Consumer Unit Installation

Welcome To TM Hughes Electrical Services Ltd. We are a trusted team of NICEIC Registered Electricians who install Consumer Units in Chelmsford and the rest of Essex.

• Free No-Obligation Quotes
• Experienced NICEIC Registered Domestic Installers
• New Consumer Units installed to the latest Wiring Regulations
• Fully Insured

Is It Time For A New Consumer Unit?

The following situations may/will require the installation of a new Consumer Unit.

You Have A Traditional Fuse Box Mounted On Wood

Before modern Consumer Units loaded with RCD, MCB and RCBO fuses with trip switches, Fuse Boxes mounted on wood with wire fuses were common and remain in many homes in Chelmsford.

In the event of an electrical fault, the fuse would overload, and the wire would melt (sometimes with a flame), cutting the flow of electricity.

Modern fuses cut electrical current instantly in the event of a fault, much faster than traditional wire fuses.

Traditional fuse boxes, mounted on wood with traditional wire fuses, are a greater fire risk than a modern metal consumer unit.

If you have a traditional-style fusebox, it should be removed and upgraded to a new Consumer Unit ASAP.

Your Consumer Unit Is Plastic

Metal consumer units are safer than plastic ones.

In 2015, it became mandatory for all consumer units fitted in the UK to be constructed from metal to improve safety. Metal Consumer units are less prone to overheating with greater fire resistance than plastic ones.

While plastic Consumer Units are not illegal and generally safe, upgrading to a metal consumer unit is recommended for improved safety and to ensure your home’s up to date with the latest wiring regulations.

You Are Adding New Circuits Or Appliances

A new Consumer Unit may be required if you add new electrical circuits or appliances to your home. Additional circuits and appliances will increase the load on your home’s electrical system requiring more fuses.

An electrician may be able to add additional fuses to your existing Consumer Unit. Otherwise, a new one will be needed.

You Are Extending Your Home

You’ll undoubtedly need additional circuits if you add extra space to your home, such as an extension or garage conversion. However, in most cases, an upgrade or additional consumer unit is required to accept the extra Electrical load.

Regular Faults With Electrical System

If you’re experiencing regular faults with your Electrical systems, such as electric shocks, flickering lights, and tripping fuses, the system needs to be checked by a qualified Electrician.

One of our Electricians will test your system to diagnose the fault. Often repairs can be performed. However, sometimes, there’s an issue with the Consumer Unit, so it needs replacing.

Consumer Units Explained 

Consumer units are the most important component of your home’s electrical system. They serve several important functions, including:

1. Power distribution: the Consumer Unit distributes electricity from the main power supply to your home’s various circuits and appliances.
2. To prevent electrocution: A consumer Unit contains fuses (RCDs, MCBs, or RCBOs) designed to cut power instantly in the event of a fault, protecting against electric shocks and electrical fires, ensuring your and your family’s safety.
3. Protecting appliances from electrical overload: A Consumer Unit is designed to prevent electrical overload, which damages appliances and increases the risk of an electrical fire. If an appliance or circuit is drawing too much power, the fuses in the Consumer Unit will cut the power, protecting your appliances and preventing an electrical fire.
4. Meeting electrical regulations: A Consumer Unit must meet specific electrical regulations and standards to ensure the safety of those who live in the home and the electrical system. 

Overall, Consumer Units are an essential component of a safe and functional electrical system. They distribute power, protect against electrocution and electrical fires, prevent electrical overload, and ensure compliance with electrical regulations.

Consumer Unit Features

Consumer Units include the following.

Metal Casing

All new Consumer Units fitted are constructed from non-combustible metal, which prevents overheating and electrical fires. In addition, if a fire should occur within the consumer unit, the casing will help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

Mains Switch

The Consumer Unit features a prominent mains switch to turn off all electricity, for electrical maintenance/installation or if an emergency arises, such as an electrical fault or flood.

The location of your consumer unit and main switch should be known to everyone in your household in case of an emergency.

Safety Devices

A consumer unit contains various safety devices, RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are the most common MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers), and RCBOs (Residual Current Device With Overcurrent) are alternative fuses. All cut power immediately when they detect a fault. 

Free No-Obligation Survey & Quote

We want to offer you a free, no-obligation quote and survey to install your new consumer unit. One of our Electricians will visit your home at a booked time of your choice, undertake a survey and determine the best Consumer Unit for your property.

Following the survey, you’ll be written a free, no-obligation quote. Please get in touch with us using the phone number or contact form below for more details.