Consumer unit upgrade for new sockets?
Do I need to upgrade my consumer unit if I am installing new sockets in my kitchen? Does it have to be metal? RCD?
16 Answers
Gigo Electrical Ltd
0 Reviews
This is dependent on the consumer unit and protection you have in place. If there's isn't RCD protection already in place you will need this for additional sockets and ideally for existing socket outlets, if there is space to install a new circuit onto your existing consumer unit with RCD protection then no you wouldn't need a metal unit, unless it did get upgraded then it would, hope this helps
10th May 2021
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Bright Spark Electrics
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
If the old consumer unit does not have rcd protection then yes, I would highly recommend having a new one installed. Any new consumer unit being installed would have to be metal to comply with the newest regulations.
11th Jun 2021
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Da contractors
0 Reviews
If you are re wiring the sockets you required to have rcd protection.
If you are just changing the socket fronts u don't but I strongly recommend u have rcd protection.
If the fuseboard needs changing it will have to be a metal one
If you are just changing the socket fronts u don't but I strongly recommend u have rcd protection.
If the fuseboard needs changing it will have to be a metal one
10th Nov 2021
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Voltage Contractors Ltd
0 Reviews
Hi,
It's advised that the work should be carried out by a registered electrician.
If your consumer unit has NO signs of thermal damage and the switch gear is compatible then there should be no need to replace although it may be recommended to be replaced for a non-combustible type if located under the stairs or above an entrance/exit door. RCD protection is a must and would need to be fitted if not present.
It's advised that the work should be carried out by a registered electrician.
If your consumer unit has NO signs of thermal damage and the switch gear is compatible then there should be no need to replace although it may be recommended to be replaced for a non-combustible type if located under the stairs or above an entrance/exit door. RCD protection is a must and would need to be fitted if not present.
9th Feb 2022
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SMZ
0 Reviews
You can use as well plastic one or surface box
18th May 2022
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SK Electrical
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
If the board hasn’t got RCD protection i would definitely advise upgrading.
29th Sep 2022
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Phazed out electrical
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
All depends how many sockets and whether or not we can add to an existing circuit, if we couldn't do this and there wasn't space on yout consumer unit , I would advice replacing to get you some spare ways , and yes I would definitely install metal to current regs and yes will need to be rcd protected to at least 30ma
28th Jan 2023
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Sing electrcials
0 Reviews
If you have old & non rcd plastic consumer unit then you have to install metal consumer unit with rcd protection for more safety,
16th Mar 2023
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KRW Electrical
0 Reviews
If your new sockets are plastic and a simple swap over then no. However if they are metal OR you are altering the circuit they yes and yes. I would always recommend a new mains board if the existing one is plastic and especially if no RCD is present. Also changing to a Rcd mains board sometimes can pick up minor faults which I would always make clear in my recommendation for the upgrade.
15th May 2023
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Nene Valley Electrical Services
0 Reviews
Ideally yes not necessarily metal
5th Oct 2023
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Skylark Electrical
0 Reviews
£25 per socket.
Multiple sockets are discounted.
Multiple sockets are discounted.
8th Nov 2023
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Jta installations
0 Reviews
You do not have to upgrade if you are just changing the sockets! But if you did upgrade the consumer unit then yes metal and rcd/rcbo is now the current advice.
24th Nov 2023
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Renewableleeds
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Is always recommended to have your circuit protected with rcd or rcbo protection
11th Dec 2023
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Mohammad
0 Reviews
First, it should be checked whether the consumer has space for a new fuse or not. The new electrical box must be made of metal. For the kitchen sockets (ring), if you have RCB in the main panel, it is not needed, and only one 32A RCBO switch is used for the sockets, and wire must be take for these sockets
4th Jan 2024
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VLV Electrical
0 Reviews
If you are making adaptations to an existing circuit you do not need to upgrade your consumer unit. With this though it is dependant on how the existing cabling is wired in whether you would need to run in a new circuit as cabling is only rated to be able to take certain currents for its csa (cross sectional area). If your current wiring for kitchen is not in a ring main i would strongly advise when making adaptations that you end up turning this into a ring as it will double the csa of the wiring and you will be able to rate the circuit on a 32 AMP breaker.
17th Jan 2024
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