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Installation & upgrades
Consumer unit upgrades in Bideford & North Devon
The consumer unit is the central point for a property's electrical circuits. If yours is outdated, damaged, or you are planning a renovation, I can assess the existing installation and discuss a suitable replacement.
When to ask
Is an upgrade worth discussing?
You may want advice if your consumer unit is old, shows signs of damage, trips repeatedly, or no longer suits changes to the property. These signs do not by themselves confirm what work is needed; the installation should be assessed before a recommendation is made.
A new consumer unit is not a substitute for checking the condition of the wiring and circuits connected to it.
Planning
Choose around the installation
The right arrangement depends on the existing circuits, the condition of the installation and how the property is used. Renovations, extensions or new equipment may also affect what needs to be considered.
When you enquire, it helps to share photos of the existing unit, your location, and any inspection report or planned building work.
The work
Assessment, replacement & testing
After discussing the job, I can assess the existing setup and explain the proposed scope before work begins. The quote should make clear what is included and whether any issues elsewhere in the installation need separate attention.
Once the agreed work is complete, the relevant testing and documentation for the work can be provided.
Local service
Across Bideford and North Devon
AG Electrical Services is based in Bideford and works across North Devon, including Northam, Barnstaple, Appledore, Great Torrington and nearby villages.
Typical scope
What an upgrade may include
Consumer unit replacements vary by property, but the right solution often depends on the existing circuits, earthing arrangement, and how the installation is expected to evolve.
Older boards
Replacing older fuseboards that are no longer suited to current safety and circuit protection expectations.
RCBO / RCD protection
Adding modern protective devices where needed to improve fault discrimination and personal protection.
Spare capacity
Creating a more practical configuration where additional circuits or future loading may be required.
Labeling & identification
Improving circuit identification so switches and devices are easier to understand and maintain.
Testing & sign-off
Checking the installation to confirm the work meets the required safety and compliance standards.
Before the visit
Consumer unit checklist
These details help me understand the current setup before I arrive.
- Take photos of the existing consumer unit and any obvious issues.
- Let me know if the board trips, smells warm, or has damaged breakers or cabling.
- Share whether you are planning a renovation, extension, EV charger, heat pump, or other changes.
- If your Wi-Fi needs to stay on during specific times, tell me in advance so I can plan the visit around your needs.
- Tell me if access is restricted, if the unit is in a cupboard, or if there are any safety concerns I should know about.
Common questions
Consumer unit upgrade FAQs
What to expect when assessing and upgrading an electrical installation.
Do I need to replace the consumer unit, or is a partial upgrade enough?
That depends on the condition of the existing installation, the type of board fitted, the circuit arrangement and any planned changes to the property. In some cases, a full replacement is the best option. In others, a more limited upgrade may be appropriate. I assess the installation before recommending a course of action.
In many cases, replacing a consumer unit means altering the connection arrangements of multiple circuits. When this happens, each affected circuit should normally be tested and the work signed off as part of the upgrade.
Will the board need to be isolated during the work?
Yes, the installation will often need to be isolated while the board is being replaced or modified. I will explain the expected disruption and discuss any practical requirements before the work begins.
Can you advise on the right size and arrangement of the new board?
Absolutely. The correct arrangement depends on the property, the number of circuits, anticipated demand, and how the installation may change over time. I can discuss the options and recommend a suitable setup for the agreed scope.
Does the work include testing and documentation?
Yes. Once the new board is installed, the affected circuits are tested and the installation is signed off, I can issue the relevant paperwork. In most cases, this includes an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for the work carried out.
Where the work falls under Part P Building Regulations, a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate is also issued through the relevant notification route.
Consumer unit replacement
Talk through your existing board
Send a photo, your postcode and a short description of the issue or planned work. I’ll get back to you to discuss the next step.