Consumer Unit Replacement in Bournemouth

Is your home’s fuse box outdated or causing electrical issues? Many Bournemouth homeowners and landlords still have older consumer units fitted with re-wireable fuses and no modern safety devices. These ageing fuseboards can pose serious risks, from frequent power trips to fire hazards. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit with built-in safety features is essential for protecting your property and family while complying with current electrical regulations.

Common Issues Indicating You Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade

Older consumer units often lack Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection (RCBOs), which are designed to detect faults and cut power quickly. This absence can increase the risk of electric shocks and fires. Here are some common triggers for considering a consumer unit replacement:

Frequent Tripping of Fuses or Circuit Breakers

If your fuses or circuit breakers trip often without an obvious cause, it could signal an outdated or faulty consumer unit. This interrupts your power supply and can indicate underlying electrical faults that need professional attention to ensure safety and reliability.

Burning Smells or Visible Signs of Damage Near Your Fuseboard

Any burning smells, scorch marks, or visible damage around your fuseboard are serious warning signs. These issues often point to overheating components or faulty wiring, which can pose fire risks and require immediate inspection and replacement.

Adding High-Load Appliances Such as Electric Ovens, Heat Pumps, or EV Chargers

Installing high-demand appliances increases the load on your electrical system. Older consumer units may not handle this safely, so upgrading ensures your home can support these devices without tripping or risking electrical faults.

Home Renovations or Rewires Requiring Updated Electrical Infrastructure

During renovations or full rewires, updating your consumer unit is essential to meet current safety standards. This helps integrate new circuits properly and provides better protection for your updated electrical system.

EICR Recommendations Citing C1 (Danger Present), C2 (Potentially Dangerous), or FI (Further Investigation) Codes

If your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) flags C1, C2, or FI codes, these indicate hazards or issues needing prompt action. Upgrading your consumer unit as advised ensures compliance and protects your home from electrical dangers.

If you recognise any of these issues, it is advisable to arrange a professional assessment to ensure your electrical system remains safe and reliable.

What to Expect During Your Consumer Unit Replacement

Prolectrical Southern Ltd follows a thorough and safe process when replacing consumer units in Bournemouth properties. Our approach is designed to minimise disruption while delivering full compliance with British Standards and Building Regulations.

1. Initial Inspection and Assessment: We begin by inspecting your existing consumer unit and overall electrical installation. This includes checking the condition of wiring, earthing, and bonding arrangements to identify any hazards or improvements needed.

2. Safe Isolation of Power: To protect you and our engineers, the electrical supply is safely isolated before work begins.

3. Removal and Replacement: The old fuseboard is carefully removed. We install a new consumer unit equipped with appropriately rated RCBOs, RCDs, and Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) where necessary, tailored to your home’s requirements.

4. Labelling and Documentation: We clearly label every circuit for easy identification and future maintenance. All work is completed to BS 7671 standards, the UK wiring regulations.

5. Testing and Certification: Comprehensive testing ensures the new consumer unit operates safely and reliably. Upon completion, we issue a detailed Electrical Installation Certificate confirming compliance.

For more insight into our safety checks, visit our Electrical Testing & Inspection page.

Types of Protection Devices in Modern Consumer Units

Residual Current Device (RCD)

An RCD monitors electrical current leakage to earth and quickly disconnects the circuit if a fault is detected. Typically, RCDs protect multiple circuits simultaneously but can cause inconvenience if one circuit trips unexpectedly.

Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO)

RCBOs combine the functions of an RCD and a miniature circuit breaker in one unit, protecting individual circuits separately. This setup allows for more precise fault isolation, minimising disruption while enhancing safety.

Surge Protection Device (SPD)

SPDs safeguard your electrical system and appliances from voltage spikes caused by lightning or power surges. Including an SPD in your consumer unit provides an extra layer of protection, particularly in areas prone to electrical storms.

Trust Prolectrical Southern Ltd for Your Bournemouth Consumer Unit Replacement

Prolectrical Southern Ltd is fully qualified and accredited to carry out consumer unit replacements with professionalism and care. Our engineers hold 18th Edition wiring regulations qualifications and work in strict compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations. We prioritise tidy workmanship and clear communication throughout every project, providing peace of mind alongside safety.

Our services are fully insured, and we back our work with guarantees to protect your investment. We understand Bournemouth’s diverse housing stock, from Victorian terraces to modern developments, and tailor our solutions accordingly.

For additional electrical services in your home, explore our Domestic Services page.

Contact Prolectrical Southern Ltd for Consumer Unit Replacement in Bournemouth

Don’t compromise on electrical safety. Call Prolectrical Southern Ltd today on 07973743484 to schedule a professional assessment of your consumer unit. Alternatively, request a free, no-obligation quote and take the first step towards a safer home.

Whether you require a straightforward fuseboard upgrade or a more extensive electrical rewire, our expert team is ready to assist Bournemouth homeowners and landlords with reliable, compliant solutions.

Contact Prolectrical Southern Ltd on 07973743484 now to book your consumer unit replacement or to discuss your electrical needs in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my power be off during the consumer unit replacement?

Yes, the power supply will be safely isolated while we remove the old consumer unit and install the new one. We work efficiently to minimise disruption and get your electricity back on as quickly as possible.

Do I need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before replacing the consumer unit?

An EICR isn’t always required before replacement, but it’s highly recommended. It identifies any safety issues and confirms if the consumer unit needs upgrading. If your report shows C1, C2, or FI codes, an upgrade is usually necessary.

What is the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?

An RCD protects several circuits by detecting earth faults but can trip all connected circuits at once. An RCBO protects individual circuits, isolating faults more precisely and minimising inconvenience.

Will you check the bonding and earthing during the replacement?

Absolutely. Checking and testing your earthing and bonding is a key part of our service. We make sure these safety measures meet current standards to keep your home safe and compliant.