Consumer Unit UpgradePaignton, Devon

Consumer Unit Upgrade with Fault Finding

Completed in 1 day

October 2024

1The Challenge

The homeowner was experiencing frequent RCD trips, particularly when using the cooker and shower simultaneously. The existing consumer unit was an older model with a single RCD protecting all circuits, meaning any fault would kill power to the entire house.

2Our Solution

We carried out comprehensive fault finding to identify the cause of the nuisance tripping – a deteriorated shower isolator switch. After replacing this, we upgraded the consumer unit to a full RCBO board where each circuit has individual protection. This means a fault on one circuit will never affect other circuits.

3Results Delivered

Faulty shower isolator identified and replaced
8-way RCBO consumer unit installed
Each circuit individually protected
No more nuisance tripping
EICR certificate issued

"After months of random trips, Shaye found the fault quickly and the new board has been faultless. Should have called sooner!"

Mr & Mrs Taylor — Homeowners

On-Site Observations

What we found during the job:

The shower isolator contacts had corroded - visible black marks on the terminals
Original consumer unit was a common split-load design from the early 2000s
Customer had been living with intermittent trips for 8 months before calling

Electrician's Note:

"Nuisance tripping is almost always a specific fault, not the RCD itself. Proper fault finding saves customers money on unnecessary board upgrades."

— Shaye Grant, Lead Electrician

Professional Insight:

Electric showers create the highest inrush current in domestic settings. Isolator switches at the shower are often the weak point after 10+ years.

Job completed by

Shaye Grant

Founder & Lead Electrician at Grants Electrical Solutions

18th Edition BS 7671CHAS #81569Part P Certified

10+ years experience in domestic and commercial electrical work. Expert in rewires, EV charger installations, and EICR testing.

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