At L J Mullan Electrical, we recently completed another consumer unit (fuse board) upgrade in Banbury for a local landlord who wanted to future-proof their rental property and bring the electrical installation up to current standards.
Interestingly, the property’s existing Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) was satisfactory, meaning there were no immediate issues that required remedial work. However, rather than waiting until components became outdated or a future inspection highlighted recommendations, the landlord chose to invest in the property’s electrical safety now.
It’s a great example of proactive maintenance and demonstrates a commitment to providing tenants with a safe, modern electrical installation.
Why Upgrade a Fuse Board if the EICR is Satisfactory?
This is a question we’re asked regularly.
A satisfactory EICR confirms that an installation is safe for continued use at the time of inspection. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the installation meets the latest edition of BS 7671 or includes all of the safety features found in a modern consumer unit.
Many older fuse boards remain safe to use but may lack important protective devices that are now considered best practice.
By upgrading the consumer unit, this landlord has significantly improved the overall safety and resilience of the electrical installation while helping to prepare the property for future electrical demands.
Benefits of a Modern Consumer Unit
Modern consumer units offer several important improvements over older installations.
Individual RCBO Protection - The new consumer unit was fitted with Type A RCBO protection on every circuit.
Unlike older arrangements where several circuits may share a single RCD, RCBOs provide individual protection for each circuit. This means that if a fault develops on one circuit, it is far less likely to interrupt power to the rest of the property.
For landlords, this can reduce inconvenience for tenants and make fault finding much simpler.
Type 2 Surge Protection - The installation also benefits from a Type 2 Surge Protection Device (SPD).
Power surges can occur due to lightning activity or switching events on the electricity network. While they may only last milliseconds, they have the potential to damage modern electrical equipment including:
- TVs
- Broadband routers
- Washing machines
- Boilers
- Computers
- Kitchen appliances
- Smart home equipment
Adding surge protection helps reduce this risk and is now recommended for the vast majority of domestic installations.
Metal Fire-Rated Consumer Unit
The old fuse board was replaced with a modern metal consumer unit, helping improve fire containment should an internal fault ever occur.
Current regulations require consumer units in domestic premises to be manufactured from non-combustible material, making them considerably safer than many older plastic units.
Ideal for Rental Properties - Rental properties often experience more wear and tear than owner-occupied homes, making electrical reliability particularly important.
A modern consumer unit provides landlords with several advantages:
- Improved protection for tenants.
- Better compatibility with modern electrical appliances.
- Easier maintenance in the future.
- Compliance with current installation practices.
- Greater confidence ahead of future EICRs.
While a fuse board upgrade isn’t always a legal requirement following a satisfactory EICR, many landlords choose to carry out the work as part of a long-term investment in their property.
Fully Tested and Certified
As with every consumer unit replacement we carry out, the installation underwent comprehensive inspection and testing before being energised.
Once all testing had been completed successfully:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) was issued.
- The work was notified to Building Control where required.
- The landlord received certification confirming the installation had been completed and tested correctly.
This gives complete peace of mind that the work complies with the latest wiring regulations.
We Specialise in Fuse Board Upgrades
Consumer unit replacements are one of our specialist services, and we regularly carry out upgrades throughout Banbury, King’s Sutton, Brackley, Bicester and the surrounding villages.
Whether your fuse board is outdated, you’re renovating a property, purchasing a new home or simply want to improve the safety of your installation, we’re happy to offer honest advice on the most suitable solution.
Every installation is completed neatly, professionally and with minimal disruption to your property.
Looking for a Fuse Board Upgrade in Banbury?
If you’re a homeowner or landlord considering updating your consumer unit, we’d be happy to help.
At L J Mullan Electrical, we take pride in carrying out high-quality fuse board upgrades using trusted equipment and modern safety features, ensuring your electrical installation is ready for today’s demands and for years to come.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation quotation for a consumer unit replacement in Banbury or the surrounding areas, get in touch today. We’ll assess your existing installation, explain your options clearly and provide a professional solution tailored to your property.
