Why I Include Fire Suppression in My Consumer Unit Upgrades

If you’ve received an email from me about the NextPhase Home Protection Package, you might be wondering what the automatic fire suppression device actually is.

That’s understandable. It’s not something most homeowners will have seen before, and it’s not something fitted inside every consumer unit.

The simple answer is that it’s an additional layer of protection fitted inside the consumer unit, designed to activate automatically if a fire develops within the enclosure.

I think it’s a sensible addition to a modern consumer unit installation, which is why I’ve chosen to include one as part of my Home Protection Package.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Consumer Unit Fire Suppression Device?

The device I use is a compact automatic fire suppression unit designed to be installed inside the consumer unit.

It sits alongside the electrical protective devices inside the enclosure and requires no action from the homeowner if it is ever needed.

If a fire develops inside the consumer unit and the conditions required to activate the device are reached, it automatically releases its fire suppression agent within the enclosure.

The important point is that this is an additional layer of protection.

It does not replace the electrical protective devices inside the consumer unit, correct installation practices, inspection and testing, or suitable smoke detection within the home.

Hopefully, it will sit inside the consumer unit for its entire service life and never be needed.

But if something does go seriously wrong inside the enclosure, there is an additional protective measure in place.

Why Could a Fire Start Inside a Consumer Unit?

A correctly designed, installed and tested modern consumer unit should provide a high level of electrical protection.

However, electrical installations can develop faults.

Problems such as loose or deteriorated connections, damaged equipment, poor previous workmanship and other electrical faults can generate excessive heat.

The protective devices inside a modern consumer unit are designed to disconnect the electricity supply when certain types of faults occur.

However, no single product or protective measure should be treated as the answer to every possible fault.

That’s why I believe in using layers of protection.

• A properly installed modern consumer unit provides the foundation.
• RCBOs provide individual protection to each circuit.
• Surge protection helps protect the electrical installation and connected equipment from transient overvoltages.
• Suitable smoke detection provides warning if a fire occurs within the home.
• The automatic fire suppression device adds another layer of protection specifically within the consumer unit enclosure.

Why Do I Include One in the NextPhase Home Protection Package?

When I put together the NextPhase Home Protection Package, I asked myself a simple question.

If I was upgrading the consumer unit in my own home, what would I want installed?

I would want a modern consumer unit upgrade with individual RCBO protection, surge protection, proper testing and certification, installed to a standard I’d be happy to have protecting my own home.

But I also like the idea of adding sensible additional protection where I believe it offers genuine value.

That’s where the automatic fire suppression device comes in.

• It isn’t there to compensate for poor workmanship.
• It isn’t there because I believe modern consumer units are unsafe without one.
• And it isn’t something currently required in every home by the Wiring Regulations.

I’ve chosen to include it because I believe it is a worthwhile additional layer of protection.

The cost of adding one during a consumer unit upgrade is relatively small compared with the overall installation, and it can be fitted neatly within the consumer unit as part of the original specification.

For me, it makes sense.

Does It Replace RCBOs or Surge Protection?

No.

This is important.

An automatic fire suppression device should never be used as a substitute for correctly selected protective devices or good workmanship.

The consumer units I install use individual RCBO protection for the circuits and include surge protection.

The installation is inspected, tested and certificated on completion.

The fire suppression device sits on top of those measures as an additional layer of protection.

Think of it as part of a wider approach to electrical safety rather than a replacement for anything else.

Is Consumer Unit Fire Suppression Required by the Wiring Regulations?

No.

Automatic fire suppression devices inside domestic consumer units are not currently a general requirement of BS 7671.

They are an optional additional protective measure.

I think it’s important to be clear about that.

I’m not fitting these devices because the regulations require me to.

I’ve chosen to include them because I believe they add something worthwhile to the finished installation.

Can a Fire Suppression Device Be Added to My Existing Consumer Unit?

Possibly.

Whether one can be added to an existing consumer unit will depend on the type, condition and configuration of the equipment already installed, along with the requirements of the specific fire suppression device.

I wouldn’t recommend fitting one blindly without first looking at the existing installation.

If you have an older fuseboard with rewireable fuses, limited RCD protection or other outdated equipment, it may be more sensible to look at the overall condition and protection provided by the installation rather than simply adding another device.

If you’re unsure, send me a clear photo of your existing fuseboard and I’ll give you my honest opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the device activate during normal use?

The device is designed to remain inactive during the normal operation of the consumer unit and only activate when its specified activation conditions are reached.

The exact activation method and operating characteristics depend on the particular device installed.

Does having one mean my consumer unit cannot catch fire?

No.

No responsible electrician should promise that a single product can eliminate every electrical fire risk.

The device provides an additional layer of protection. Good design, correct installation, suitable protective devices, proper testing and ongoing maintenance remain important.

Does every home need a consumer unit fire suppression device?

Not necessarily.

Many homes already have modern consumer units providing a high level of protection.

I include the device in my Home Protection Package because I believe it’s a worthwhile addition when carrying out a new consumer unit installation.

That doesn’t mean I would recommend replacing an otherwise satisfactory consumer unit simply to have one fitted.

How do I know whether my fuseboard needs upgrading?

The easiest first step is to send me a clear photo.

In many cases, I can give you an initial indication of the age and type of equipment installed and whether I think it’s worth looking into further.

If I don’t believe your consumer unit needs replacing, I’ll tell you.

Not Sure What You’ve Got Protecting Your Home?

Most homeowners rarely look at their fuseboard until something goes wrong.

If you’re unsure how old yours is, what protection it provides, or whether a modern consumer unit upgrade would be worthwhile, send me a clear photo of it.

I’ll take a look and give you my honest opinion.

• If I think it’s worth upgrading, I’ll explain why.
• If I don’t think it needs replacing, I’ll tell you that too.

NextPhase Energy provides consumer unit upgrades across Goole, Selby, Howden, Snaith, York and the surrounding areas.