A consumer unit is the heart of any electrical system. Also known as a fuse box, fuse board, or breaker panel, it’s the central point of your electrical system, where distribution and control of electricity take place. It consists of fuses and circuit breakers that protect your commercial equipment from electrical overloads and short circuits. It’s installed in homes, offices, and commercial buildings for safety and efficient power distribution.
Most people pay little attention to their fuse box until something goes wrong. But it’s well worth being aware of the clear signs of serious consumer unit problems, so you can act before it’s too late.
Here, you’ll learn how to know when it’s time to upgrade your consumer unit and the significant benefits of upgrading in time.
It’s possible to face a consumer unit problem without knowing it. Before it gets worse, here are 9 warning signs to keep an eye out for:
Do you notice your circuit breaker tripping often? This could be due to a faulty system or because your consumer unit is unable to take the load. Regardless of the cause, it’s a surefire sign that your consumer unit needs to be checked, and ignoring it could prove risky and lead to a disastrous short circuit.
Take this as your sign to get in touch with our experts for a hassle-free commercial consumer unit upgrade.
Dimming or flickering lights can be a symptom of many electrical issues, including an outdated or faulty consumer unit. This consumer unit problem occurs when your electrical system is having trouble distributing power evenly.
A competent electrician can diagnose the exact cause behind the issue and recommend a consumer unit replacement or upgrade as necessary.
If your business operates in an older building, it may have outdated wiring that isn’t strong or stable enough to handle modern energy demands.
A clear sign that something is wrong is burning smells coming from outlets, especially if you or others have complained about experiencing electrical shocks when touching appliances or equipment. In this case, you’ll need to upgrade immediately to avoid a major fire hazard.
If your commercial property still has a fuse box with replaceable fuses instead of a modern circuit breaker system, you should also consider an upgrade.
Modern electrical systems may malfunction with old fuse boxes. You’ll gain better protection and convenience by upgrading to a contemporary consumer unit with RCD protection.
If your commercial property still relies on an old fuse box with ceramic fuses, likely over 20 years old, it means your upgrade is overdue. One of the main reasons for this is that your consumer unit won’t be compliant with the latest regulations.
Get in touch with Oaktree Electrical to arrange for us to install a modern consumer unit with RCD protection and circuit breakers, offering superior protection against electrical faults.
Frayed or damaged wires indicate wear and damage, signalling outdated wiring that’ll probably be unable to handle high loads. Don’t neglect these visible signs of wear and damage to wires, electric outlets, or equipment, and get them replaced as soon as possible.
Along with replacing your consumer unit, Oaktree Electrical can help you with smart wiring systems for your commercial space.
Relying on multiple power strips and extension cords to manage your electrical needs is a sign that your current system is insufficient, especially as you may inadvertently cause a potential fire hazard due to overheating on the overloaded outlets.
Reach out to us for a cost-effective consumer unit upgrade and add circuits to allow for proper power distribution and reduce the risk of overloads.
Hearing humming or buzzing sounds from your consumer unit or electrical outlets is another huge sign that something isn’t right.
These sounds are usually caused by loose connections and faulty wiring, which are both potential fire hazards. Don’t ignore this warning and contact our electricians immediately.
RCDs, or Residual Current Devices, are safety mechanisms that shut off power instantly if they detect a risk of a shock or fault.
If you have a consumer unit without RCD protection, you’re not meeting current UK regulations in electrical safety and could be putting your employees, property, and business at risk.
Upgrading your business’ consumer unit can help you remedy most consumer unit problems, providing the following benefits:
Modern commercial consumer units have RCDs and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) to provide better protection against electrical faults.
Upgrading your consumer unit to one of the latest models gives you what you need to support your commercial devices and equipment without overloading circuits.
Installing a modern and compliant consumer unit means you’re meeting the latest British standards in electrical safety while safeguarding your business.
Replacing faulty or outdated systems can help you be more energy efficient while saving you money in the long run.
The cost of upgrading your consumer unit depends on the following factors:
Our certified experts follow a meticulous approach:
Initial assessment: Our electrician will assess your current consumer unit, wiring, and electrical needs, as well as conduct a safety check.
Selecting the unit: Based on the assessment, our electrician will recommend a modern consumer unit for your needs and safety.
Power Disconnection and Unit Removal: Power is shut off for your safety, and the old unit is removed carefully.
New unit installation: We install the new unit complete with SPD (surge protection device) and RCBO (residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection) for added safety.
Testing and Certification: After installation, our electrician will thoroughly test the unit, and you’ll receive a consumer unit replacement certification to prove regulatory compliance.
Electric systems can be risky if they’re not handled properly, and it’s best to leave their installation and maintenance to the experts at Oaktree Electrical.
We’re NICEIC-certified contractors with extensive knowledge of commercial and industrial electrical systems. We’re here to help you upgrade your business’ consumer unit to avoid the inconvenience and disruption to your operations from unprecedented consumer unit problems.
You can count on us for reliable, professional, and cost-effective consumer unit upgrades for your business. Contact us today with your requirements on 01322 552888 or office@oaktree-electrical.co.uk.
