Electrical case study · Romford
Fuse Board Replacement After Failed EICR
Following an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that identified safety issues, we replaced an outdated fuse board with a compact consumer unit suited to the restricted cupboard space.
- Location: Romford
- Work: Consumer unit replacement
- Turnaround: Same day, within 24 hours of the failed EICR
- Equipment: FuseBox unit, Type A RCBOs and SPD
The challenge
A comprehensive Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at a residential property in Romford (RM7) resulted in an immediate "Unsatisfactory" safety rating. The primary culprit was an outdated Wylex Standard rewirable fuse board mounted inside a confined kitchen wall cabinet.
The installation lacked critical RCD residual current protection, presenting severe C2 defects regarding potential electric shock risks and fire hazards. Because the property was undergoing a landlord tenant transition, the owner required emergency remedial actions and a full consumer unit upgrade completed within a strict 24-hour window.
Why the Old Fuse Board Failed the EICR
The previous installation centered around a legacy Wylex Standard rewirable fuse board. Under the current BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations, this configuration triggered multiple critical non-compliances that mandated an immediate safety upgrade:
- Complete Absence of RCD/RCBO Protection (Code C2 Defect): The board relied on open rewirable fuse links. It offered zero residual current protection for socket outlets or lighting circuits, creating a severe, immediate risk of lethal electric shock and electrical fire under fault conditions.
- Combustible Materials & Fire Risk (Code C3/C2): The outdated consumer unit featured a plastic cover mounted to a vintage wooden backing frame. Modern safety regulations strictly require non-combustible metal enclosures to safely contain internal electrical arcing or thermal failure components.
- No Surge Protection Device (SPD): The system lacked an integrated SPD. This left the entire residential property vulnerable to atmospheric lightning overvoltages or supply network surges, which can destroy domestic appliances and compromise circuit insulation integrity.
The solution
To address the restricted workspace inside the kitchen cupboard, our NICEIC Approved Electricians selected a compact FuseBox F3012M metal consumer unit. We stripped out the dangerous rewirable porcelain fuses and re-terminated the existing circuits onto individual high-performance Type A RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection).
We also integrated an overarching Surge Protection Device (SPD) to bring the installation into full compliance with the latest 18th Edition Amendment updates of the BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations. All circuits underwent formal continuity, insulation resistance, and RCD trip-time testing during commissioning.
The outcome
Our team fast-tracked the project, completing the entire strip-out, installation, testing, and clean-up on the same day, officially signing off by 8:00 PM. The hazardous rewirable board was fully decommissioned, leaving the Romford property completely safe, certified, and compliant. A valid Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) was issued directly to the landlord instantly via email, allowing their tenants to move in without delay.
Written and reviewed by
- Written by:
- Shashi Pal
- Position:
- NICEIC Approved QS
- Qualification:
- JIB Gold Card
- Professional membership:
- Associate Member – IFSM (8946)
Standards and regulations
- Electrical installationBS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations, using the edition and amendments applicable to the work.
- Building regulationsPart P requirements and building-control notification, where applicable.
- Workplace safetyElectricity at Work Regulations 1989, where applicable.
Electrical work disclaimer
This case study describes work at one property. Electrical systems and requirements vary, so the details may not apply to every installation. Electrical work must be assessed and carried out by suitably qualified and competent persons, with inspection, testing and certification provided where required by applicable standards.
This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for a professional assessment of your property. Consult a qualified electrician for advice specific to your installation.
