As modern homes become increasingly filled with electronic devices, ensuring your electrical system is safe and compliant has never been more important. One of the most effective ways to improve household safety is by upgrading your consumer unit and switching from older Type AC RCDs to modern Type A RCDs. This upgrade not only increases protection but also helps your home meet the standards highlighted during an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
In this article, we explain why a consumer unit replacement, specifically upgrading to Type A RCD protection, is now recommended for most households.
Benefits of Upgrading to a Type A RCD Consumer Unit
✔ Improved safety for modern household appliances
✔ Better protection against electric shock and fire risk
✔ Meets current wiring regulations (BS 7671)
✔ Often resolves EICR code observations
✔ Future-proofing your property
✔ Peace of mind for homeowners and landlords
Do You Need a New Consumer Unit?
You may need a consumer unit replacement if:
-
Your EICR shows C2 or FI observations
-
Your property still uses Type AC RCDs
-
Your fuse box is older or lacks RCD protection
-
You’re upgrading high-load appliances (EV charger, induction hob, electric shower)
A modern unit with Type A RCD protection ensures your installation is safer, more compliant, and ready for today’s electrical demands.
Professional Consumer Unit Replacement in Nottingham
At Urgent Electrical Services, we provide:
-
Consumer unit replacements with Type A RCDs
-
Full electrical safety checks
-
EICR inspections for homeowners and landlords
-
24-hour emergency electrical services
-
Online booking for fast, convenient appointments
If your home needs an upgrade or your EICR has identified issues, our certified electricians in Nottingham are ready to help.
Book Your Consumer Unit Upgrade Today
Protect your home with a modern, compliant, and future-proof electrical installation.
Book online today or contact us for expert advice on upgrading to a Type A RCD consumer unit.
What Is a Consumer Unit Replacement?
A consumer unit—often called a fuse box—controls and protects your home’s electrical circuits. Over time, regulations change and older units may no longer offer adequate protection. A consumer unit replacement ensures your electrical system meets the latest safety standards, reduces fire risks, and improves the overall reliability of your home’s supply. New consumer units include modern circuit breakers, surge protection devices, and most importantly, Type A RCDs.
Visit Our Online Shop
Type A RCD vs Type AC RCD: What’s the Difference?
Older consumer units typically use Type AC RCDs, which only protect against standard alternating current (AC). Modern appliances—such as induction hobs, washing machines, EV chargers, LED lighting and smart home devices—produce mixed and pulsating DC currents. Type AC RCDs cannot always detect these currents, meaning faults could go unnoticed. Why Type A RCDs Are Recommended A Type A RCD is designed to detect both: AC residual currents Pulsating DC residual currents This means Type A RCDs offer better protection for modern electrical loads and are now the preferred option in domestic installations. Many EICRs will recommend upgrading to Type A RCDs where Type AC devices are still installed.
Book 247 OnlineHow Consumer Unit Upgrades Relate to an EICR
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection of your electrical system. It highlights potential hazards, code violations, and any components that may need upgrading to maintain safety and compliance. Common findings during an EICR include: Presence of outdated Type AC RCDs Lack of surge protection Ageing or damaged consumer units Circuits without RCD protection If your EICR mentions these issues, a consumer unit replacement with Type A RCDs is often the recommended solution.
