Upgrading to Consumer Units with AFDDs in a Care Home

08-10-2025

As part of a critical safety electrical refurbishment, outdated distribution boards were replaced with our new consumer units that offer enhanced protection, including Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), surge protection, and key-lockable doors.

G&M Electrics Ltd based in South Wales recently undertook a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) across a Care Home facility. The care service, which provides bespoke, community-based support to older individuals with physical and mental health conditions, needed major electrical upgrades including 17 consumer units with arc fault detection devices and 2 3 phase distribution boards.

During the routine inspection, it was identified that the existing electrical distribution boards comprising of both single phase and three phase units were outdated and non-compliant with current electrical wiring regulations. Many of the boards had been in place for over 30 years and were showing clear signs of wear, including faulty doors and an inability to meet modern safety standards. The electrical contractor G&M Electrics Ltd, based in South Wales, was unable to source compatible spare parts, reinforcing the need for a full upgrade.

To address this, G&M Electrics Ltd specified and installed 17 of our brand new single phase consumer units. Following an initial introduction from Sion Browne, CEF Merthyr Tydfil Branch Manager, our local Sales Development Manager, Adam Cole, was able to introduce them to the new offering.

Our consumer units were selected for a combination of safety, compliance, and installer friendly features. A key factor in the selection was the inclusion of a flush fitting door which is also removable to ease labelling the circuits of the board. The removable blank on the door allowed for the installation of key locks in the doors across all 17 units, ensuring access could be restricted in line with health and safety protocols.

From a technical standpoint, the availability of our busbar mounted single module Surge Protection Device (SPD) simplifies the installation while maintaining a compact footprint. In addition, bidirectional RCBOs and single module Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) are readily available, ensuring compliance with Regulation 421.1.7 of BS 7671, which mandates the use of AFDDs on socket-outlet circuits not exceeding 32A in certain high-risk premises, with care homes being one. From the Care Homes point of view housing vulnerable individuals, this level of protection was deemed essential.

To fulfil the three phase equipment required in shared utility areas and kitchens, two Proteus three phase distribution boards were also installed, ensuring brand consistency and simplifying future maintenance.

The successful collaboration between CEF, G&M Electrics Ltd, and ourselves demonstrated the value of thoughtful product design, professional installation, and prioritising safety in care environments.