A consumer unit (CU) controls the supply of electrical power to a property and distributes electricity throughout various circuits.
If an electrical fault occurs or the system is overloaded, the consumer unit automatically switches off that supply to that circuit via a mini circuit breaker (MCB) or residual current device (RCD) and, therefore, helps protect the electrical system and people from electric shock.
Sometimes known as a distribution board or a fuse board, consumer units are a modern and safer alternative to the traditional fuse boards that were common in both business and residential buildings. Modern consumer units offer better safety features protecting consumers as well as the connected equipment.
If you’re planning a consumer unit upgrade, you’ll want to ensure you choose the right equipment for your property. To meet the latest regulations and optimal safety standards, an ‘18th edition fuse board’ is required, while 3-phase distribution boards will be installed where phase-3 power is located. We can also design and select equipment that suits your property’s requirements and size.
A consumer unit replacement gives you the opportunity to enhance the functionality of your electrical system, improve safety throughout the property and comply with the latest wiring regulations. However, it’s vital that you choose the right professionals to carry out your CU upgrade.
Due to the complexity involved, a consumer unit replacement should only be undertaken by a certified electrician and it’s essential to ensure that full testing is also completed. A fuse board replacement or distribution board upgrade is typically a full day’s work and consists of:
To learn more or to arrange consumer unit replacement, contact the team at Pretty Wired today.
Check out some of our most common questions.
It controls your property's electrical supply and safely distributes power throughout different individual circuits.
It automatically shuts off power via MCBs or RCDs if overloading or a circuit fault occurs.
An '18th edition fuse board' is supplied to meet current safety standards, or a 3-phase distribution board for phase-3 properties.
An upgrade or a fuse board replacement generally requires a full day of on-site work.
Engineers test circuits, check main earth bonding to water/gas lines, mount the new unit, label it, and run live safety checks.
No, due to extreme complexity, a consumer unit replacement must only be done by a certified electrician.
Yes, an Electrical Installation Certificate is issued alongside an official building control notification.
Upgrading ensures compliance with the newest wiring regulations, improves property-wide safety, and upgrades overall circuit functionality.
Think we might be the perfect match for your project? Call the team today, and we’ll let you know how we can help.
