The Benefits of Upgrading from an RCD Consumer Unit to an RCBO Consumer Unit
When it comes to electrical safety, your consumer unit (also known as a fuse board) plays a critical role in protecting your property and loved ones. Modern standards now favour RCBO consumer units over traditional RCD consumer units — but why should you consider upgrading?
Below, we explain the key benefits of replacing an RCD consumer unit with a new RCBO system.
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What’s the Difference Between an RCD and an RCBO? • RCD (Residual Current Device) consumer units typically use one or two RCDs to protect multiple circuits. If a fault occurs on any circuit, the RCD trips — cutting power to all circuits it protects. • RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) are individual devices that combine the protection of an RCD and an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) into a single unit. Each circuit has its own dedicated RCBO, providing individual protection.
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The Benefits of Upgrading to RCBOs
- Improved Safety
RCBOs offer far superior protection against both earth faults (such as electric shock risk) and overcurrent (such as circuit overloads and short circuits). With each circuit monitored independently, the risk of unnoticed faults or system-wide outages is significantly reduced.
- Minimised Disruption
In a traditional RCD board, a fault on just one circuit (for example, a faulty appliance in the kitchen) could cut power to your entire home. With RCBOs, only the affected circuit trips, meaning the rest of your property remains fully powered and functional.
- Easier Fault Finding
When a single RCBO trips, it immediately points to the exact circuit with the problem. This makes identifying and repairing faults quicker, simpler, and less costly — saving both time and inconvenience.
- Better Compliance with Current Regulations
RCBO boards are now considered the best practice and are widely recommended to comply with the latest UK wiring regulations (BS 7671). Installing RCBOs ensures your electrical installation meets modern standards and improves the overall safety of your property.
- Future-Proofing Your Property
Upgrading to RCBOs provides a safer, smarter system ready for the increased demands of modern living — such as electric vehicle chargers, home offices, and larger kitchen appliances — without overloading your circuits.
- Peace of Mind
Ultimately, an RCBO consumer unit offers a more robust, reliable, and safer electrical system, giving you complete peace of mind that you, your family, or your tenants are properly protected.
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Ready to Upgrade?
If your current consumer unit is ageing, causing nuisance tripping, or simply isn’t meeting your needs, it’s time to consider an upgrade to a modern RCBO system. Contact us today for expert advice, a free survey, and a competitive quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (North East UK)
Who is responsible for fixing electrical faults in my rented home? In the UK, your landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the electrical wiring, sockets, and fixed fittings in your home. If you discover a fault, such as a sparking socket or a constantly tripping RCD, you should report it to your landlord or letting agent immediately. Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services works with dozens of letting agents across Newcastle to provide rapid fault-finding services.
Why does my fuse box keep tripping when I use the shower? A constantly tripping RCD or MCB is a sign that there is a fault on the circuit, often caused by water ingress, an overloaded circuit, or a failing appliance (like a damaged shower heater or a blocked mineral bead shower head causing resistance). Do not repeatedly reset the breaker. Contact your landlord or property manager to arrange an inspection by a qualified electrician in the North East.
Are tenants responsible for changing lightbulbs? Generally, yes. Tenants are responsible for basic day-to-day maintenance, such as changing accessible lightbulbs. However, if a fitting is broken, flickering constantly despite a new bulb, or emitting a burning smell, this is a structural fault that your landlord must address using a certified electrical contractor.
Need Professional Electrical Assistance in the North East?
Whether you need landlord compliance checks (EICR), commercial preventative audits, or urgent fault repairs, Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services is Newcastle's highest-rated team.