Any point getting this consumer unit replaced?

[mrblueham]

Hello,

I was thinking of getting this consumer unit replaced as it is made of plastic, the lid doesn't really close properly, it hasn't been tested in awhile and I had to have my ringdoor bell supply put into another box as there was no space.

Do you think it is worth it to get a new one?

 

[MJPD29]

An upgrade is always a good idea if installer correctly and would add RCD protection to the other side of your board. However this can't be forced upon you and is up to yourself.

 

[marcuswareham]

View attachment 58666

Hello,

I was thinking of getting this consumer unit replaced as it is made of plastic, the lid doesn't really close properly, it hasn't been tested in awhile and I had to have my ringdoor bell supply put into another box as there was no space.

Do you think it is worth it to get a new one?

My personal opinion would be to get a EICR done, which will tell you if the whole installation is safe or not. The fact that is is plastic doesn't mean it needs to be replaced with a metal one provided it meet the regulations at the time it was installed.

It seems strange to me that a ring door bell had to be put on its own circuit, and could not be taken from a F.C.U from the socket circuit, although I am not an expert

I would also consider swapping the lighting MCBs for RCBOs to provide a bit of extra protection.

 

[Pete999]

View attachment 58666

Hello,

I was thinking of getting this consumer unit replaced as it is made of plastic, the lid doesn't really close properly, it hasn't been tested in awhile and I had to have my ringdoor bell supply put into another box as there was no space.

Do you think it is worth it to get a new one?

Your CU complied at the time that your dwelling was wired, as you wish to add a new circuit and there isn't any space for a new cir, may be now is a good time to change it.

It looks like a recessed unit, which will not be a straightforward installation, in my opinion, your best option will be to employ an Electrician, don't buy stuff Willy Nilly, as an Electrician will know what is required, and you could waste money on something that is inappropriate for the job, get several quotes, and don't opt for the cheapest one just yet, get the quotes and post them on here, erasing the persons details , where there will be lots of people who can judge the best option , good luck please let the forum know how you get on. One more thing Make sure the quotation includes "Notification if required and an EIC "Electrical Installation Certificate" don't shell out any money until the job is complete and the cert EIC has been received. Again good luck

 

[davesparks]

View attachment 58666

Hello,

I was thinking of getting this consumer unit replaced as it is made of plastic, the lid doesn't really close properly, it hasn't been tested in awhile and I had to have my ringdoor bell supply put into another box as there was no space.

Do you think it is worth it to get a new one?

If this was my own property I would replace the MCB's which aren't protected by RCD with RCBOs and check all terminations for being correctly made, I would leave the plastic box as it is.

I would advise a customer to do the same and have an EICR carried.

 

[pc1966]

Obviously you have various reasons to think about replacing it and generally that is a good idea as you can end up with a better overall installation in terms of reliability & safety.

#1 consideration has to be getting any work done in a safe and professional manner, and you might find folk on here that you can get help from if they are local.

As already said, it is worth looking at an EICR first to identify anything that is worth considering as part of the changes. But the aspects that are most beneficial (at least in my opinion) are:

• Having an all RCBO setup so faults on any circuits are clearly identifiable and only impact on that circuit.
• The new CU has sufficient space for a couple of extra circuits should you need them in the future.
• These days it is common to have a surge protection device (SPD) in the CU to reduce the risk of damage to electronics from lightning or other surges.
• A metal enclosure with the appropriate glands is far better in terms of fire safety.

So when thinking about such work, try to think of anything you would want in the future, or anything that might be practical to do (e.g. if the CU is currently inaccessible or in a place you would like to use for something else). If you are interested there are some guidelines here:

Best Practice Guides | Electrical Safety First

Electrical Safety First produces, in association with other industry bodies, a range of Best Practice Guides which provide definitive information and guidance on a range of technical subjects.

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Number 1 and 4 are relevant here. As already said, this is not a trivial bit of work so do your research on finding someone who does a good job first.

 

[mrblueham]

Alright thanks guys for all the info! I will get an electrician to have a look at it and get some quotes together.

 

[Pete999]

Alright thanks guys for all the info! I will get an electrician to have a look at it and get some quotes together.

Good Man nice to see someone that listens to advice.

 

[mrblueham]

Good Man nice to see someone that listens to advice.

I have no clue about electrical stuff so want to do it as safely as possible! I'd never attempt to do it myself.

I only noticed it hadn't been inspected for a long time the other day, as I was trying to figure out why the lights weren't working in one room, but turned out it was just the old bulbs had failed (honestly not sure if it was one at a time or if they all blew together) which I have replaced with some LED ones now

 

[Pete999]

I have no clue about electrical stuff so want to do it as safely as possible! I'd never attempt to do it myself.

I only noticed it hadn't been inspected for a long time the other day, as I was trying to figure out why the lights weren't working in one room, but turned out it was just the old bulbs had failed (honestly not sure if it was one at a time or if they all blew together) which I have replaced with some LED ones now

In my opinion, Whilst an EICR is a good idea, part of the rules regarding a CU change advises that an EICR part of the Process of a CU SWAP " see the best practice guide published by the ECS Electrical Safety Council" says, or advises that an EICR, is carried out PRIOR to the swap to ensure your installation is safe.

So it my be prudent to insist on this test, in any case. it may cost you more but better be safe than sorry.

Plenty of Cowboys out there that will just do the minimum.

The EIC on completion of the CU Swap should prove your installation is safe and sound, and fit for purpose.

Let the Forum know how you get on, lots of interested parties I'm sure.