Is a replacement needed?
An older consumer unit is not automatically unsafe simply because a newer design exists. Its condition, construction, protective devices, accessibility and the wider installation all need to be considered.
A replacement may be appropriate where protection is damaged, unreliable, unsuitable for planned work or unable to provide the level of protection required for new circuits and modern equipment.
What the work involves
- Assessment of the existing installation and earthing arrangements
- Selection of suitable circuit protection
- Safe isolation and replacement of the existing unit
- Testing of connected circuits
- Identification and explanation of any defects found
- Certification, schedules and clear circuit labels
Modern protection
Depending on the installation and equipment, a new consumer unit may include individual residual current protection, surge protection and protective devices selected for modern electronic loads. The design should minimise unnecessary disruption if one circuit develops a fault.