What Are Consumer Units?
A consumer unit is more commonly known as a 'fuse box'. In the modern day consumer units are no longer fitted with fuses but MCBs (Micro Circuit Breakers). MCBs stop excessive currents from overloading or short circuiting. When an excessive current attempts to travel through the consumer unit, the unit will 'trip' and the electricity will be halted. To turn the electricity back on you have to flick the ‘trip switch’ back on. Modern day consumer units also contain an RCD (Residual Current Device) which provides added protection against electrocution. An RCD can also detect other faults such as partial live-earth breakdown, which generates heat and can cause an electrical fire.
Replacing Old Consumer Units
If you have an old consumer unit or are moving into an old property, you should call out an electrician to check the unit for you and make sure you have a unit which complies with EU regulations. Old units are health and safety hazard because they do not prevent against electrocution or fires.
At Arc we offer a range of consumer unit replacements and a professional consumer unit fitting service. Contact us today and make sure your consumer unit is safe and reliable.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 27 May 2010 11:53 )
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Electrical (Essex) Limited