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Electrical

Do I need a new consumer unit if I'm having my house rewired?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.01 PM

I've just bought a house which looks as though the electrics are dated so we've been advised to have a rewire. We've have had two quotes...One electrician has said to rewire the house we must have a new consumer unit put in, the other electrician has said that it's not necessary to put a new consumer unit in as the one we had was only put in in 2010. Do you know if it is essential to put a new consumer unit in if we're having a rewire? I don't want to pay for a new one unnecessarily! Thanks

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3 Answers

kevin cassidy building contractors

Rating: 5 out of 5

Accrington

If its possible to upgrade mcb protection if required then its not required to replace the board. But how much will you save by not replacing the board as if improvements to your existing board are required then it may not be economically viable to save it.

Answered19 February 2016

MGE Electrical

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Wigan

Hi, unfortunately new legislation came into effect on 1st January 2016 which states all domestic consumer units need to be constructed of fire proof material ie metal or if you want to keep your existing unit have it covered in a metal cabinet to comply with regs. Hope this helps. Mike

Answered18 February 2016

Anonymous user

Hi Lwynne It may not be necessary to install a new consumer unit if the existing unit is up to standards. However, if a rewire is being undertaken, I would advise having a new metal consumer unit fitted to comply with the recent amendment. A complete new installation could increase the value of your property substantially, when compared with a partial rewire.

Answered18 February 2016