Circuit board updating / replacing?
My circuit board is about 10 years old. Does it need replacing? Been told by a electrician it needs updating is this true to bring it up to date with new regulations?
26 Answers
GJ Electrical
0 Reviews
According to BS7671 (Requirements For Electrical Installations) in a word no. However updating your board will improve the safety of your installation.
17th May 2019
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Livewire Electrical2
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if you want it to the latest 18th edition regulations and it is currently a plastic consumer unit then replace it but you can not be forced to change it all new consumer units are metal if everything in it is working fine then i would not change it.
4th Nov 2019
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Taylor'd Building services
85 Reviews, 94% Positive
the regulations do change it doesn't mean everyone has to rush out and change
21st Feb 2019
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HANDY SERVICES
0 Reviews
It's your choice to update it, as for your own safety its ideal you should update it, you not doing anything illegal but technology is changed and adding new gadgets everyday in your house may put strain on your old CU.
4th Feb 2019
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Not necessarily, if it has RCDs covering all circuits and is in good condition it is fine technically. However if you need electrical work carried out the electrician will need to confirm on the certificate that the box is compliant with fire safety this can be achieved by putting a metal enclosure over it but this may be more expensive than changing the box.
13th Feb 2019
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Pipe Dreams Services Ltd
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
If you want it to comply with current regulations then yes you do. But this is only necessary if you are having electrical work completed and they cannot RCD the work being completed.
30th Mar 2019
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SBX Construction and Electrical
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
The new regulations require all new fitments of consumer units, require a metal casing. Hope this helps
19th Feb 2019
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NDB Electrics Ltd
0 Reviews
Its highly recommended to inspect your consumer unit every 10 years and if necessary upgrade it to the latest regulations.
17th Feb 2020
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K.D's Electrotech
0 Reviews
Yes it's TRUE and it's for your own safety these box now are design to trip within mili seconds as not to cause any harm
28th Apr 2019
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AL Universal Ltd.
2 Reviews, 100% Positive
Depending on the condition, but it is better to replace
27th Jan 2019
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SG Trades
60 Reviews, 100% Positive
No normally consumer units get changed every 25 years same time re-wire done.
17th Mar 2019
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southern renovations and refurbishments
0 Reviews
yep sounds like he is right. you at least need a 17 edition twin rcd board.
for protection and safety
for protection and safety
28th Jun 2019
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If the fuse board is 10 years old it will be out of date regarding current regulations.
for safety an upgrade would always be recommended.
I must add that as much as it is always recommended no one can make you upgrade the fuse board as long as it is electrically and mechanically safe
for safety an upgrade would always be recommended.
I must add that as much as it is always recommended no one can make you upgrade the fuse board as long as it is electrically and mechanically safe
31st Aug 2019
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Levendi Solutions Ltd
0 Reviews
Domestic dwelling by British Standards say that every 10 years the eletrical service, fuseboard and circuits should be tested and by then updated to bring to regulations standard to avoid any eletrical or mechanical failure.
7th Oct 2019
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Exceptional Spaces
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
The age of the board is not the only factor, if the case / lid is damaged or there are other signs of wear it may need changing. The regulations don't require the board to be updated as a matter of course and 10 years isn't long in the life of a board generally, but bear in mind the newer boards are made with all the advances of the latest safety technology.
10th Jan 2020
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KG ELECTRICAL SERVICES
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Yes that is tru.Need to updating to 18-edition ,new regulations
10 year old consumer unit is still fine but no one give you part P certyfikat if needed
10 year old consumer unit is still fine but no one give you part P certyfikat if needed
29th Jan 2020
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PSH Electrical
0 Reviews
It wouldn’t need to be replaced unless you wanted to add new circuits which would need to be upto the current regulations but separate rcds would be adequately satisfiy regulations
6th Nov 2019
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No if it's in good order you dont need to up date to new regulations
27th Apr 2020
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Hillsome Limited
0 Reviews
If your fusebox is about ten years old it is worth it to update to atleast the 17th edition otherwise the 18th edition which require SPDs( surge protective devices). Your 10years old fusebox may have an RCD but I am certain it is made of plastic which will aid burning on the event of fire. To be compliant with the new regulations your fusebox has to be metal claded
4th Mar 2020
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AJM ELECTRICAL SERVICES BIRMINGHAM
0 Reviews
upgrading will improve safety
after an inspection by an electrician then his/her advice is normally accepted
This is usually after seeing major faults not just upgrading for sake of doing so
after an inspection by an electrician then his/her advice is normally accepted
This is usually after seeing major faults not just upgrading for sake of doing so
26th Apr 2020
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Brick house builders ltd
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
only need to replace if it doesn't have 2rcd
11th May 2020
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Electrician
0 Reviews
Yes, need to be a metal one and with RCBs for more protection
11th Aug 2020
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GC electrical
0 Reviews
Hi it depends if board is made of plastic or metal, and if rcds are fitted
4th Jun 2020
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Lee electrical and event services Ltd
0 Reviews
The consumer unit maybe fine as it is only 10 years old, any recommendations for updating would be dependant on the age of the existing wiring, cables and accessories deteriorate over time effecting the performance and safety of an installation, it would be advised to have an electrical installation condition report done prior to any alterations to the installation.
Prices starting at £230+vat for an eicr.
£1850+ vat for rewires.
£230+ vat for consumer unit upgrades.
Prices starting at £230+vat for an eicr.
£1850+ vat for rewires.
£230+ vat for consumer unit upgrades.
30th Apr 2020
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Strides electrical
0 Reviews
only if it shows signs of faults or deterioration. It was installed before new regs so is still compliant. Will go down on cert as an advisory to change to a metal consumer unit.
17th Jul 2020
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