Many homeowners do not think about their fuse board until something goes wrong. However, your consumer unit is one of the most important safety devices in your property and plays a vital role in protecting your home, family, and electrical installation.

Consumer Unit Upgrade in Exeter

At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, we regularly carry out consumer unit upgrades in Exeter and the surrounding areas. One thing we often find is that many properties still have older fuse boards that were installed years ago and do not provide the level of protection expected under current electrical regulations.

Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit in Exeter?

Electrical installations have changed significantly over the years. Modern homes use more electrical equipment than ever before, including electric vehicle chargers, induction hobs, computers, televisions, heat pumps, and smart home technology.

Many older fuse boards were simply not designed to cope with the demands of modern living.

A modern consumer unit provides additional protection through RCBOs and surge protection devices, helping to reduce the risk of electric shock, electrical fires, and damage to expensive electrical equipment.

As an electrician in Exeter, we regularly encounter older consumer units that have no RCD protection, incorrect circuit identification, or signs of overheating that homeowners were completely unaware of.

Common Signs Your Fuse Board May Need Replacing

There are several warning signs that may indicate it is time for a consumer unit upgrade in Exeter.

  • Your fuse board may still contain rewireable fuses.
  • The consumer unit may be made from plastic rather than metal.
  • Circuits may trip regularly without obvious reason.
  • You may have recently purchased an older property.
  • You may be planning an extension, kitchen renovation, EV charger installation, or other major electrical work.

Even if your existing fuse board appears to be working correctly, it may not provide the protection levels required by modern standards.

What Happens During a Consumer Unit Upgrade?

Before replacing a fuse board, we carry out a series of tests on the existing installation to ensure it is suitable for connection to a new consumer unit.

The existing consumer unit is then removed and replaced with a modern metal consumer unit complete with individual RCBO protection and surge protection.

Each circuit is clearly labelled, tested, and verified to ensure safe operation.

Following installation, comprehensive electrical testing is carried out and certification is provided. Building Control notification is also completed where required.

The Benefits of a Modern Fuse Board

Many customers are surprised by the benefits they notice after upgrading their consumer unit.

A modern consumer unit can provide improved protection against electric shock, better protection against electrical fires, reduced inconvenience when faults occur, and improved protection for sensitive electronic equipment.

Where older installations often had a single RCD protecting the whole property, modern consumer units allow faults to be isolated to individual circuits, reducing disruption throughout the home.

Consumer Unit Upgrades and EICRs in Exeter

Many customers first discover problems with their fuse board during an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

An EICR can identify issues such as inadequate protection, damaged accessories, incorrect circuit arrangements, and signs of deterioration that may not be visible during everyday use.

If you are unsure about the condition of your electrical installation, an EICR can provide valuable information and help determine whether a consumer unit upgrade would be beneficial.

Looking for an Electrician in Exeter?

If your fuse board is more than 20 years old, regularly trips, or simply lacks modern safety features, it may be time to consider a consumer unit upgrade.

At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, we carry out consumer unit upgrades, fuse board replacements, EICRs, fault finding, EV charger installations, and general electrical work throughout Exeter and the surrounding areas.

If you are looking for a trusted electrician in Exeter, contact A.M Electrics Devon Ltd to discuss your consumer unit upgrade and arrange a quotation.