If you’ve had any electrical work carried out in recent years, you might have come across the term “consumer unit”.

These are increasingly replacing traditional fuseboxes in domestic properties. But it is more than just a change of name. Consumer units introduce important safety and operational features. Below, we’ll answer the frequently asked question – consumer unit versus fusebox: what’s the difference?

How do fuseboxes and consumer units work?

The fusebox and consumer unit have the same main functions – to control and distribute electricity around the home. They also have safety features to help prevent electric shocks and electrical fires.

Both fuseboxes and consumer units generally comprise a main switch, which controls the electricity supply to the entire property. Flipping this switch cuts off the power supply to your home.

They also have individual fuses or circuit breakers, which control specific rooms, appliances or parts of the property, such as the lights. If you experience a power cut, you’ll often find one of your fuses or circuit breakers has blown or tripped.

Consumer units vs fuse boxes: features

While the main functions are the same, consumer units have several advantages over traditional fuseboxes.

Increased capacity – Consumer units are capable of handling higher electricity demand, driven by the use of more appliances and devices around modern homes.

Longer lifespan – Consumer units have a lifespan of around 20 to 30 years, compared to around 15 years for a traditional fusebox.

Energy efficiency – Energy efficiency features include more effective electricity distribution and surge/overload protection, while some have timers.

Legal compliance – Consumer units comply with the latest regulations, including those set out in the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations.

Safety features

When looking at fuseboxes versus consumer units, one important difference is safety. Modern consumer units have several features designed to improve electrical safety. These include:

Residual current devices (RCD)

Consumer units have at least one RCD fitted. This feature cuts off the power supply when an imbalance between the live and neutral currents is detected. Far more sensitive than circuit breakers or fuses, an RCD can prevent electric shocks by stopping the current within 25 to 40 milliseconds.

Fuses or circuit breakers only stop the current when it is excessive enough to blow or trip the system, which could be at a far greater level than an RCD detects.

Surge protection

This feature protects against surges of electricity, which can damage equipment and devices. Surges can happen for a variety of reasons, including lightning strikes. Surge protection is a requirement under the rules set out in the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.

Traditional fuseboxes protect against current overloads via the fuse or circuit breaker, but they do not protect against surges and spikes in the voltage.

Residual current circuit breaker with overload (RCBO)

Some types of modern consumer units have an advanced safety feature which combines the functions of a miniature circuit breaker and an RCD. An RCBO shuts off the electricity supply if earth fault currents, short circuits or overloading are detected. As such, they offer added peace of mind and convenience.

Are traditional fuseboxes still available?

If you buy a property, you might find it has an older-style fusebox and they are not illegal to have. However, as they do not comply with the latest electrical safety and asbestos regulations, fuseboxes are being replaced by consumer units.

If you decide to upgrade or need your existing fuse box replaced, a consumer unit will be fitted.

In terms of the cost of replacing your fusebox with a consumer unit, this will depend on factors such as the capacity required. You should budget around £500 but a qualified electrician will provide an accurate quote for your property.

Should you upgrade your fusebox to a consumer unit?

There are no general legal requirements for all traditional fuseboxes to be replaced with a consumer unit. One exception is landlords, who may be required to upgrade their fusebox for the purposes of obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report.

However, if your fusebox is over 10 years old, it may be showing signs of deterioration. Indications your fusebox needs replacing include:

• Circuit breakers tripping or fuses blowing regularly
• Flickering lights or unreliable sockets
• Insufficient capacity

Additionally, fuseboxes over 15 years old may lack important safety features, making them non-compliant with current regulations.

Choosing a consumer unit

There are several types of consumer units available, which are similar in terms of their function but offer different features to fit various budgets and requirements.

For many property owners, the high-integrity consumer unit is the best option. It features RCBOs and has the capacity for up to 12 circuits.

If budget is the main consideration, a dual RCD consumer unit may be the better choice. It features a main switch and two RCDs.

The most flexible option is a main switch consumer unit, which simply comprises a main switch component with space for RCDs or RCBOs to be added, as needed.

Other options include small RCD consumer units (also known as garage consumer units or RCD incomers) which have no main switch and are designed for sheds and other small buildings.

Shower consumer units add capacity for a separate electricity supply to a shower unit, while EV consumer units are designed for home electric vehicle chargers.

When it comes to energy efficiency, look for a unit which has a rating of A or B. Most homes need capacity for at least 10 circuits (this could be fewer for a smaller flat or more for a larger house). Again, an electrician will advise the best type for your circumstances.

Time to make the switch?

Overall, a fusebox performs a crucial function in the home, ensuring your electricity supply is safe and reliable. So, if you have any concerns or simply want to benefit from the latest safety and efficiency features, think about upgrading to a modern consumer unit.

If your fusebox needs an upgrade or you just want some expert advice from a local, NAPIT-accredited electrician, contact SparkPro Electrical today. We provide fusebox replacement services to properties across West London.