Does an EICR Check the Consumer Unit? UK 2025 Fuse Board Guide

Does an EICR Check the Consumer Unit? UK 2025 Fuse Board Guide

⚡ Does an EICR Check the Consumer Unit? UK 2025 Fuse Board Safety Guide

The consumer unit (also called the fuse board) is the heart of your electrical system — and one of the first things tested during an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).

But what exactly is checked? Can a fuse board cause an EICR to fail? Do you need an upgrade to pass? This guide explains everything UK homeowners and landlords need to know in 2025.

📚 Contents

📌 Quick Answer

Yes — the consumer unit is one of the most important parts of an EICR.

An EICR checks:

  • overall condition of the fuse board
  • RCD/RCBO performance
  • tightness and safety of terminations
  • earthing and bonding connections
  • correct circuit labelling
  • signs of heat damage or burning
  • compliance with modern BS 7671 standards

Many EICR failures come from issues inside the consumer unit.

For a wider breakdown, see: What’s Included in an EICR? .

📘 What an EICR Checks Inside a Consumer Unit

During an EICR, the electrician will open the consumer unit (with the power safely off) and inspect:

  • incoming supply arrangement
  • main switch and RCD main switch
  • RCD disconnection times (30mA trip performance)
  • RCBO test results
  • circuit breaker ratings
  • tightness of terminations
  • signs of overheating or scorching
  • neutral & earth bar condition
  • bonding connection points
  • breaker/device compatibility (no mixing brands)

They’ll also inspect the condition of:

  • circuit labelling
  • blanking plates
  • overall enclosure integrity

❌ Common Consumer Unit Issues Found During EICRs

These are some of the most frequent problems:

  • C2: No RCD protection on sockets
  • C2: Loose connections causing heat damage
  • C2: Incorrectly sized MCBs
  • C3: Old fuse board with rewireable fuses
  • C2: Missing main bonding
  • FI: Unknown circuit arrangement
  • C3: Mixed brands inside the consumer unit
  • C2: Signs of burning or overheating

For a full breakdown of codes, see: EICR Codes Explained .

⚠️ Can a Consumer Unit Fail an EICR?

Yes — very easily.

Common reasons for EICR failure due to consumer units:

  • No RCD protection for sockets or outdoor circuits
  • Signs of heat damage
  • Exposed live parts
  • Incorrect MCB or RCBO selection
  • Incorrect earthing arrangements
  • Old fuse boxes with rewireable fuses
  • Missing or inadequate main bonding

For full fail explanations, see: Why EICRs Fail .

🔌 Types of Consumer Units & Their EICR Impact

1️⃣ Rewireable Fuse Boxes (Old)

  • Usually receive C3 or sometimes C2
  • No RCD protection
  • Often recommended for upgrade

2️⃣ Split-Load Consumer Units

  • Common in early 2000s homes
  • Often require improvements for RCD/RCBO coverage

3️⃣ Modern RCBO or All-RCBO Boards

  • Usually pass easily
  • Best safety performance

Many buyers ask whether they need a new consumer unit before buying — see: Do I Need an EICR When Buying a House? .

🏠 Special Rules for Landlords (2025)

Landlords must have:

  • a valid EICR every 5 years
  • RCD protection for socket circuits
  • adequate earthing & bonding
  • a consumer unit free from damage

Missing RCD protection is one of the most common fail reasons in rentals.

More landlord guidance: Landlord EICR Legal Guide .

🔗 Related Electrical Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the consumer unit always opened during an EICR?

Yes — it is essential for inspection.

Can an old fuse box pass an EICR?

Yes — but usually with a C3. It may still pass if safe.

Is a metal consumer unit required?

Not always — but recommended for modern installs.

What is the most common consumer unit fail?

No RCD protection for sockets.

Do landlords need RCDs?

Yes — strongly advised, and often required to avoid C2s.

The consumer unit is one of the most important parts of an EICR — and often where safety issues are found. Understanding what is checked helps homeowners, buyers and landlords stay compliant and safe in 2025.

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