CHANGE YOUR OLD FUSE BOX TO A SAFER CONSUMER UNIT
There are 2 main types of consumer unit available - Dual Split RCD consumer unit, and Individual RCBO consumer unit. Until recently, there has been a significant price difference between these two types of consumer unit, the Individual RCBO consumer unit being quite a lot more expensive to buy. The price difference led many to go with the cheaper option. However, lately the cost difference has become a lot less, so we now only install the Individual RCBO consumer units.
Individual RCBO consumer units provide the best protection as each circuit has its own combined RCD/MCB (RCBO), meaning a fault on one circuit only affects that circuit - you won't lose power to the whole house.
Since 2016, the wiring regulations in the UK require all new consumer units in dwellings to be made from non-combustible materials, i.e. metal. This is to provide enhanced fire protection in the event of a fault that starts inside the consumer unit.
It makes sense to upgrade your old fuse box or consumer unit if it does not meet this important new standard.
SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES (SPD)
Something else which has become more prominent in the 18th Edition of the wiring regulations is the subject of surge protection devices. SPDs are mandatory in many types of property.
The regulations actually state that, for a single dwelling, SPDs should be fitted if the cost of the damage to the equipment is more than the cost of fitting the SPD. This decision is down to the house owner to make.
Suffice to say many electricians would strongly recommend the installation of an SPD if you are having a new consumer unit, as the cost may well be outweighed by the benefits.
SPDs protect against transient overvoltages, or spikes. Spikes occur mainly due to lightning strikes in the area. Of course, no device will protect your electrical equipment from a direct lightning strike to the property. However, a lightning strike in the area can transmit spikes which could result in severe damage to electrical equipment that is plugged in at the time of the strike. So things like TVs, chargers, microwaves, PCs, laptops may be "fried" and be damaged beyond repair. A correctly specified, and correctly installed SPD offers protection against such damage occurring.
If fitted at the same time as a new consumer unit is installed, then the additional cost should be around £100.00