Electrical systems are a smooth operator when working well. They run silently and faultlessly in the background and as long as everything keeps functioning, we don’t question it.
Did you know that electrical systems can operate even in the presence of electrical faults and problems? Consumer units and trip switches will operate right up until the point of absolute and permanent failure, cables will quietly deteriorate over time but appear to function fine until they are completely spent.
Why would we upgrade something that appears to be working just fine? A consumer unit upgrade is not only necessary to keep up with the latest safety requirements but will also ensure that the latest electric shock, surge and possibly even fire protection is in place at your Bristol home.
What is a Consumer Unit?
The consumer unit is ‘the brains’ of the electrical system and is responsible for things such as cable protection, electric shock protection, overload protection, surge and arcing protection along with dividing the mains electrical supply into ‘circuits’ for distribution around our properties.
Why would I need a replacement consumer unit?
There are many reasons that a replacement consumer unit may be necessary:
• Before a house sale / after purchase
• Following an Inspection
• Component failure
• Overheating / Fire
• Improved Safety
Before house sale
During the home selling process, it is becoming more common for solicitors to ask for paperwork relating to the electrical system. You may find that as part of the survey, the electrical installation is flagged up if the consumer unit looks particularly old.
Following an inspection
Following an electrical inspection, it may be necessary to replace the consumer unit if there is a lack electric shock protection or damage to the existing unit. Many homes still have rewireable fuse wire type fuse boxes and as such may require newer technology and electrical protection to be installed.
Component failure
Whilst we take it for granted, the electrical system and its consumer unit components do not last forever. Unfortunately, many consumer units are now obsolete with new parts impossible to source. If you experience consumer unit component failure it may be necessary to replace the entire unit.
Overheating / fire
Loose wiring can cause overheating and small fires to occur. In this case, it is likely that the switches and wiring will become damaged and result in the need for a consumer unit upgrade. This can sometimes be avoided by preventative maintenance and inspections.
Improved safety
Just like the appearance of air bags and anti-lock brakes in cars, newer technology has appeared in electrical consumer units over time. Replacing the unit ensures that the most up to date, regulations compliant technology is installed to protect your Bristol home, its occupants and electrical system.
What is involved in a consumer unit upgrade?
Before a consumer unit upgrade takes place:
• The existing electrical system should be checked.
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Remedial Works
• Installation and Further Testing
• Certification
Existing system check
This it to ensure that there are no pre-existing electrical faults within the system. Older consumer units or fuse boxes cannot detect all manner of electrical issues and many problems will go undetected by older technology.
EICR
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is sometimes produced, especially necessary in older installations. An in-depth inspection is carried out along with several electrical tests to ascertain the condition of the installation prior to the installation of the new consumer unit.
Older technology in fuse boxes and even consumer units may not detect all electrical faults that are present so this testing is often necessary to ensure that the new unit is able to be installed without issues.
Remedial Works
Any necessary remedial works highlighted during the inspection may need to be rectified prior to the consumer unit upgrade. In some cases, no remedial works will be necessary. The older the electrical system in the property, the more likely it is that some work will be needed to repair or bring up to standard the old wiring system.
Further Testing
Once the new consumer unit is fitted, the new protection devices are tested to ensure that electric shock protection is working correctly. This is a very important process.
Certification
An Electrical Installation Certificate is produced for the work to prove it has been tested and installed to the wiring regulations. In domestic premises, we will also give you a building control notification certificate. This certificate states that the new consumer unit installation complies with the building regulations.
Consumer Unit Upgrade Electrician in Bristol
As electricians in Bristol, here at Allied Electrical Services we regularly come across electrical systems that have out of date components, consumer units that are obsolete and electrical faults that cause havoc at the most inconvenient times. Upgrading your consumer unit comes with the benefit of inspecting the electrics to ensure that everything is operating as it should be.
If you are unsure of how old your electrical system is and whether it requires a consumer unit upgrade then contact us and let us help you. We are your local, experienced and fully qualified electrician in Bristol
