A modern RCD protected consumer unit is the most critical electrical unit in your property. It can switch off to save life and potentially stop an electrical fire.
A consumer unit is a power distribution board comprising of type tested coordinated assemblies that control and distributes electrical energy throughout circuits.
Nationally there are consumer units that are in service that do not meet the current wiring regulations and can be potentially dangerous and is dependant on the load placed upon them.
At 786 Electricals Ltd, our team of electrical specialists can inspect and test your consumer unit and associated circuits. This is typically conducted by carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). We are able to provide consumer unit installations and servicing for all our domestic, commercial and industrial customers in Leicester and Leicestershire.
If you have doubt or are unsure about the condition of your electrical installation. Please get in touch to book a free home appointment with the view to provide a detailed estimate in writing within 24hours. If you decide to go ahead, we will book you an appointment for the works.
The cost of replacing a domestic consumer unit typically depends on the size of the house and the number of circuits.
The most common consumer unit a high integrity dual RCD type with 10 circuits. For most homes, the cost would be between £450 to £750.
For larger homes, the cost is between £750 to £1050.
Consumer unit replacement in garages the cost is around £300.00.
There are a few standard selection options for consumer unit replacements or install’s. Consideration of cost, the physical size of the unit, the type of protection RCD/RCBO and the need for surge protection. It is good practice to install a consumer unit that has additional spare ways ready for future expansion of the system.
At 786 Electricals Ltd we always install surge protection as standard and usually install a high integrity consumer unit with RCD’s and RCBO’s to ensure nuisance tripping does not take place.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
A consumer unit should only be installed by a qualified and registered electrician. Under no circumstance, homeowners should attempt this themselves unless they are eligible to do so.
Safe isolation will need to take place power usually is off for around 4 to 6 hours. The wiring will be checked to ensure it is up to the required standard.
The old fuse box will be removed, and the new RCD protected consumer unit will be installed to the required British Standard. Before energisation, there are a series of test that needs to be performed and a check of the earth bonding to the gas and water services.
Once ratified, the power will be switched back on, and then a series of live tests need to take place.
All works will be certified and registered with a competent person scheme (NAPIT, NICEIEC), and you will receive an installation certificate and building regulations compliance certificate.