Consumer units, RCDs and circuit breakers in Onda
The board is what protects the people and the appliances of the whole house. I inspect it, replace the RCDs and breakers that no longer trip properly, and swap out old boards that have run out of room.
The board is the first thing I look at, and almost the last thing I replace
Behind that white box hardly anyone opens sit the protection devices for the whole home: the main switch, the RCD that cuts off when current leaks to earth, and the breakers, those small modules that trip when a circuit draws more current than its cable can carry. When something goes wrong in the house, that is where the reading starts.
I go through the whole board: I check that the RCD really trips when its test button is pressed, I look at whether each breaker matches the cross-section of the cable it protects, I tighten loose connections — the silent cause of many hot spots — and I look for darkened plastic or signs of damp. That is enough to tell whether the board is sound or has run out of room.
From there I replace whatever needs it: an RCD that no longer cuts off, a breaker that trips for no reason or sticks, or the whole board when it still carries the porcelain fuses of decades ago. I also extend it when a new circuit arrives for the oven or the air conditioning, and I leave every circuit labelled, so that next time something trips you can see at a glance what you have switched off.
What this service covers
The work I carry out within this speciality. If yours is not listed, just ask.
- Consumer unit inspection
- Consumer unit fault repair
- RCD installation and replacement
- MCB installation and replacement
- Replacing an old board with one that has current protection devices
- Extending the board for a new circuit
- Separating and labelling the circuits of the home
Every job is different: the quote is tailored, clear and without obligation.
Every job is quoted according to its difficulty, the materials required and the time involved. For call-outs beyond my usual area a travel supplement may apply; it is always agreed with the customer beforehand.
How I inspect a consumer unit
Half an hour of orderly work that avoids nasty surprises and lets you decide with facts.
- 01
I look at how it is built
I open the cover, identify main switch, RCD and breakers, and note what each one protects.
- 02
I test the protection devices
I check the RCD trips and the condition of each breaker, one by one.
- 03
I check the connections
I look for loose screws, overheated plastic and cables of insufficient cross-section.
- 04
I tell you what I would do
What is fine, what is worth changing and what can wait, with the price.
Questions about consumer units
What is the difference between the RCD and the breakers?
The RCD protects people: it cuts off when part of the current escapes to earth, for instance through someone touching a cable. The breakers protect the installation: they trip when a circuit draws more than its cable can carry, or when there is a short circuit. They are two different jobs and you need both.
My board still has old fuses, does it need replacing?
A board with porcelain fuses and no RCD does not protect people, which is what matters most today. It is not urgent as long as nothing is failing, but it is worth sorting out. I take a look, tell you which board suits the circuits you have, and give you the price before touching anything.
How long does it take to replace a board?
Replacing a board in a home usually takes a good part of the day, because every circuit has to be disconnected, identified and refitted in order. Changing just one RCD or one breaker is a matter of minutes. At the first visit I tell you which of the two you are looking at.
Can you separate the circuits in my home?
Yes, as far as the existing installation allows. Having the kitchen, the washing machine and the sockets on separate circuits stops the whole house going dark when one appliance fails. I look at what is there, suggest the most sensible split and explain how far we can go without opening up walls.
What usually comes with the board
Electrical faults
RCD tripping, dead circuit, sparks or loose contacts: I check and trace the source.
Electrical installations
I extend your installation: new circuits, outlets for appliances, light on terraces and in storerooms.
Sockets and switches
I replace worn fittings, add new outlets and renew complete ranges.
One photo on WhatsApp and we already know where to start
Send me a picture of the tap, the socket or the damp patch. With that I can usually tell you what is needed and when I can come by.