Consumer Unit Upgrade - DP Electrical Specialists, Leeds
Why upgrade your commercial consumer unit?
The Distribution Board or Consumer unit is the brains of any electrical system with a variety of responsibilities such as:
• Cable Protection
• Protection from Electrical Fires
• Electrical Fault Protection
• Overload Detection
• Electrical Shock Protection
• Preventing Surges
• Distributing the Mains into Circuits
As commercial electrical systems are generally used more intensively, commercial consumer units are put under greater stress than those in a domestic setting and will likely begin to fail more quickly than their domestic counterparts.
To avoid unwanted electrical breakdowns, lost customers and revenue, it is recommended to have regular electrical inspections at your Leeds area commercial premises to check for any safety issues and to monitor the condition of the wiring system and in particular the consumer unit.
At DP Electrical Specialists, we can upgrade your commercial consumer unit for the latest technology to ensure that not only is your electrical system as safe as possible for customers and employees but to give you peace of mind that electrical breakdown risks are minimised.
Upgrading a Consumer Unit
Swapping a commercial consumer unit is a fairly hefty job. Electrical testing should be carried out prior to the change over to ensure that there are no electrical faults present that may affect the safety or operation of the new unit.
During the testing, inspection and replacement process, the electricity supply to the premises (or affected part of the premises) will need to be isolated for safety reasons. Final testing is carried out once the new unit has been installed and Electrical Installation Certificate completed.
Should any faults show up during the testing process, these may need to be rectified before the affected circuit can be reconnected.
How long does a commercial consumer unit last?
Commercial distribution boards, consumer units and associated equipment has a minimum warranty provided (manufacturer dependant). Beyond this warranty period, factors that can affect the longevity of the consumer unit include:
Installation Environment
Where consumer unit equipment is installed into harsh environments that are dusty, damp, or dirty, the equipment is likely to suffer failure more quickly in these sub-optimal conditions.
Wear and Tear
Day to day electricity usage in a small office is less likely to stress the consumer unit when compared to a large office with multiple electrical heaters, dozens of computers and associated equipment and lighting that is never turned off! Wear and tear can take its toll on connections, trip switches and other equipment in the consumer unit.
Operational Conditions
Where there are electrical faults that cause circuit breakers, RCBOs or other trip switches to operate, the switches and consumer unit may adversely suffer from this stress. Regular electrical faults without investigation can lead to premature failure of consumer unit equipment.
How much does a commercial consumer unit cost?
The cost for swapping a commercial consumer unit will depend upon various factors.
The number of circuits and size of consumer unit
Larger consumer units cost more money in materials and more electrical circuits will mean a greater number of circuit breakers or trip switches are required.
Any faults that may require correcting
Where electrical dangers and faults are found during testing, additional work and materials may be required in order to rectify these dangers. This adds to the potential costs.
The time it will likely take
The larger the premises and the greater the number of electrical circuits, the longer it will take to carry out the required electrical testing and inspection. Where access is difficult or installation obstacles are present, jobs may take longer.
Commercial Consumer Unit Upgrade in Leeds
If you would like to talk to us about replacing your commercial consumer unit then get in touch with us today.
