Metal Consumer Units: Law Change And You

The use of metal consumer units became a requirement in 2016, when the 17th Edition Amendment 3 of BS 7671:2008 came into effect. This amendment, which applies to ''domestic (household) premises,'' states that consumer units must comply with BS EN 61439-3 and be made from, or housed in, a non-combustible material. This change was made to enhance fire risk protection and minimise the escape of flames in the event of a fire. While the electrical regulations are not law, they are sometimes enforced as such, as in the case of landlord regulations.

Metal consumer units became law in 2016

The change in the law was made in response to concerns about the increasing number of fires involving thermoplastic enclosures. Poor electrical connections, due to poor workmanship or maintenance, had been found to be responsible for these fires. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) recorded a steep increase in fires involving consumer units, from 71 in 2011/12 to 253 in 2013/14. The LFB attributed the rise in fires to 'substandard cable connections made by the electrician', which caused the plastic enclosures to overheat and ignite.

The metal consumer units were introduced to contain any fire that may occur within the unit or surrounding cabinet and to minimise the escape of flames. The sealing of openings into the enclosure or cabinet is particularly important under the amended regulations.

It is important to note that the electrical regulations are not law, but in some instances, they are enforced as law, such as in landlord regulations. Homeowners should be made aware of the change to metal consumer units for fire prevention, especially if they require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or a consumer unit change.

While plastic consumer units are no longer permitted in new domestic installations, they can still be used in non-domestic installations and are expected to remain in use for many years without issues.

Plastic consumer units are still in use

Plastic consumer units and fuse boards have been in use for the last 100 years, along with metal and even wooden ones. From the 1980s to 2015, the vast majority of domestic consumer units were plastic.

In 2016, new regulations were introduced that required consumer units in residential premises to be made from, or housed in, a non-combustible material. This was due to a high number of electrical fires starting inside plastic consumer units.

However, the electrical regulations are not law, and there is no requirement to upgrade an existing plastic consumer unit. As a result, plastic consumer units are still in use and will be for many years without issues.

If you have a plastic consumer unit, it is a sign of an installation carried out according to a previous edition of the regulations. It may still be mostly compliant with current regulations, or it may be a few editions out of date. In some cases, upgrading the consumer unit may be the quickest and most cost-effective way to upgrade an installation.

Plastic consumer units can still be fitted in non-domestic installations, as well as in detached garages or sheds/outbuildings, providing a risk assessment is carried out to ensure that, in the event of a fire, flames would not spread to the main dwelling.

Metal consumer units are required for new electrical installations

Metal consumer units are now required for all new electrical installations. This follows an amendment to the IET Wiring Regulations, which came into effect on 1 January 2016. From this date, all consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies must comply with BS EN 61439-3. This means that they must either be made from a non-combustible material or be contained within a cabinet constructed of non-combustible material.

The change in regulation was driven by safety concerns. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of fires involving thermoplastic enclosures, often caused by poor electrical connections. Metal consumer units are less likely to overheat and are better able to contain fires, minimising the escape of flames. This is particularly important when consumer units are located under staircases or in passageways that are the sole route of escape.

It is important to note that the electrical regulations are not law, but in some instances, they are enforced as such. For example, in the case of landlord regulations, a plastic consumer unit may be considered a fire hazard and require an upgrade to a metal unit or enclosure.

While plastic consumer units are still in use and can be compliant in certain situations, it is recommended that homeowners are made aware of the change to metal consumer units for fire prevention purposes. Upgrading to a metal consumer unit can be a quick and cost-effective way to improve the safety of an electrical installation.

Overall, the switch to metal consumer units for new electrical installations is a crucial step towards enhancing fire safety and protecting people and properties from the dangers of electrical fires.

Plastic consumer units can be replaced with metal or fireproof enclosures

Plastic consumer units have been widely used over the last 100 years, along with metal and even wooden ones. From the 1980s to 2015, the majority of domestic consumer units were plastic. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards metal consumer units due to safety concerns.

Safety Concerns with Plastic Consumer Units

Fire investigators and electrical experts have raised concerns about the increasing number of fires involving thermoplastic enclosures, often caused by poor electrical connections or maintenance. As a result, regulations have been introduced to enhance fire safety and minimise the spread of flames in the event of a fire.

Regulatory Changes

The electrical regulations, while not law, are often enforced as such in certain instances, such as landlord regulations. From January 1, 2016, consumer units in domestic premises must be made from or housed in a non-combustible material. This regulation applies specifically to ''domestic (household) premises' and does not include consumer units mounted outside.

Metal Consumer Units

Metal consumer units are now required for domestic properties to enhance fire safety. Metal enclosures offer higher durability, better protection against impact, and fire-resistant properties. While the installation requirements for metal enclosures may be more stringent, they provide added safety and robustness compared to plastic enclosures.

Plastic Consumer Units in Other Settings

Plastic consumer units can still be used in specific settings, such as commercial or detached structures, as long as they comply with regulations and are properly installed. However, even in these settings, safety considerations should be prioritised, and regular maintenance is essential to address potential issues.

Upgrading Plastic Consumer Units

Upgrading plastic consumer units to metal ones is not mandatory, but it is a recommended safety improvement. Proper installation is crucial to meet safety standards, and accredited professionals should be used to ensure compliance with regulations.

Metal consumer units are safer than plastic ones

While the electrical regulations are not law, they are sometimes enforced as such, as in the case of landlord regulations. From 1 January 2016, consumer units in domestic installations must be made from, or housed in, a non-combustible material. This regulation was introduced because of the increasing number of fires involving thermoplastic enclosures, often caused by poor electrical connections.

While plastic consumer units are still in use and can be considered safe, they pose a fire risk if there is a loose connection or fault that generates heat. Plastic consumer units can also be upgraded to meet current regulations by installing a sub-board for new circuits or enclosing the unit in a steel cabinet.

To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, it is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician who can assess the specific installation and provide advice on any necessary upgrades or improvements.

Frequently asked questions