
Welcome to TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd, which installs a Consumer Unit in Witham.
- All types of Consumer Units installed
- NICEIC Electricians
- Free no-obligation surveys and quotes
What is a Consumer Unit?
A Consumer Unit, often called a fuse box, is the central point for distributing electricity to different circuits within your home or business. As a homeowner or landlord, ensuring your Consumer Unit is properly installed, maintained, and compliant with current safety standards is important. The right Consumer Unit will keep your electrical supply safe and reliable.
A Consumer Unit safely directs electricity to different circuits throughout your property, ensuring each area has a controlled and secure supply. It’s a type of junction box, but much more sophisticated, with built-in safety features like the main switch, Residual Current Devices (RCDs), Mini Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Residual Current Breaker with Overload (RCBO).
The Consumer Unit protects the electrical circuits and those that use your electrical system. If there’s a fault, the consumer unit will trip the relevant circuit, stopping the flow of electricity and preventing potential hazards like fires or electric shocks.
The Consumer Unit also allows Electricians to safely disconnect your property from the main supply to undertake work.
Consumer Units are available in various types to suit the needs of different homes and businesses.
Types of Consumer Units Available
We install a range of Consumer Units that cater to everything from small homes to larger properties requiring more complex electrical systems.
Standard Consumer Units
The most basic Consumer Units are ideal for smaller homes or flats. They feature essential safety features like MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and an RCD (Residual Current Device) to protect against electrical faults. Ideal for homes with standard electrical needs, Standard Consumer Units are a cost-effective solution that provides adequate protection.
Dual RCD Consumer Units
A dual RCD unit is a great option for homes requiring more protection. With two RCDs, these Consumer Units provide enhanced safety by isolating electrical faults in specific areas, reducing the risk of the entire house losing power. Dual RCD Consumer Units are ideal for homes with more complex wiring or multiple electrical appliances.
High Integrity Consumer Units
High Integrity Consumer Units are designed for properties requiring higher electrical safety and reliability. High-integrity consumer units are often used in larger homes, commercial properties, or houses with additional electrical installations like underfloor heating or home automation systems. They offer better segregation of circuits, ensuring safety and stability even when multiple high-power devices are used.
Consumer Units with Surge Protection
With the increasing number of electronic devices in our homes, having surge protection in your Consumer Unit is becoming more important. These units are fitted with devices that protect sensitive electronics from power surges, which can occur during thunderstorms or from sudden fluctuations in the power supply.
Duplex Consumer Units
Duplex Consumer Units are designed for properties that need dual functionalities. A duplex unit typically combines different circuits, such as standard and high-integrity circuits, into one unit. They are perfect for larger homes or properties with more specialised electrical needs.
Flush Consumer Units
Flush consumer units sit flush against the wall, offering a tidy appearance while maintaining full functionality and safety.
Garage Consumer Units
A garage consumer unit is simple with limited circuits. The unit’s designed to withstand the tougher environment often found in garages, offering protection for high-powered tools and appliances.
Signs You Need a New Consumer Unit
Your Consumer Unit may need replacing or upgrading to ensure safety and keep up with the growing electrical demands of your home or business. Here are some signs that it may be time for a new consumer unit:
Outdated or Faulty Consumer Unit
If your consumer unit is old or damaged, it may no longer provide the level of protection required. An old Consumer Unit might not meet modern safety standards and be prone to malfunctions. If you have a traditional fusebox mounted on wood with wire fuses, it will need replacing as soon as possible.
Frequent Circuit Tripping
If your fuses are constantly tripping, it could indicate that your consumer unit is struggling to cope with the demand on your electrical system.
Electrical Surges
If you’re experiencing frequent electrical surges or power fluctuations, your consumer unit might not protect your circuits effectively. Installing a new unit with surge protection will safeguard your electronics and appliances from damage.
Need for Increased Capacity
As your household or business grows, so do your electrical needs. If you’ve added new appliances, added an extension or built a home office, your existing Consumer Unit may no longer provide enough capacity. Upgrading to a larger, more powerful unit ensures your system will handle the increased demand.
Non-Compliance with Current Regulations
Electrical regulations change over time to improve safety standards. If your Consumer Unit is not compliant with the latest regulations, replacing it is a good idea.
Contact Us
Please contact us using the phone number or email below to book your free no-obligation survey and quote with one of our NICEIC registered Electricians.

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: 01376 230560