Any point getting this consumer unit replaced?

[mrblueham]

Hello,

I was thinking of getting this consumer unit replaced as it is made of plastic, the lid doesn't really close properly, it hasn't been tested in awhile and I had to have my ringdoor bell supply put into another box as there was no space.

Do you think it is worth it to get a new one?

 

[telectrix]

If this was my own property I would replace the MCB's which aren't protected by RCD with RCBOs and check all terminations for being correctly made, I would leave the plastic box as it is.

I would advise a customer to do the same and have an EICR carried.

alternatively, could go all RCBO, giving 2 extra ways. however that may be more expensive than a new, larger, board.

 

[davesparks]

alternatively, could go all RCBO, giving 2 extra ways. however that may be more expensive than a new, larger, board.

Yes that's a good option, and with that being a flush board it would be far less disruptive than replacing it

 

[Dustydazzler]

Yes that's a good option, and with that being a flush board it would be far less disruptive than replacing it

agreed , quite a straight forward job to convert the board to a full rcbo board

 

[pc1966]

Another question, if I get a consumer unit with surge protection built in, does that mean I wouldn’t have to worry about surge protection extensions on my computers and other electronics?

As already mentioned, it largely removes the need for extra protection. They classify SPD in to 3 types:

• "Type 1" that are big and able to cope with the results of a strike on the building or overhead supply pylons which very large currents. However, unless you are rural, or have a building at high risk (e.g. already has a lightning conductor fitted), you are unlikely to need that and the cost is not trivial (around £200-400).
• "Type 2" are designed to cope with the induced effects of a nearby lightning strike, these are the sort most CU now get fitted with. The additional cost is not much, often £50-100 but some brands of CU come with them as standard anyway.
• Finally you get "Type 3" which are intended for deploying at sensitive equipment like computers. They don't have the same ability to absorb energy but they limit what excess voltage get past the Type 1/2 to a lower level.

So if you have any half-decent filtered/protected 13A leads you might as well keep them in use, but you can sleep easier that other stuff is now protected as well. With the increasing use of LED lights etc the potential cost and inconvenience of damage is not getting any better.
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alternatively, could go all RCBO, giving 2 extra ways. however that may be more expensive than a new, larger, board.

It is certainly a less disruptive option, but might not cost that much more to fit a new CU and if they want SPD as well then suddenly the 2 freed-up slots are used!

If it is a small cost difference and one that is not going to cause too much redecorating cost then a replacement CU in metal is going to look better on any future report if selling the house, etc.