What an 18th Edition consumer unit does, why RCBOs beat older split-load boards, and when a Liverpool homeowner should upgrade.
Why upgrade?
A modern consumer unit provides RCD protection against electric shock, overcurrent protection for each circuit, and a metal enclosure that contains a fault. Older boards often provide none of that.
RCBO boards give each circuit its own protection, so a fault in the kitchen does not plunge the whole house into darkness — a real benefit if you work from home.
What the job involves
We test the existing installation first, because a new board will expose faults that an old board tolerated. Then the board is changed, earthing and bonding are brought up to standard, everything is labelled and fully tested.
Most changes are completed in a single day with power back on the same evening.