Consumer Unit Consolidation and Safety Upgrade in Stithians

Older properties often accumulate electrical modifications over decades, resulting in fragmented distribution systems that can compromise both safety and efficiency. This was precisely the situation we encountered at this Stithians property, where three separate consumer units had been installed over time to accommodate various electrical additions and changes.

Upon our initial assessment, we conducted a thorough Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to evaluate the overall state of the electrical infrastructure. The report revealed several areas requiring attention, particularly the outdated consumer unit configuration and wiring that no longer met current regulations. Multiple consumer units can create confusion during emergencies, making it difficult to isolate specific circuits quickly when needed. Additionally, the existing units lacked modern safety features that are now standard under the 18th Edition of the wiring regulations.

The property also relied on outdated storage heaters for heating, which were inefficient and took up considerable wall space. These heaters, operating primarily on Economy 7 electricity tariffs, were no longer meeting the homeowner’s heating requirements and contributed to high energy consumption.

Our solution addressed both the distribution system and heating requirements comprehensively. We replaced the three existing consumer units with a single 20-way fire-rated consumer unit equipped with individual Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overload protection (RCBOs) for each circuit. This modern unit provides dedicated protection for every circuit in the property, significantly improving electrical safety by ensuring that if a fault occurs, only the affected circuit will disconnect rather than cutting power to the entire property.

The new consumer unit also features an integrated Surge Protection Device (SPD), which safeguards sensitive electronics throughout the home from voltage spikes and power surges. In rural areas like Stithians, where grid fluctuations can be more common, this protection is particularly valuable for preserving the lifespan of computers, televisions, and other electronic devices.

Alongside the consumer unit consolidation, we upgraded the property’s incoming meter tails to 25mm double-insulated cabling. These tails connect the electricity meter to the consumer unit and are crucial for safely carrying the property’s full electrical load. The larger diameter ensures they can handle current demands without overheating, while the enhanced insulation provides added protection against faults.

The removal of the three storage heaters was another significant aspect of the project. We carefully disconnected and removed these units, converting their power supplies into permanent standard socket outlets. This transformation gives the homeowner greater flexibility in how these wall spaces can be used, whether for connecting modern heating appliances or for other electrical needs.

Throughout the installation process, we paid careful attention to maintaining compatibility with the property’s existing Economy 7 setup. In some cases, the immersion water heater might require separate control to take advantage of lower-rate night-time electricity. After thorough testing, we determined the optimal configuration to preserve these benefits while simplifying the overall electrical system.

All work was completed in compliance with the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), ensuring the installation meets current standards for electrical safety. The before-and-after transformation was striking, with the new setup providing a significantly cleaner, more organised, and safer electrical distribution system.

By consolidating multiple consumer units into a single modern unit, the homeowner now benefits from:

Enhanced electrical safety with individual circuit protection through RCBOs Improved surge protection for valuable electronics Simpler circuit identification and isolation when needed Compliance with current electrical regulations More usable wall space following storage heater removal Greater flexibility for future electrical modifications More efficient energy use through updated infrastructure

This project demonstrates how updating and consolidating older electrical installations can significantly improve both safety and functionality. For homes with multiple consumer units or outdated electrical distribution systems, similar consolidation works can provide substantial benefits while bringing installations up to current standards.