Consumer Units or Fuseboards

Replacing your Consumer Unit prices are dependant on agreed specification and size.

They are the same thing the former is the modern version and the latter is the historical name when fuses wre the only form of protection since the introduction of MCB’s, RCBO’s and RCD’s they have been known as Consumer Unit’s.

Does your consumer unit need replacing or upgrading, usually if it works and is showing no signs of damage (Mechanical or Thermal) then you ca continue to use it. We see a lot of clients who request a consumer unit upgrade after having an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) carried out. Whether or not it is necessary to replace your current consumer unit or fuseboard depends on multiple factors.

Whether or not a consumer unit needs replacing or upgrading.

• Age: If your consumer unit is more than 40 years old, it may be time to replace it. Older consumer units may not meet current safety standards and may be more prone to faults.

• Condition: If your consumer unit is damaged or shows signs of wear and tear, it should be replaced. Signs of damage include rust, corrosion, or loose connections.

• Capacity: If you are adding new electrical appliances or devices to your home, you may need to upgrade your consumer unit to provide enough capacity for the new load.

• Regulations: If you are making any alterations to your electrical installation, you may need to upgrade your consumer unit to comply with current regulations.

If you are unsure whether or not your consumer unit needs replacing or upgrading, you should contact a qualified electrician. They will be able to assess the condition of your consumer unit and advise you on the best course of action.

Here are some additional factors that may affect the need to replace or upgrade a consumer unit:

• The type of consumer unit you have. Older consumer units, such as fuse boxes, may not offer the same level of protection as newer consumer units with MCBs and RCDs.

• The number of circuits in your home. If you have a large home with many electrical appliances, you may need a consumer unit with more circuits.

• The location of your consumer unit. If your consumer unit is in a damp or exposed area, it may be more prone to damage.

If you are considering replacing or upgrading your consumer unit, it is important to choose a qualified electrician who is familiar with the latest safety standards. They will be able to install a new consumer unit that meets your needs and protects your home from electrical hazards

Historical Protection Devices such as Fuses and MCB’s

Overcurrent protection: This is provided by fuses or circuit breakers (MCB’s),

which will trip if the current flowing through a circuit exceeds a predetermined safe value.

This helps to prevent fires caused by electrical overloading.

These were common in installations up until the 90’s.

Modern protections devices such as RCD’s. RCBO’s and AFDD’s.

What is an RCD?

An RCD, or residual current device, is a safety device that detects and cuts off the power to a circuit if it detects a small imbalance in the current flowing through the circuit. This imbalance can be caused by a person coming into contact with a live wire, or by a fault in an electrical appliance.

How does an RCD work?

An RCD works by measuring the difference between the current flowing into a circuit and the current flowing out of the circuit. This difference is called the residual current. If the residual current is greater than a certain value, the RCD will trip and disconnect the power to the circuit.

How does an RCD protect me from electric shock?

When a person comes into contact with a live wire, they become part of the circuit. This means that current will flow through the person's body to the earth. The RCD detects this imbalance in the current and trips, cutting off the power to the circuit. This prevents the person from receiving a fatal electric shock.

Why are RCDs important?

RCDs are an essential safety device for any electrical installation. They help to protect people from electric shock and can save lives. In fact, in the UK, it is mandatory to have RCDs installed in all homes.

What are the benefits of using RCDs?

There are several benefits to using RCDs, including:

• They can help to prevent electric shock.

• They can help to prevent fires.

• They are relatively easy to install.

• They are cost-effective.

If you are looking for a way to improve the safety of your electrical installation, RCDs are a good option to consider. They are a simple, effective way to protect people from electric shock and fires.

RCBO stands for Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection. It is a type of circuit breaker that combines the functions of an RCD and an MCB. RCDs (Residual Current Devices) protect against electric shock by detecting small imbalances in the current flowing through a circuit. MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) protect against overloads and short circuits.

An RCBO therefore provides two levels of protection:

• Earth leakage protection: This is the same as RCD protection. It detects small imbalances in the current flowing through a circuit, which can be caused by a person coming into contact with a live wire. If an RCBO trips, it will disconnect the power to the circuit immediately, preventing serious injury or death.

• Overcurrent protection: This is the same as MCB protection. It detects overloads and short circuits, which can cause fires. If an RCBO trips due to overcurrent, it will disconnect the power to the circuit immediately, preventing a fire.

RCBOs are commonly used in applications where there is the need to combine protection against overcurrents (overload and short-circuit) and protection against earth leakage currents. This includes homes, businesses, and industrial settings.

Here are some of the advantages of using RCBOs:

• Increased safety: RCBOs provide two levels of protection, which can help to prevent electric shock and fires.

• Simplified installation: RCBOs can replace both RCDs and MCBs, which can simplify the electrical installation.

• Cost-effective: RCBOs are typically more cost-effective than using separate RCDs and MCBs.

  AFDD stands for Arc Fault Detection Device. It is a safety device that can be installed in a consumer unit to provide protection against arc faults. Arc faults are a type of electrical fault that can occur when two live conductors come into contact with each other, or when a live conductor comes into contact with a metal object. Arc faults can cause fires, so it is important to have protection against them.

  AFDDs work by monitoring the current flowing through a circuit. If the AFDD detects an arc fault, it will disconnect the power to the circuit immediately. This prevents the arc fault from causing a fire.

AFDDs are recommended for use in certain locations, such as:

• Premises with sleeping accommodation: This includes houses, hotels, and hostels.

• Locations with a risk of fire due to the nature of processed or stored materials: This includes stores of combustible materials.

• Locations with combustible constructional materials: This includes wooden buildings.

• Fire propagating structures: This includes thatched buildings and timber-framed buildings.

• Locations with endangering of irreplaceable goods: This includes museums, listed buildings and items with sentimental value.

AFDDs are not required by law in all countries, but they are becoming increasingly common. If you are considering installing an AFDD, you should contact a qualified electrician to discuss your specific needs.

Here are some of the benefits of using AFDDs:

• They can help to prevent fires caused by arc faults.

• They can help to protect people from electric shock.

• They are relatively easy to install.

If you are looking for a way to improve the safety of your electrical installation, AFDDs are a good option to consider. They are a simple, effective way to protect people from electric shock and fires.

A consumer unit is an essential safety device for any electrical installation. It helps to protect people and property from electrical hazards. If you have any concerns about the safety of your consumer unit, please get in touch.

The specific safety features that are included in a consumer unit will vary depending on the age of the unit and the local electrical regulations. However, all consumer units should include overcurrent protection and RCD protection.