Why Consumer upgrade
Why You Should Upgrade Your Consumer Unit – Electrical Safety Tips for Chislehurst Homes
Upgrading your consumer unit (fuse box) is one of the most important electrical improvements you can make. At PLS Electrical, we help homeowners and landlords across Chislehurst, Lewisham, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex stay safe, compliant, and ready for modern living.
Here are the top three reasons to upgrade your consumer unit today.
1. For Safety and Enhanced Protection
Modern consumer units offer far superior protection compared to older fuse boxes.
- Prevent electric shocks: New units feature Residual Current Devices (RCDs) that instantly cut power if a fault is detected, protecting against potentially fatal shocks.
- Reduce fire risk: All new consumer units must be metal-clad and non-combustible, containing any fire that may start inside the unit.
- Protect against surges: Built-in Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) shield your electronics from power spikes caused by lightning or grid fluctuations.
- Simplify fault detection: RCBOs (Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent protection) isolate faults to individual circuits, keeping the rest of your system running and making repairs easier.
2. For Regulatory Compliance
Keeping your electrical system up to date is essential for passing inspections and meeting legal standards.
- Meet BS 7671 Wiring Regulations: These are updated regularly by the IET, and a modern consumer unit helps ensure compliance.
- Satisfy mortgage and insurance requirements: Many providers require a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which outdated units often fail.
- Support renovations safely: Planning a new kitchen, extension, or EV charger? A compliant consumer unit is often the first step.
3. To Meet Modern Electrical Demands
Older homes weren’t built for today’s power-hungry lifestyles.
- Accommodate more devices: From smart TVs to tumble dryers, modern homes need more capacity than old fuse boxes can handle.
- Support high-demand additions: Electric showers, heat pumps, and EV chargers require upgraded systems to operate safely.
- Stop nuisance trips: Frequent circuit breaker trips are a sign your system is overloaded and needs attention.
Ready to Upgrade? Contact PLS Electrical Today
We offer free estimates, fast service, and expert advice across Lewisham and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, we’ll help you stay safe and compliant.
📍 Serving Chislehurst, Lewisham, Kent, Surrey & Sussex 📞 02036330009 🌐 www.plselectrical.co.uk 📧 info@plselectrical.co.uk