eICR Testing in Torquay & South Devon
If your consumer unit is outdated, damaged or no longer provides the level of protection expected from a modern electrical installation, S Thorogood Electrical can inspect your existing installation and advise whether a consumer unit replacement is recommended.
We provide professional consumer unit replacements throughout Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot and the surrounding South Devon area.
All work is carried out by a qualified electrician, with the installation fully tested and the appropriate electrical certification provided on completion.
Consumer Unit Upgrades
The consumer unit – sometimes referred to as a fuse box – is an important part of your electrical installation. It distributes electricity around the property and contains protective devices designed to disconnect the supply when an electrical fault occurs.
Older consumer units may have limited protection compared with modern equipment. Depending on the age and condition of your installation, upgrading the consumer unit can provide improved protection for individual circuits as well as protection against electrical faults and power surges.
We can assess your existing consumer unit and recommend an appropriate replacement based on your property and electrical installation.
Modern RCBO Consumer Units
Where appropriate, we install modern consumer units incorporating individual RCBO protection.
An RCBO provides both overcurrent and residual current protection to an individual circuit. This means that a fault on one circuit is less likely to disconnect several unrelated circuits within the property.
For example, a fault affecting an outside circuit should not necessarily leave you without lighting or power elsewhere in the house.
Modern consumer units can also incorporate surge protection (SPD) to help protect electrical and electronic equipment from transient overvoltages.
Should I Have an EICR Before Replacing My Consumer Unit?
Where the condition of the existing wiring is unknown, we generally recommend carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before replacing the consumer unit.
An EICR allows us to test the existing circuits and identify faults or defects that could become apparent when they are connected to modern protective devices.
This can include issues such as insulation resistance faults, incorrect wiring, earthing or bonding deficiencies and other problems within the existing installation.
Finding these issues beforehand means we can explain any additional work that may be required before the consumer unit is replaced.
If a recent satisfactory EICR is available, we can review this when preparing your quotation.
What Is Included in a Consumer Unit Replacement?
The exact work required will depend on the existing installation, but a typical consumer unit replacement can include:
Removal of the existing consumer unit
Installation of a new consumer unit
Individual RCBO protection where appropriate
Surge protection
Inspection of the existing supply arrangements
Checks to earthing and protective bonding
Testing of the electrical circuits
Identification and labelling of circuits
Electrical Installation Certificate
Building Regulations notification where applicable
Before carrying out the work, we will explain what is required and provide a quotation.
Do I Need to Replace an Old Fuse Box?
Having an older consumer unit does not automatically mean that it must be replaced.
However, an upgrade may be recommended where the existing equipment is damaged, unsuitable, has limited protection or where improvements are being made to the electrical installation.
If you are unsure about the condition of your consumer unit, we can inspect it and advise you on the available options.
Consumer Unit Replacement for Landlords
We also provide consumer unit upgrades and electrical testing for landlords and rental properties throughout South Devon.
If an EICR has identified problems with an existing consumer unit or inadequate protection, we can provide a quotation for the necessary remedial work and issue the appropriate certification following completion.
Consumer Units for Additional Electrical Work
A consumer unit may also need to be assessed when installing new electrical equipment or circuits, including:
EV chargers
Electric showers
Additional heating
Outdoor electrical supplies
Hot tubs
New kitchen circuits
Extensions and alterations
We can check the existing installation and determine whether the consumer unit has suitable capacity and protection for the proposed work.
Consumer Unit Replacement Across South Devon
S Thorogood Electrical provides consumer unit replacements and electrical testing throughout Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot and surrounding areas of South Devon.
Whether you already know that your consumer unit needs replacing or simply want advice about an older installation, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Request a Quote
If you're considering replacing or upgrading your consumer unit, contact S Thorogood Electrical for advice and a quotation.
If possible, sending us a photograph of your existing consumer unit and meter area can help us understand the existing installation before arranging a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a consumer unit replacement take?
This depends on the size and condition of the electrical installation. The electricity will need to be switched off for part of the work while the existing consumer unit is removed, the replacement is installed and the circuits are tested.
Will you test the wiring when replacing the consumer unit?
Yes. The circuits connected to the new consumer unit need to be appropriately tested as part of the work. Where the condition of the installation is unknown, we may recommend an EICR before replacement.
What happens if you find a fault with a circuit?
If testing identifies a problem with an existing circuit, we will explain what we have found and advise what work is required to rectify it.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. An Electrical Installation Certificate will be issued following completion of the consumer unit replacement. Where applicable, the work will also be notified under the Building Regulations.
Does a new consumer unit need surge protection?
Surge protection is commonly incorporated into modern consumer units. We will assess the installation and specify suitable equipment when preparing your quotation.
Can you replace a consumer unit in a rental property?
Yes. We carry out consumer unit replacements, EICRs and remedial electrical work for landlords and rental properties throughout Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot and the surrounding South Devon area.
Do I need an EICR before having my consumer unit replaced?
An EICR is not necessarily required before every consumer unit replacement. However, where the condition of the existing wiring is unknown, we generally recommend having an EICR carried out first. This can identify existing faults or defects before the circuits are connected to the new consumer unit.
How do I know if my consumer unit needs replacing?
An older consumer unit does not automatically need replacing simply because of its age. However, replacement may be recommended if the existing equipment is damaged, unsuitable, lacks appropriate protection or if alterations are being made to the electrical installation. We can inspect your existing consumer unit and advise you on the available options.
How much does a consumer unit replacement cost?
The cost will depend on factors such as the number of circuits, the existing installation, the type of consumer unit required and whether any faults or additional work are identified. We can assess your existing installation and provide a quotation for the work.