Upgrading your consumer unit is one of the most important things you can do to improve the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system. If you’re considering this upgrade, you might be wondering: What’s actually involved? How long will it take? Will there be much disruption? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect during your consumer unit upgrade.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Before any work begins, we’ll conduct an initial assessment of your existing electrical system. This is to ensure that your wiring is safe and compatible with a new consumer unit. If necessary, we might recommend carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to check the overall condition of your wiring and identify any potential issues.
At this stage, we’ll also discuss your specific needs, such as whether you require additional circuits or have appliances like EV chargers or solar panels that need to be considered.
Step 2: Preparation and Planning
Once everything’s been assessed, it’s time to prepare! On the day of the upgrade, we’ll ensure your home is ready by:
- Protecting your space: Covering flooring and nearby furniture to keep everything clean and safe.
- Confirming power-off times: We’ll need to switch off the electricity during the upgrade, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way to minimize disruption.
We’ll also double-check any preferences you’ve shared, such as the placement of the new consumer unit.
Step 3: Removing the Old Consumer Unit
The first hands-on step is safely removing your old consumer unit (fuse box). This involves disconnecting the existing circuits and preparing the space for the new unit. Don’t worry — we’ll handle this with care, ensuring no damage is caused to your wiring or property.
Step 4: Installing the New Consumer Unit
Next comes the exciting part: installing your brand-new consumer unit! This includes:
- Mounting the new unit in place.
- Connecting all circuits to the appropriate breakers or RCDs/RCBOs.
- Ensuring RCD/RCBO protection is in place for enhanced safety.
Modern consumer units always include fire-safe enclosures, typically made from metal, to reduce fire risks and comply with the latest safety regulations.
Step 5: Comprehensive Testing
Once the installation is complete, we’ll conduct a series of thorough tests to ensure everything is working as it should. This includes:
- Checking the connections and circuits for safety and compliance.
- Testing RCDs and RCBOs to confirm they’re functioning correctly.
- Verifying that power is restored to all circuits and appliances.
We’ll document the results and ensure everything meets current regulations (BS 7671).
Step 6: Certification and Handover
After testing, you’ll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). However, it’s important to note that the EIC must be written up after the visit and cannot be handed over on the same day. Once completed, the certificate will be emailed to you for your records.
Before we finish up, we’ll:
- Explain how your new consumer unit works.
- Answer any questions you may have.
- Leave your space clean and tidy.
How Long Does a Consumer Unit Upgrade Take?
The entire process typically takes 4–8 hours on-site, depending on the complexity of your system and the number of circuits involved. We’ll always keep you informed of progress throughout the day.
Will There Be Much Disruption?
While we do need to switch off the electricity during the upgrade, we work efficiently to minimize disruption. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- WiFi will be off: If you work from home or rely on the internet, this may affect you. Consider planning around this or using mobile data if possible.
- Food preparation: If your appliances, hob, or oven are electric, they won’t be operational during the upgrade. It’s worth preparing meals or snacks in advance to avoid inconvenience.
- Fridges and freezers: Rest assured, your fridge and freezer will remain cold for several hours as long as the doors remain closed. Modern fridges can stay cold for up to 4 hours, while freezers can maintain safe temperatures for up to 24 hours if unopened. If you’re concerned, avoid opening the doors during the upgrade to keep the cold air inside.
We recommend planning ahead to ensure minimal disruption during this time.
Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
Upgrading your consumer unit isn’t just about meeting modern standards; it’s about:
- Improving safety: Modern units provide better protection against electric shocks and fire risks.
- Handling modern demands: They’re better equipped to manage today’s energy needs, including appliances, EV chargers, and more.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your system is compliant with current regulations.
Ready to Upgrade?
Upgrading your consumer unit is a straightforward process when you’re working with experienced electricians. At Lek-Trix, we make it easy, safe, and stress-free. Whether you’re upgrading for safety, compliance, or future-proofing, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your consumer unit upgrade and take the first step toward a safer, more efficient home!