ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.
- Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
- Improved Safety: Older fuse boxes may not provide adequate protection. Consumer units are designed to cut off power swiftly in case of faults, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
- Compliance: Consumer units comply with current electrical wiring regulations (BS7671). Upgrading ensures your installation meets safety standards.
- Increased Capacity: If you’re adding new appliances or extending your home, a larger consumer unit can handle the extra demand.
- Cost Savings: Modern consumer units are more efficient, reducing energy wastage and potentially lowering your bills.
- The Upgrade Process:
- Assessment: An electrician assesses your existing system, identifying any issues or outdated components.
- Selection: You choose a new consumer unit based on your needs (e.g., number of circuits, type of protection).
- Installation: The electrician installs the new unit, connecting circuits and ensuring proper wiring.
- Certification: After installation, you receive certification confirming compliance.
Remember, upgrading your consumer unit is an investment in safety and efficiency.