Consumer Unit and Fuse Board Replacements

The electrical consumer unit (more commonly known as a fuse board) is the device which houses the switches and circuit boxes which control the flow of power around your home or business. 

Adlin Smart Electrical can install new and replacement consumer units, which are both fully tested and registered with your local council, meeting the current IEE wiring regulations BS 7671. 

A full electrical safety inspection is carried out on the property on completion. If you need to upgrade your consumer unit – if, for example, you require more capacity for additional circuits, or you would just like to bring it up to current standards and increase safety – we can help.

If you’re not sure whether you might need a replacement or an upgrade, we can visit your premises to give an honest appraisal of the situation and recommend the best course of action. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from customers.

How often should I have my consumer unit checked?

For domestic units, the best practice is to have them professionally checked at least every ten years, to ensure they are functioning safely and are compliant with any changes to legislation. 

What does the consumer unit test entail?

We carry out both visual checks as well as specific equipment tests to ensure that your unit is functioning safely. On completion we provide a report of the precise tests completed and the results for your records.

I have an old fuse board; do I need to have it replaced?

Not necessarily. If you have an old consumer unit that’s showing no signs of damage, it won’t need to be replaced. However, if you plan to make changes – such as adding more sockets or lighting – it may need to be replaced to allow for more circuits and to include RCD protection.

What does RCD protection refer to?

An RCD (residual current device) quickly and automatically disconnects a circuit in the event of a fault – for example if someone touches a bare connection, or drills through a live wire. It is designed to make the electrical supply “trip” or disconnect faster than traditional methods such as fuses. In many cases this can prevent severe injury or death.

Do I need to upgrade my consumer unit to install extra sockets or lights?

It will depend whether your current unit includes RCD protection. In order to comply with current safety regulations, most new circuits need to include this. If your consumer unit already includes RCD protection – and can safely take the new extra load – you shouldn’t need to upgrade it.

The answers above are designed to give you some guidance on the most common scenarios we come across. They may not be 100% correct for everyone. If you have any questions about the safety or suitability of your electrical consumer unit, there’s no substitute for speaking to a qualified expert. We can only give accurate advice based on your individual situation.

Speak to us today and let us know how we can help

T: 01535 357 226

E: adam@adlin-electrical.co.uk

Full Electrical Installations
Commercial Electrical Installations
Consumer Unit Replacements
Electrical Safety Inspections
Lighting and Home Automation
Get in Touch
Web design by 418Design Ltd

Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved

Adlin Smart Electrical

Need help or have any questions about our services?

Please call: 01535 357 226

E-mail: adam@adlin-electrical.co.uk