An RCD or Residual Current Device is a protective device which detects hazardous electrical faults within milliseconds, protecting individuals from injury through electric shocks.
RCDs are typically found inside consumer units, near to the main switch. Unfortunately, older fuseboxes with traditional rewirable fuses lack in built RCD protection which is one of the reasons why electricians recommend a consumer unit upgrade. The average cost of a consumer unit upgrade in Bristol is between £700 - £1450 for a standard, straightforward upgrade but will cost more if for example, moving the location of the consumer unit during a home extension. Allied Electrical Services have over 25 years of experience in the industry, bringing safe electrical installations to homes across Bristol.
What are the benefits of a consumer unit upgrade in Bristol?
A consumer unit upgrade will ensure modern household appliances which are considered heavy-draw are managed better, avoiding nuisance tripping or overheating. Older units or fuseboards lack a number of safety features such as RCD protection, failing to fulfill Wiring Regulations. The team attended a 3 bedroom interwar house on Wilshire Avenue, Bristol as the homeowners were worried about the older fuseboard. We explained the benefits of a consumer unit upgrade, particularly the added safety features such as RCD and MCB protection which was of particular interest to the retired couple. We took the time to go through the consumer unit and the clear labeling. This helped the homeowners identify the breakers and how easy it would be to reset if a fault occurred and the breakers tripped.
What does an RCD in a consumer unit do?
RCDs manage and motor the fine balance of current in live and neutral wires. If a cable is damaged or if a current leak to earth is detected, the RCD is designed to “trip” and cut off the power to prevent electrocution or electrical related fire. During our initial appointment with the owners at Wilshire Avenue, we explained how beneficial the RCD is because of how quickly electrical faults are detected. The wife was particularly thankful for the consumer unit upgrade in Bristol as the husband had accidentally cut the lawn mower cord twice in the past!
While the RCD is a safety feature, consumer units do also include MCB or Mini Circuit Breaker protection too. MCB’s protect the circuits at your home from damage by short circuits
Contact Allied Electrical Services in Bristol.
If the existing fuseboard at your property is outdated and fails to meet current regulations, or you are thinking of home renovation projects like an extension to your property, a consumer unit upgrade in Bristol can be carried out by the experienced team at Allied Electrical Services.
As NICEIC approved electricians, all electrical work such as consumer unit upgrades are inline with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. As with the lovely customers at Wilshire Road, we take the time to explain all aspects of a project, particularly the added safety you can achieve from a consumer unit upgrade in Bristol.
Call Allied Electrical Services in Bristol on 0117 303 9000.
