This project in Truro involved upgrading a property’s electrical system by replacing two outdated consumer units. We consolidated all circuits into a single, modern 20-way board complete with individual RCBO protection and an integrated Surge Protection Device (SPD) to safeguard sensitive electronics.
Following a recent Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), a property in Truro was identified as having an electrical system that required attention to meet current safety standards. The existing setup consisted of two separate, older consumer units, which managed the different circuits throughout the house. Our task was to modernise this installation, simplifying the arrangement and bringing a greater level of safety and reliability to the home’s electrical supply.
The first step was to carefully decommission and remove the two existing consumer units. We planned the new layout to accommodate all the existing circuits within one enclosure. We installed a new 20-way, fire-rated consumer unit. This consolidation not only creates a much tidier and more organised installation but also makes it far easier for the homeowner to manage their electrics from a single point.
A key part of this upgrade was the installation of RCBOs for every individual circuit. An RCBO, or Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current protection, offers a dual-protection function. It protects against both overloads, like using too many high-power appliances on one circuit, and earth faults, which can present a serious risk of electric shock. Unlike older setups where a single fault could cause a whole section of the house to lose power, using individual RCBOs means that if a fault occurs, only the affected circuit will trip. This prevents unnecessary power loss to the rest of the property, meaning a faulty kettle in the kitchen won’t turn off the lights in the home office.
We also integrated a Surge Protection Device (SPD) directly into the new consumer unit. An SPD is designed to protect all connected electrical and electronic equipment from voltage spikes, which can be caused by events on the national grid. In an age where homes are filled with sensitive electronics such as computers, smart TVs, and other smart-home devices, an SPD acts as a vital safeguard, potentially saving the homeowner thousands of pounds in replacement costs.
To support the new unit and comply with the current BS 7671 wiring regulations, we also upgraded the incoming meter tails to new 25mm double-insulated cabling. This ensures the main supply cables can safely handle the electrical demand of the property.
Once the installation was complete, we carried out a full sequence of tests on every circuit to confirm everything was operating correctly and safely. From these results, we issued an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and handled the Building Control notification, providing the client with the necessary documentation to certify that their new installation is fully compliant.
