Unit 6 Cobham Business Centre, Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7BX
Mon–Fri 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
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Our team is currently managing a high volume of consumer unit upgrades across Dorset, specifically targeting residential properties in Bournemouth, Ferndown, and Poole. The existing electrical infrastructure in many local homes relies on outdated equipment that fails to meet the safety requirements of BS 7671 (18th Edition). As electricians in Dorset, we are replacing re-wirable fuse boards with modern, metal-clad consumer units equipped with Surge Protection Devices (SPD) and Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent (RCBO) protection.
The consumer unit is the primary distribution point for electricity within a property. In Bournemouth and Ferndown, many 1960s and 1970s estates still feature plastic enclosures or Bakelite fuse boxes. Current regulations necessitate non-combustible metal enclosures to prevent the spread of fire. A modern unit distributes power to individual circuits: such as lighting, socket outlets, and heavy-load appliances: while monitoring for faults that could lead to electric shock or electrical fires.
A standard upgrade involves the installation of Residual Current Devices (RCD). These units monitor the balance of electrical current. If an imbalance is detected, suggesting a leak to earth, the RCD disconnects the power in milliseconds. For Electrical Safety Poole, we often recommend a full RCBO board. Unlike a dual-RCD layout where a single fault can trip half the house, an RCBO combines the functions of an MCB and an RCD for each individual circuit. This ensures that a fault in a kitchen appliance does not leave the stairwell lighting in darkness.
The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (Amendment 2) have made Surge Protection Devices a standard requirement in most domestic installations. SPDs protect sensitive electronic equipment from transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes or switching events on the grid. Given the density of electronics in modern homes: including smart hubs, LED drivers, and home office setups: this protection is essential for equipment longevity.
Property owners in Ringwood and Christchurch should inspect their existing electrical distribution boards for specific indicators of obsolescence. If a board features wooden backing, ceramic fuses, or lacks a "Test" button, it is likely over 30 years old. These units provide no protection against low-level earth leakage, which is a primary cause of electric shock.
Common indicators for a required upgrade include:
We frequently identify these issues during an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). An EICR is a mandatory requirement for landlords in Bournemouth and Poole and is recommended for homeowners every ten years.
Upgrading a consumer unit is a complex procedure that requires the isolation of the main supply. Our team typically completes a residential swap within four to six hours. The process begins with a pre-work survey to identify any existing faults on the circuits. If a new, highly sensitive RCBO is installed on a circuit with a pre-existing neutral-to-earth fault, the board will trip immediately.
We often integrate these upgrades with other modernisations. For instance, homeowners undergoing a kitchen modernisation often find their old fuse boards cannot handle the load requirements of modern induction hobs and integrated ovens. You can view examples of our finished board work in our online gallery.
Beyond electrical distribution, we are seeing a significant rise in the installation of Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems across Dorset. These systems are often installed alongside electrical upgrades to address issues with damp and condensation in older properties. PIV units are typically situated in the loft and work by introducing filtered air into the property at a continuous rate, creating a slight positive pressure that forces out moisture-laden air.
Addressing positive input ventilation in Dorset homes is a factual necessity for properties suffering from poor airflow. These units require a dedicated fused spur, which can be easily added during a consumer unit upgrade. This dual approach ensures both the electrical safety and the structural health of the building.
All consumer unit replacements are "notifiable work" under Part P of the Building Regulations. As registered electricians in Dorset, our team handles all notifications to Local Authority Building Control (LABC). Upon completion, the homeowner receives an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This document is vital for insurance purposes and is required during the conveyance process when selling a property in the Bournemouth or Ferndown area.
The EIC confirms that the installation has been tested and meets the safety criteria of BS 7671. It includes details on:
Our commercial department manages larger-scale distribution board upgrades for offices, retail units, and industrial facilities in Poole and Ringwood. Commercial installations often require three-phase distribution boards and more robust circuit protection to handle machinery loads and extensive lighting arrays. We coordinate these upgrades outside of business hours to minimize operational downtime.
Landlords and property managers are reminded that since 2020, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) regulations require an EICR at the start of every new tenancy or every five years. Many older rental properties in Bournemouth require immediate consumer unit upgrades to achieve a "Satisfactory" rating on these reports.
Upgrading a consumer unit is not merely about compliance; it is about future-proofing. With the transition to Electric Vehicles (EV) and the installation of Heat Pumps, domestic electrical loads are increasing. A modern board provides the "spare ways" necessary to add an EV charger or solar PV inverter without needing a second enclosure.
When we install a new board in Ferndown or Christchurch, we ensure there is physical space for future expansion. This reduces the long-term cost for homeowners planning further renovations. Our team remains available for consultations regarding smart home integrations, such as Control4 multi-room audio or intelligent lighting systems, which also require stable and modern circuit protection.
We are currently booking consumer unit upgrades and EICRs for the next quarter. Our team continues to provide reliable electrical services across Dorset, maintaining high standards of workmanship and strict adherence to the latest IET Wiring Regulations. Documentation for all recent projects is being processed and sent to clients via our digital portal.
Photos of recent 18th Edition board changes in Bournemouth to follow.
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