Modern Fuse Board Replacement in Looe, Cornwall

The original installation featured an older wooden-backed consumer unit with outdated Economy 7 circuitry, primarily designed for supporting storage heaters running on a separate tariff. This system limited the homeowner’s electrical options and presented potential safety concerns due to its age and configuration.

Upon initial assessment, we noted that the original consumer unit had reached the end of its serviceable life. The wooden backing presented a fire risk, and the limited functionality of the Economy 7 setup restricted the client from making full use of their electrical system throughout the day.

Our solution began with the complete removal of the outdated consumer unit. We installed a modern 6-way fire-rated consumer unit with individual RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection) for each circuit. This upgrade provides dedicated protection for individual circuits, meaning that if a fault occurs on one circuit, only that specific area loses power rather than the entire property.

A key aspect of this installation involved splitting the incoming meter tails at source using a 100A connector and upgrading to 25mm double insulated cabling. This modification effectively bypassed the Economy 7 restrictions, allowing the homeowner to have power available continuously rather than being limited by time-of-day tariff constraints.

The new consumer unit also features an integrated Surge Protection Device (SPD), which provides valuable protection for sensitive electronic equipment against voltage fluctuations and power surges from the grid. With more homes containing expensive electronics and smart devices, this additional protection offers significant peace of mind.

As part of the comprehensive electrical upgrade, we removed the existing storage heater outlets and replaced them with surface-mounted double socket outlets. This modification gives the homeowner greater flexibility in how they use the space and allows for the connection of modern appliances and devices.

We also addressed a faulty double socket elsewhere in the property, replacing it with a new unit to maintain safety standards throughout the home. The final touch involved replacing an outdated LED light fitting with a stylish 6-inch pendant with a warm white lamp, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

All work was completed in accordance with the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, ensuring full compliance with current safety standards. Upon completion, we provided the homeowner with the appropriate certification and documentation for their records.

This fuse board replacement project in Looe demonstrates the significant improvements that can be achieved through upgrading outdated electrical systems. The homeowner now benefits from a safer, more flexible electrical installation that meets modern standards and will provide reliable service for years to come.

The modern consumer unit with individual RCBOs offers superior protection against electrical faults, while the integrated surge protection safeguards valuable electronics. By removing the Economy 7 restrictions, the homeowner now has continuous access to power throughout their property, regardless of the time of day.

For homeowners in Cornwall with older electrical installations, particularly those with Economy 7 systems or wooden-backed consumer units, upgrading to a modern consumer unit with RCBOs represents a worthwhile investment in both safety and convenience.