Consumer Unit Replacement in Luton

The consumer unit, often called the fuse box or fuse board, is where the mains power splits into circuits. It holds the switches that turn a circuit off if something goes wrong.

Older boards use wire fuses or have no RCDs. An RCD cuts the power in a split second if current leaks to earth. That could be through a person touching a live part.

Look for fuses with wire in them, a wooden back board, a cracked case or scorch marks. Fuses that blow often, or switches that keep tripping, are worth a check too.

An EICR may code the board C2 because it has no RCD protection where it is needed. In that case, a new consumer unit is usually the simplest way to clear the fault.

The power is off while the new unit goes in. Most swaps take a few hours to a day, depending on the number of circuits.

Once it is in, we test every circuit. Sometimes a new RCD trips because of an old fault, such as a damp outside light. If that happens, we find the fault and explain it before we quote to fix it.

Changing a consumer unit is notifiable work in England. Once it passes testing, you get an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), and the work must be registered with building control.

Keep the certificate with your house papers. A buyer's solicitor may ask for it when you sell. Landlords can keep it on file with their EICR.