Why do I need a new fuse board ?
There are many reason for a new fuse board or consumer unit.
-existing consumer unit is not big enough for new circuits
you want a new circuit for the garden or a car charger but there is no room in your existing consumer unit.
–consumer unit has no RCD protection
RCD protection has been around for many years but not all consumer units have them, or they may have a single RCD which will trip the whole installation in case of a fault.
New units can have multiple RCDs or RCBOs, decreasing the chance of nusiance tripping or unnecessary power outages on multiple circuits.
The latest RCDs & RCBOs are built to detect DC fault currents which are ever more present in todays modern LED world. RCD protection is now a requirement on all new installations.
–consumer unit needs moving
your consumer unit may be in a very impractical location
–consumer unit is damaged
a damaged consumer can be very dangerous, any missing parts, cracks or heat damaged units should be replaced immediately. If you notice the consumer unit has warm patches or you can hear any crackling noises, get it checked urgently.
–for safety and piece of mind
new consumer units have many more safety measures in place compared to an outdated one and bringing an old consumer unit up to modern standards is not always an option or cost effective.
A new consumer unit will be of metal construction and fire rated.
New safety features such as a Surge Protection Device (SPD), to protect from lightning strikes and electrical surges from external faults can be included.
Arcfault Detection Devices (AFDD) can be added to detect dangerous arc faults that are a major cause of house fires.
–you have been told you have to have a new consumer unit.
Electrical regulations in most cases are not retrospective, in other words, if it was installed at the standard required at the time of installation, then you are not required to update it, unless you are having electrical work done that requires higher standards, or there is a fault or damage.
