New circuit - Upgrade to consumer united required?

Hi, just wanted to know if I have a new circuit added to my consumer unit will I need to upgrade my consumer unit to new regulations or since it was fitted 8 years ago does it apply to those regulations, in which case I would not need an upgraded unit.

10 Answers

HEMS
42 Reviews, 98% Positive
There is no legal requirement to upgrade as it complied at the time of instalation,but the new circuit will need to comply, however it's always best for safety to up grade
29th Apr 2017
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Mac-Electrical Services
13 Reviews, 100% Positive
Yes, you will need to upgrade to BS7671/Amendement 3 specification.
20th Apr 2017
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OBPropertyServices
3 Reviews, 33% Positive
Is your consumer unit metal or plastic?
21st May 2017
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TU ELECTRICIANS
0 Reviews
hi
adding new circuit to your DB doesn't force you to change the DB (distribution board- consumer unit)unless you are installing circuits in bathrooms or specials locations and you don't have RCD protection for it ( old db's doesn't have RCD Protection )
4th Jul 2017
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Weaves Interiors & Outdoors
106 Reviews, 96% Positive
You may need to as all consumer units are metal now. You may also have a small secondary unit fitted just for your new circuit which the electrician will fit to ensure his work meets the required regulations and for registering his work carried out.

If you require any more information please feel free to contact us, or I can send one of the team to come and see you.

Kind regards Dylan Weaves Interiors
13th Aug 2017
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JJP HOMESERVICES LTD
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Get a qualified electrician to look at that.
23rd Nov 2017
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D A Electrical ltd
0 Reviews
Really yes you will need the consumer unit upgrading as the regulations have changed since then and now require a fire rated consumer unit
31st Dec 2018
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You can have a new circuit added to the consumer unit if you have a spare way for the intended circuit, and your existing electrical Installation meets the conditions for the addition of a new circuit.
23rd Aug 2018
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Exceptional Spaces
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Hi it will not need replacing as long as it complies to the regulations of the time it was installed. Bear in mind that a new circuit will require the whole board to be retested and certified.
10th Jan 2020
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Rcd protection needed for all circuits
26th May 2020
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