Fuse Board and Consumer Unit Upgrades for Modern Energy Systems Consumer Unit Upgrades for Modern Homes

Not always, but it is a common requirement. An EV charger typically needs a dedicated circuit protected by an RCBO or RCD, and the consumer unit must have a spare way with sufficient capacity for the charger's output. If the existing unit is an older dual-RCD type, lacks spare capacity, or has no suitable earthing arrangement for a Type A or Type B RCD requirement, an upgrade may be necessary before installation. We assess this as part of our EV charger survey - see our EV charging pages for more.

Yes. Solar inverters and battery systems connect back to the consumer unit and require dedicated circuits, appropriate protection devices and correct earthing. An older consumer unit may not have suitable spare ways or the correct protection type for a solar or battery system. We review the consumer unit as part of any solar or battery storage project and advise on any upgrades required at the outset.

Modern installations supporting solar, battery storage or EV charging typically require individual circuit protection via RCBOs, appropriate RCD type for the connected equipment (Type A or Type B depending on the charger or inverter), and a Type 2 surge protection device where sensitive electronics are connected. The specific requirements depend on the system being installed and the existing supply arrangement.

The 18th Edition refers to the current version of BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations). Consumer units installed under this standard must be of non-combustible material, include comprehensive RCBO or RCD protection for circuits, and where appropriate, include surge protection devices. This represents the current baseline for new consumer unit installations.

An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects against overcurrent - overload and short circuit. An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects against earth leakage current, reducing the risk of electric shock. An RCBO combines both functions in one device, providing individual circuit protection against both overcurrent and earth leakage. For installations including rewired circuits, EV chargers or solar systems, individual RCBO protection is the current preferred approach.