Are Plastic Consumer Units Legal?

Are Plastic Consumer Units Legal? Yes, they are legal, but they are no longer allowed in new domestic installations. Since 2016, UK wiring regulations require non-combustible (usually metal) Consumer Units in homes to reduce the risk of fire from electrical faults.

Introduction

The Consumer Unit is a vital part of every home’s electrical system, distributing power safely to different circuits. Over the years, regulations have evolved to enhance fire safety, particularly around the materials used in Consumer Units.

One common question homeowners ask is whether plastic Consumer Units are still legal. While many older homes still have plastic units installed, current rules for new installations have moved in a different direction.

This article examines the legal status of plastic Consumer Units, the reasons behind the rule change, and what it means if your property still has one in place.

Why The Rules Changed

In 2015, Amendment 3 to the 17th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) introduced an important change for domestic properties. It required all new Consumer Units installed from January 2016 onwards to be made from non-combustible materials, typically steel.

This change was made following reports of house fires that were exacerbated by plastic Consumer Units, especially when positioned in escape routes such as hallways or under stairs.

Plastic Consumer Units can melt and contribute to the spread of fire if a fault occurs. To minimise this risk, the regulations were updated to ensure that new installations are safer.

When the 18th Edition of the regulations came into effect in 2018, it continued to support the requirement for non-combustible enclosures. These updates focus on making homes safer and reducing the potential risks associated with electrical faults.

The Current Legal Position

Plastic Consumer Units are not banned and are still considered legal in the UK. However, they no longer meet the requirements for new domestic installations under current wiring regulations. Any new Consumer Unit fitted in a domestic setting must have a non-combustible enclosure—typically made of metal—to comply with BS 7671.

If a plastic Consumer Unit was installed before the 2016 regulation change and remains in good condition, it does not need to be replaced purely because it is plastic. The unit must, however, be safe and meet the overall standards of the electrical installation.

Regulations focus on new work. Existing plastic Consumer Units are legal, but if you’re adding new circuits, carrying out major upgrades, or replacing the unit, a compliant metal Consumer Unit will be required. The key point is whether the installation is safe, not the material alone.

Exceptions & Acceptable Uses

While metal Consumer Units are required in most domestic settings, there are a few exceptions where plastic units may still be considered acceptable.

For example, if the Consumer Unit is installed in a detached garage, shed, or outbuilding—separate from the main house—it may not pose the same fire risk. In these cases, electricians may allow the use of plastic units, particularly if the unit is fixed to a non-combustible surface and well away from living areas.

Ultimately, it’s up to the judgment of a qualified electrician to determine what is suitable. Safety is the priority, and any Consumer Unit—plastic or metal—must be correctly installed and in good working order to remain compliant and reliable.

Do You Need to Replace Your Plastic Unit?

If your plastic Consumer Unit was installed before the 2016 regulation change and is still in good condition, there’s no legal requirement to replace it.

However, replacement may be advised in certain situations—such as when upgrading your electrics, adding new circuits, or if the unit is located in a higher-risk area, such as a hallway or under the stairs.

A qualified Electrician will verify whether your current Consumer Unit is safe and fit for continued use. If it shows signs of damage, overheating, or poor workmanship, replacement is strongly recommended.

While not mandatory in all cases, upgrading to a modern metal Consumer Unit improves fire safety and ensures your home aligns with the latest electrical standards.

Plastic Consumer Units & EICRs

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection of your property’s wiring and electrical components.

If you have a plastic Consumer Unit, it won’t automatically result in a failed report. In many cases, it will receive a C3 code, which means “Improvement Recommended.” A C3 wouldn’t fail the report but would highlight that a metal Consumer Unit would be safer and compliant with current standards.

Certain factors affect the outcome. If the plastic unit is located in a high-risk area, such as under a wooden staircase or near an escape route, it may raise additional concerns.

For more information, please read: Does a Plastic Consumer Unit Fail an EICR?

Benefits of Upgrading to a Metal Unit

Upgrading to a modern metal Consumer Unit offers several clear advantages. First and foremost, it meets current UK wiring regulations, ensuring your home is compliant and up to date.

Metal units are non-combustible, reducing the risk of fire in the event of an electrical fault—particularly important in properties where safety is a top priority.

Modern Consumer Units also come equipped with advanced safety features such as RCDs (Residual Current Devices), RCBOs (Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent protection), and Surge Protection Devices. Some newer models even include Arc Fault Detection Devices for extra protection.

In addition to safety improvements, a new Consumer Unit can facilitate future maintenance and repairs. Clear labelling, better organisation, and upgraded components simplify the job for Electricians and offer peace of mind for homeowners. If you’re planning any electrical work, it’s worth considering a full upgrade as part of the project.

Consumer Unit Installation in Essex

If you live in Essex and need a new Consumer Unit, our team of NICEIC-qualified Electricians can help. We install modern, regulation-compliant metal Consumer Units with the latest safety features. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation survey and quote.