Consumer Unit Installation Canvey Island

Welcome to TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd. We install Consumer Units on Canvey Island.

Our Electricians are NICEIC registered and fully insured.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation survey and quote for a new Consumer Unit and any other electrical work you may require.

Consumer Units

Consumer Units play an essential role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of electrical systems in homes and businesses. 

The evolution of Consumer Units installations has led to significant improvements in safety standards, particularly with the introduction of the latest 18th-edition metal consumer units. 

18th Edition Metal Consumer Units

18th edition metal consumer units have become the standard for electrical installations in the UK. These units offer numerous features and benefits. 

Metal consumer units are designed for safety, efficiency, and ease of use. They feature non-combustible flame-retardant and corrosion-resistant enclosures, which provide better protection against fire and damage. 

The metal casing also enhances durability and longevity, ensuring that the consumer unit will withstand the test of time.

Furthermore, 18th edition metal consumer units have modern safety features, such as RCD fuses, significantly reducing the risk of electrical shocks and fires. 

These units also support adding extra circuits, allowing for future expansion and upgrades without compromising safety.

The 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) introduced stricter safety requirements for consumer units, emphasising the need for non-combustible enclosures. 

Modern metal consumer units meet these requirements, ensuring installations comply with the latest safety standards.

It’s essential to have a new Consumer Unit professionally installed by a certified and qualified electrician. This ensures that the installation complies with all relevant regulations and that the consumer unit operates safely and efficiently.

Disadvantages Of Plastic Consumer Units And Old Fuse Boxes

As the industry moves towards safer and more efficient electrical systems, plastic consumer units and old fuse boxes have become increasingly obsolete.

Safety Concerns With Plastic Consumer Units

One of the primary disadvantages of plastic consumer units is their susceptibility to fire. Plastic enclosures can melt or deform in an electrical fire, potentially allowing the fire to spread to surrounding materials. In contrast, metal consumer units provide better fire resistance, helping to contain the fire and minimise damage.

Obsolescence Of Old Fuse Boxes

Old fuse boxes, often found in older properties, are outdated and don’t meet current safety standards. In addition, these fuse boxes lack the safety features found in modern consumer units, such as RCD protection, leaving occupants more vulnerable to electrical hazards. 

Furthermore, old fuse boxes often need to be equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and devices.

Why You Should Upgrade To A Modern Consumer Unit

Upgrading to a modern Consumer Unit offers several advantages, including improved safety, compliance with the latest safety standards, and accommodation of future expansions and upgrades. 

Homeowners and businesses in Canvey Island with dated Consumer Units or traditional Fuse Boxes are encouraged to upgrade to ensure optimal safety and efficiency.

RCD Fuses

Residual Current Device (RCD) fuses are a critical safety feature of modern consumer units. 

They provide an essential layer of protection against electrical hazards by detecting imbalances in the electrical current and rapidly cutting the power supply in the event of a fault.

RCD fuses offer several benefits, including:

1. Protection against electric shocks: RCD fuses quickly detect and disconnect the power supply when a potentially hazardous current imbalance occurs, reducing the risk of electric shocks.
2. Prevention of electrical fires: By promptly cutting off the power supply in the event of a fault, RCD fuses help prevent electrical fires caused by overheating or short circuits.
3. Enhanced safety for electrical equipment: RCD protection safeguards appliances and devices from damage caused by electrical overload.

Wire Colours Past and Present

Over the years, wire colours used in electrical installations have changed to improve safety and standardisation. In addition, wire Colours indicate the age of the Electrical System. When installing a new Consumer Unit, the condition of the wiring is also checked.

Red, Black, and Green Wires

Pre-1977, electrical wiring in the UK commonly was red (live), black (neutral), and green (earth) wires. However, these colours are no longer considered safe. They indicate the electrical system is over 40 years old and may not meet current safety standards, leaving occupants at increased risk of electrical hazards.

Red, Black, and Green/Yellow Wires

Between 1977-2006 wiring installations were Red, Black, and Green/Yellow. If your wires are these colours, an inspection and testing are worthwhile to determine the age and condition of your electrical system.

Brown, Blue, and Green/Yellow Wires

To reduce confusion and improve safety, the UK now uses brown (live), blue (neutral), and green/yellow (earth) wires in electrical installations. These colours align with the harmonised European colour coding system to ensure consistency across installations.

Improved Safety and Standardisation

Adopting modern wire colours has significantly improved the safety and standardisation of electrical installations throughout the UK. Using a consistent colour coding system, electricians can quickly identify live, neutral and earth wires and reduce the likelihood of mistakes that could lead to electrical hazards.

When installing a new consumer unit, it is essential to ensure that the wiring system also complies with current safety standards. A rewire may be recommended for properties with old, dated electrical systems. 

One of our electricians will assess your wiring system and make any necessary recommendations to ensure compliance and safety.

Get A Free Survey & No-Obligation Quote For Your New Consumer Unit

The evolution of Consumer Units has led to significant improvements in safety and efficiency. 

Opting for a new 18th edition metal consumer unit can ensure compliance with current safety regulations and reduce the risks associated with plastic consumer units and old fuse boxes. 

Please get in touch with us using the phone number or form below to book your free no-obligation survey and quote for a new Consumer Unit installation.