Consumer Unit Replacement

Certified Installation

Replacing A Consumer Unit

Complete Electrical Services

always to use a competent registered electrician, by this I mean a company who are registered with a governing body like NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA and take the time to check out their registration number is valid online, it takes minutes to save a lot of hassle. DO NOT just trust the badge or logos on paperwork there are imposters out there.

Landlord & Property Owners Full Electrical Services

The regulations on consumer units have changed, this being that any installed should conform to meet BS7671: amendment 3 and which came into force in January 2016. The main change was from PVC consumer units to metal consumer units, and the aim is to provide adequate fire protection; thus in the invent of the fire, the enclosure contains the fire.

Documentation & Certification

You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate for the works and a further certificate issued by building control in the post after the job was completed within 30 days maximum. In using registered firms, you can also take advantage of there promise guarantee” so you can rest assured that you’re covered for the labour of your installation.

What is an RCD?

An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.

What does an RCD do?

An RCD is a sensitive safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is a fault.

An RCD is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults. For example, if you cut through the cable when mowing the lawn and accidentally touched the exposed live wires or a faulty appliance overheats causing an electric current to flow to earth.

Are RCDs reliable?

We’ve found that fixed RCDs are about 97% reliable. This improves if they are tested regularly. If you have fixed RCD protection, it will reduce the risk of electric shock to you and your family. It can also protect your home against the risk of fire caused by faulty wiring or appliances.

Remember – Although RCD protection reduces the risk of death or injury from electric shock it does not reduce the need to be careful. Have your wiring checked at least once every 10 years to ensure the safety of you, your family and your home. If you find a fault with your wiring or an appliance, stop using it immediately and contact a registered electrician.

Don’t forget to test – You should test all fixed and socket RCDs about every three months. Manufacturers recommend that portable RCDs are tested every time you use them.

Beware – If you hold the test button in for a long time and the RCD does not switch off the electricity supply, then get advice from a registered electrician.

The UK standard for safety – Since July 2008 virtually all circuits in new or rewired homes have been required to include an RCD under the latest edition of BS 7671.

How much will RCD protection cost?

A plug-in RCD can cost as little as £10. A fixed RCD will cost more but will provide a greater degree of protection to help keep your family safe. Installation costs will vary, so we recommend getting several quotes before proceeding.

How do I check whether I already have fixed RCD protection?

To check if you have fixed RCD protection, go to your consumer unit and have a look to see if there is a device with a push button marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’. This ‘test’ button is part of an RCD. If an RCD is fitted, there should also be a label on or near the consumer unit stating ‘test quarterly’.

How does an RCD work?

An RCD constantly monitors the electric current flowing through one or more circuits it is used to protect. If it detects electricity flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person who has touched a live part, the RCD will switch the circuit off very quickly, significantly reducing the risk of death or serious injury.

What are the main types of RCD?

RCDs can help protect you from electric shock in potentially dangerous areas like bathrooms and gardens, and there are various types of RCDs that can be used to make sure you are always as safe as possible.

Fixed RCDs

These are installed in the consumer unit and can provide protection to individual or groups of circuits. A fixed RCD provides the highest level of protection as it protects all the wiring and the sockets on a circuit, and any connected appliances.

Socket-Outlet RCDs

These are special socket-outlets with an RCD built into them which can be used in place of a standard socket-outlet. This type of RCD provides protection only to the person in contact with equipment, including its lead, plugged into the special socket-outlet.

There are many types but these two are the most common, you can also have portable (RCDs) such as fitted to an Extention lead.

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One Goddon Electrical Services, Downham Market Norfolk. The UK, IEE Registration (TG/55154-65) Napit (32385) Tel:01366 659959 Mobile:07734434804 Email: info@onegoddon.com