A common cause of fires in the home is electrical faults due to poorly insulated connections in the mains consumer unit.
As a result a change in electrical regulations, due to come into force on 1st January 2016, will see all consumer units installed after this date being constructed of a non-combustible material such as metal, or consumer units being housed within a non-combustible housing.
After 1 July 2015 manufacturers will no longer be able to design consumer units (mains boards) made from anything other than non-combustible materials, even though the regulations don’t come in force until January 2016.
The reason for this change is as a measure to contain flames from fire caused by faulty connections and helping to prevent the spread of such fire should the unthinkable happen.
A definitive explanation of these rules can be found in BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment 3, 2015, however if you would like a qualified electrician from A Thompson Electrical Ltd. to check your home wiring installation and associated appliances you can give them a call on 01204 411137.
