The consumer unit, also known as the fuse board or distribution board, is critical to your property’s electrical system. It carries electricity from the primary supply to different circuits throughout your home or business.
Over time, consumer units can become outdated, potentially compromising electrical safety and causing issues such as circuit tripping and power outages. Upgrading a consumer unit provides several benefits, such as:
If you need electrical help, Grove Bell Electrical has got you covered! We understand that electrical issues can arise anytime, so we offer our services 24/7. Our team of certified professionals are equipped with all the expertise and tools needed to handle different types of fuse board installations and repairs.
Several warning signs may indicate that your consumer unit needs to be upgraded. Some of the most common ones are:
Frequent Circuit Tripping: If your circuit breakers or fuses are frequently tripping, it may indicate that the consumer unit is overloaded and unable to handle the electrical demand.
Burning Smells or Visual Damage: It could indicate a serious electrical issue if you notice a burning smell or see visual damage, such as scorch marks around the consumer unit.
Old Age: If your consumer unit is over 20 years old, it may not meet the latest safety standards or provide adequate protection against electric shock and fire hazards.
Flickering Lights or Voltage Fluctuations: If your lights flicker or your electrical devices experience voltage fluctuations, it could indicate that your consumer unit is not providing a stable supply of electricity.
Buzzing Sounds or Overheating: If you hear buzzing sounds or notice that your consumer unit is overheating, it could indicate a loose connection or a fault in the electrical system.
Different fuse boards are available in the market according to the installation requirements. Our experts will help you choose the best fit for your property. Some of the most common types of fuse boards are:
These are the traditional fuse boards that use rewirable fuses. They consist of a wooden or metal frame with ceramic fuse holders, and the fuses themselves are thin wires that melt when there is an overload. These are becoming less common now as they are being phased out due to their limitations in terms of safety and convenience.
These use circuit breakers instead of fuses to protect the circuits. Circuit breakers are automatic switches that trip when there is an overload or short circuit. These are more convenient and safer than rewirable fuse boards and are now the most common type.
These are similar to circuit breaker fuse boards but include Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent protection (RCBOs). These devices protect against overloading and short circuits, detect any current leakage from faulty appliances or wiring, and disconnect the circuit to prevent electric shock.
These include two Residual Current Devices (RCDs) that protect groups of circuits in the fuse board. They provide additional protection against electric shock and are commonly used in domestic installations.
These are designed for high-risk environments such as hospitals, data centres, and chemical plants. They use high-integrity circuit breakers and RCDs to provide multiple levels of protection against faults and overloads.
The cost of a consumer unit in the UK can vary depending on several factors:
On average, the cost of a basic consumer unit upgrade in the UK can range from £375 to £550, including parts and labour.
However, consumer unit upgrade costs can be higher for larger or more complex installations. Obtaining a quote from our qualified electricians, who can assess your requirements and provide an accurate cost estimate, is recommended.
Grove Bell Electrical employs some of the best local electricians and technicians. Along with fuse board upgrades, we provide all kinds of electrical services on both domestic and commercial levels.
Don’t hesitate to contact our experts now and let us help you with our services. Your electrical needs are our priority!
At Grovebell Electrical our team of approved local electricians in London hold decades of experience in new electrical installations and the reactive maintenance of existing residential and commercial electrical installations.
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