Consumer Unit Replacement in Wigan and the North West

What is a Consumer Unit?

A consumer unit, commonly known as a fuse board or fuse box, is the main electrical distribution point in your property. It receives the incoming electricity supply and distributes it to individual circuits throughout the building. Modern consumer units contain Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) that protect against electric shock and electrical fires.

Signs You Need a Consumer Unit Replacement

Your consumer unit may need replacing if you notice any of the following:

• The unit contains old-style rewirable fuses rather than modern MCBs
• Circuit breakers trip frequently without an obvious cause
• The unit does not have RCD protection
• You are planning a major electrical installation such as an EV charger or electric shower
• The unit is visibly damaged, discoloured, or showing signs of overheating
• Your property is over 25 years old and the consumer unit has never been replaced
• You have received an unsatisfactory EICR report recommending replacement

The Replacement Process

Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. I'm NICEIC Approved and Part P registered, so I can self-certify the work without you needing to notify your local authority. The process typically takes 4-8 hours for a standard domestic installation. I'll isolate the power, remove the old unit, install the new consumer unit, test all circuits, and issue an Electrical Installation Certificate on completion.

Compliance and Safety

Since 2016, all new consumer unit installations in domestic premises must use metal-clad consumer units to comply with Amendment 3 of BS 7671. This requirement was introduced to reduce the risk of fire spreading from a faulty consumer unit. I only install compliant metal-clad units from reputable manufacturers.