The Consumer Unit Fault Found During This Inspection
During this electrical inspection, we identified one of the consumer unit faults that can easily be overlooked. A section of busbar appears to be unsupported and not properly secured or terminated as intended by the manufacturer. It also appears that a section of busbar has been used as a link between two devices instead of using the manufacturer’s approved connection kit.
Although the consumer unit may still appear to be operational, consumer unit faults like this can compromise the integrity of the electrical connection if not installed correctly. This is why every consumer unit should be inspected carefully during installation, maintenance, or replacement to ensure it complies with the manufacturer’s instructions and the requirements of BS 7671.
This real-life example shows why a visual inspection by a qualified electrician is just as important as testing when assessing the safety of a consumer unit.
Why This Busbar Link Could Be Unsafe
During this inspection, we found what appears to be a section of busbar being used as a link between two devices instead of the manufacturer’s approved connection kit. It also appears to be unsupported and not properly secured or terminated as intended by the manufacturer. This type of consumer unit fault may result in loose connections, increased contact resistance, overheating, arcing, damage to the RCCB terminals, and, in severe cases, a potential fire risk. Every connection within a consumer unit should be installed using the correct components and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and BS 7671 to ensure a safe and reliable electrical installation.
What Does BS 7671 Say?
BS 7671 requires every electrical installation to be carried out using good workmanship and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In this case, the busbar appears to have been used as a link between two devices rather than using the manufacturer’s approved connection kit. If not correctly secured and terminated, this type of consumer unit fault may lead to loose connections, increased contact resistance, overheating, or arcing. The relevant regulations include 134.1.1 (manufacturer’s instructions), 526.1 (durable electrical connections), 526.5 (protection against mechanical strain), and 421.1 (protection against fire caused by poor electrical connections). These requirements are intended to ensure that consumer units remain safe, reliable, and compliant throughout their service life.
What C-Code Would This Receive?
On an EICR, a fault like this would typically be recorded as a C2 — potentially dangerous, requiring urgent remedial action. In more severe cases, where there’s visible damage or a clear fire risk, it could be raised to a C1. Either code means the installation should not be left as it is, and a landlord or homeowner would need this addressed before the report could be marked satisfactory.
How We Corrected It
Once identified, the correct fix is straightforward for a qualified electrician: remove the busbar link and replace it with the manufacturer’s approved connection kit, properly secured and terminated to BS 7671 standard. This restores the intended mechanical support and electrical continuity, removing the risk of loose connections or overheating. Because our team carries out both inspections and remedial work, faults like this can usually be corrected on the same visit — no need to bring in a separate contractor
Watch the Video Inspection
The video below shows this consumer unit fault exactly as it was found on site. Watch the inspection to see why this installation could present a safety risk and why compliance with BS 7671 and the manufacturer’s instructions is essential.
Need a Consumer Unit Inspection or Replacement?
If you’re concerned about consumer unit faults, need a consumer unit replacement, or are planning a fuse board upgrade, now is the right time to speak to a qualified electrician. At SMR Groups, we provide professional consumer unit inspections, electrical fault finding, and fuse board upgrades across London, ensuring every installation complies with BS 7671 and the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re based in:
- Chiswick
- Ealing
- Hampstead
- Hammersmith & Fulham
- Holland Park
- Kensington & Chelsea
- Knightsbridge
- Kew
- Kingston upon Thames
- Mayfair
- Putney
- Richmond
- Sutton
- Twickenham
- Wimbledon Village
Call SMR Groups on 07789 484208 for expert consumer unit inspections, consumer unit replacements, and fuse board upgrades. Our fully qualified electricians are ready to identify consumer unit faults, carry out safe repairs, and ensure your electrical installation is reliable, compliant, and safe.
