Although a fuseboard and consumer unit essentially carry out the same function, distributing electricity from the mains to all the circuits in your home, there are key differences in safety features.
Fuseboards use older technology and include rewireable fuses, often contained in combustible plastic cases. Modern consumer units include a number of safety features such as RCBO which significantly protect against electric shock and overheating. Restoring power is much easier with consumer units as you simply flick a switch back. A consumer unit upgrade in Worthing costs between £700 - £1450 and is the recommended option by electricians like Tide Electrical, especially because old fuseboards can no longer be fitted as “new installations”, they simply do not meet UK safety standards.
How do I know if I need a consumer unit upgrade?
Warning signs include damage to the exterior of the existing fuseboard or consumer unit, signs like scorch marks, cracks or discoloration need to be investigated by an electrician. You might notice crackling or buzzing sounds around the consumer unit or find breakers annoyingly tripping frequently. A recent consumer unit upgrade we worked on in Worthing was quite a surprise for the team. The property at Princess Avenue had an old style, 1980s Wylex fuseboard, one we had never seen before. The new owners at the 3 bedroom, dormer style property were worried about the quality of the cream coloured plastic casing of the board and thought the whole unit looked outdated. Rightly so as the Wylex board lacked RCD protection and failed to meet current industry standards. Although old fuseboards are strictly not illegal, we explained the numerous benefits of considering a consumer unit instead.
What are the benefits of a consumer unit upgrade in Worthing?
Ultimately, it's the enhanced safety you can gain as modern consumer units include a range of safety features. For example, RCD protection or Residual Current Device protect individuals from electric shocks within milliseconds of detecting a fault. MCB or Mini Circuit Breakers prevent electrical cabling from overheating, protecting against house fires.
The new consumer unit we installed for the homeowners at Princess Avenue included RCBO protection or Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent which combines MCB and RCD technology. Only the affected circuit would trip rather than causing power loss throughout the whole property. The old Wylex board is actually no longer manufactured as Wiring Regulations require a metal enclosure, another one of the reasons we suggested a consumer unit upgrade.
Who can carry out a consumer unit upgrade in Worthing?
A consumer unit upgrade is classed as notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations so only qualified and registered electricians should be used. Tide Electrical are NAPIT approved and frequently carry out consumer unit upgrades throughout the local community in Worthing. Once the upgrade is complete, we do conduct a series of electrical tests to confirm work does meet regulations BS 7671. Clients are issued an EIC or Electrical Installation Certificate as evidence of compliant work. Strangely, we had just carried out a consumer unit upgrade at one of the inlaws of the new owners at Princess Avenue. We’re always thrilled to be referred onto friends and family and uphold the positive reputation we have established in Worthing.
Contact Tide Electrical.
As Trustmark and Which Trusted Trader recognised, clients can rest assured that their property is in safe hands. We pride ourselves on 100% customer satisfaction and are always here to offer a solution.
To have either Alex or Joe come out to discuss the advantage of a consumer unit upgrade over a new fuseboard call Tide Electrical on 01903 861488.
