Quick response and good workmanship
Thanks
Special thanks, also, to Steve's earnest contribution: not only for his positive and courteous attitude but also the due diligence and care consistently applied in terms of cleaning up after each stage in the whole process. Much admired and greatly appreciated.
Overall, I am very pleased with the entire experience and, as such, would happily recommend TM Hughes and Son to others.
TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services install New Consumer Units in Basildon and the surrounding areas.
If you need a new consumer unit installed in your home, we would like to offer you a free no-obligation quote undertaken by one of our NICEIC Registered Electricians. Please get in touch with us for more details.
Why You Should Use TM Hughes Electrical Services
- All Consumer Units installed adhere to the latest wiring regulations
- Fitted by NICEIC registered domestic installers
- Our Electricians are fully experienced and insured
- Consumer Unit Installatons are certificated for compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations
- Qualified Electricians undertake free no-obligation surveys and quotes
What Is A Consumer Unit?
A Consumer Unit distributes power throughout your home while preventing electrocution and appliances from electrical overload.
Consumer Units are also known as ‘Fuse Boards’ or ‘Fuse Boxes’. The correct term, however, is ‘Consumer Unit’. In addition, the terms ‘Fuse Boards’ and ‘Fuse Boxes’ are dated, referring to a time when wire fuses were used (before the advent of modern RCDs).
The consumer unit powers all the circuits in your home such as Lights, Sockets, Cooker Switches etc,
The Consumer Unit & Components
The Consumer unit features a main switch and various ‘fuses’ known as RCDs, MCBs, and RCBOs.
New Consumer Units are constructed from metal. As a result, overheating of connections is prevented, reducing the chance of an electrical fire. In the event of a fire, the metal consumer unit should contain it.
All consumer units fitted in the UK must be constructed from metal. Before these new rules, many consumer units fitted were plastic.
The Mains Switch
The mains switch allows you to shut off all the power in your home instantly. You and other members of your home must know where the consumer unit is and where the main switch is located.
In the event of an emergency, such as an electrical fault or a flood, you can shut off the Electricity supply.
RCDs, MCBs, and RCBOs
Inside the Consumer Unit are various safety devices RCDs, MCBs, and RCBOs all cut power instantly in the event of a fault. Each is connected to a circuit and feature switches to turn the power on/off. When a fault occurs, power is cut, and the switch instantly flicks to the off position.
RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
Individual or multiple circuits are protected by RCDs their prime purpose is to protect people from shocks and electrocution.
MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers)
An MCB prevents damage to appliances and fires caused by overloading and overheating.
RCBOs (a residual current device with overcurrent)
An RCBO performs both the functions of an RCD and an MCB, preventing overload to appliances and the electrocution of humans.
How A Consumer Unit Is Set Up
A service cable that carries electrical current runs into your home from the street. The Service cable is connected to a ‘cut out’.
Power Networks own the cut-out. It is the only piece of electrical equipment in your home that the network is responsible for.
The cut-out (usually located next to the electric meter) contains the ‘main fuse’, which ensures your property receives electricity efficiently and safely by supplying the correct power.
In the event of too much power, the main fuse isolates the supply preventing overloading.
An ‘Earth’ cable is connected from the cut-out to the consumer unit. Electric shocks are prevented by earthing, which provides a line for fault currents to go to earth (cutting power to an RCD, MCB or RCBO in the process)
Live and Neutral cables run from the cut-out to the electricity meter. Electricity passes through the meter and is measured so your supplier can charge you accurately for your energy use.
Most homes in Basildon are fitted with Standard or Smart Electric meters.
Live and Neutral meter tails run from the meter to your consumer unit. From here, the power can be isolated with the main switch.
Your consumer unit will house a row of RCDs connected to your sockets, lighting, cooker, boiler and other appliances.
Do You Need A New Consumer Unit?
If you have an old-school fuse board or fuse box mounted on wood that contains traditional wire-style fuses, then you should have a new Consumer Unit installed ASAP. Compared to modern metal consumer units with RCDs, they are less safe, less efficient at cutting power and more of a fire risk.
If your consumer unit is plastic, consider upgrading to a new metal consumer unit for enhanced protection from fire.
If you have a metal consumer unit over ten years old, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a qualified Electrician to ensure everything’s in order and the unit is safe for use.
If you have undertaken a major renovation, such as an extension, you may require an upgraded or additional consumer unit.
Is Installing A Consumer Unit An Involved Job?
The Installation of a Consumer Unit generally takes a few hours. However, it varies depending on the work involved.
The Installation of a consumer unit is minimally disruptive. You will, however, be without power for a short time. Consumer units are generally straightforward to access, remove and install. Our Electricians work in an efficient and tidy manner throughout the whole process.
Are New Consumer Units Expensive?
We monitor our prices regularly to ensure they are amongst the best in Basildon. The cost of supplying the consumer unit and fitting it with certification is reasonable. Price varies from property to property depending on the work and materials involved. We offer free no-obligation surveys and quotes to ensure we can give you the best possible price.
Book Your Free Survey & Free No-Obligation Quote
Please contact us using the phone number or contact form below to book a free, no-obligation quote for your new consumer unit.
Hi, I’m Terry, the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services
Please get in touch to book an appointment or receive a free, no-obligation quote
Call: 01268 351560