18th edition consumer units

K-Electric install 18th Edition (latest edition of the wiring regulation) Consumer Units as Standard.

This unit includes all of the following;

• Unit made from a non-combustible material (steel) to meet fire regulations

• 100A Double Pole Main Switch to Isolate the whole installation

• Surge Protective Device to protect sensitive equipment from over-voltages and surges

• RCBO’s fitted for each circuit. This means each circuit has its own 30mA RCD protection, a far more convenient solution to the traditional ‘Duel RCD’ units fitted in domestic properties

Upgrading your old system

When it comes to upgrading your old consumer unit or ‘fuse box’ there are a number things to think about.

The best place to start is to get a electrical installation condition report on your current installation. Any old wiring may no longer be compatible with the new units as they now have additional protection (RCD). A RCD is a device now required on all domestic circuits as per the 18th Edition BS7671 Wiring Regulations.

Now this is not to say your old installation is unsafe, as long as the regulations where met at the time of installation this is deemed as safe.