The property owner initially contacted us to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) as part of their responsibilities as a landlord. During the inspection, we identified that the existing RCD protection was becoming outdated and no longer reflected current wiring regulations.
While the minimum recommendation would have been to upgrade the RCD protection, the landlord decided to take a longer-term view and invest in a complete consumer unit upgrade instead.
What Did the EICR Reveal?
An EICR is designed to assess the condition of a property's electrical installation and identify any areas that may require improvement.
In this particular property, the existing consumer unit arrangement consisted of two separate boards:
- A main consumer unit
- A separate shower consumer unit
Although the installation was still operational, the existing RCD protection was no longer ideal by modern standards and would have benefited from an upgrade to Type A protection.
Essentially, the inspection highlighted an opportunity to improve the overall level of protection within the property rather than simply replacing one component.
Why Upgrade the Entire Consumer Unit?
This is a question we are often asked.
While replacing individual components can sometimes be the right solution, there are situations where a complete consumer unit replacement provides better value and a higher level of protection.
In this case, the landlord recognised that the existing boards were ageing and that future electrical requirements would be better supported by a modern installation.
Therefore, rather than investing in part of the system, they chose to upgrade the entire arrangement.
The result was a safer, more modern electrical installation that provides greater protection for both the property and its occupants.
What Was Installed?
We removed both existing consumer units and replaced them with modern metal-clad consumer units.
Modern consumer units are manufactured from metal rather than plastic, making them compliant with current regulations regarding fire containment.
Alongside the new boards, we installed:
RCBO Protection on Every Circuit
One of the biggest improvements was the addition of RCBO protection throughout the installation.
Unlike older systems where multiple circuits may share a single RCD, an RCBO protects each circuit individually.
This provides several advantages:
- Improved fault protection
- Reduced nuisance tripping
- Easier fault finding
- Less disruption if a fault occurs
For example, if one circuit develops a fault, it is less likely to affect other circuits within the property.
This gives homeowners and landlords additional peace of mind knowing that each circuit has its own dedicated protection.
Surge Protection Device (SPD)
The new installation also includes surge protection.
Many people are unaware that electrical surges can occur due to external influences such as power network switching or lightning activity.
Over time, these surges can damage sensitive electronic equipment including:
- TVs
- Broadband routers
- Computers
- Kitchen appliances
- Smart home devices
A surge protection device helps reduce the risk of damage caused by these unexpected voltage spikes.
Type A Protection
Modern electrical installations increasingly require Type A protection due to the way many household appliances now operate.
Items such as washing machines, EV chargers and modern electronic equipment can generate fault currents that older protective devices may not always detect effectively.
By upgrading to modern protection devices, the installation is better suited to today's electrical demands.
The Benefits for Landlords
For landlords, maintaining a safe electrical installation is an important part of protecting both tenants and the property itself.
A modern consumer unit offers several benefits:
- Improved safety
- Greater reliability
- Easier maintenance
- Compliance with current standards
- Reduced likelihood of nuisance tripping
- Better protection for electrical equipment
Alongside helping to meet legal obligations, these upgrades can also reduce the likelihood of future electrical issues and callouts.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
If your consumer unit is over 20 years old, or your property still has older-style RCD protection, it may be worth arranging an inspection.
Here’s the thing. Many electrical installations continue to function perfectly well on a day-to-day basis, but that does not necessarily mean they are providing the level of protection available from modern equipment.
An EICR allows potential issues to be identified before they become larger problems, therefore helping homeowners and landlords make informed decisions about their electrical safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my consumer unit needs upgrading?
The best way is to arrange an EICR. This will assess the condition of your installation and identify any areas that may benefit from improvement.
What is an RCBO?
An RCBO combines overcurrent and residual current protection into a single device, providing dedicated protection for an individual circuit.
What is surge protection?
A surge protection device helps protect electrical equipment from unexpected voltage spikes that could cause damage.
Is a consumer unit upgrade disruptive?
Most consumer unit replacements can be completed within a day, although this depends on the size and condition of the installation.
Conclusion
This East Preston project demonstrates how a routine EICR can lead to improvements that provide long-term benefits. By replacing two ageing consumer units with modern metal-clad boards featuring RCBO protection, surge protection and updated Type A devices, the landlord now has confidence that the property's electrical installation is better protected for years to come.
If you own a property in East Preston, Rustington, Worthing or the surrounding areas and would like advice on the condition of your consumer unit, a professional inspection can help you understand your options and make an informed decision. Get in touch today!
