Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Distribution Board Upgrades
Future-proof your electrical system
Is your distribution board a ticking time bomb? Outdated and overloaded boards pose serious safety and efficiency risks, jeopardising your property, equipment, and peace of mind. BES Group’s comprehensive distribution board upgrade services offer a powerful solution, bringing your electrical system up to speed with UK regulations and modern standards.
Is it time for a distribution board upgrade?
Distribution boards, commonly known as consumer units, breaker panels, fuse boards, and breaker panels, are the backbone of robust electrical systems, housing switches, fuses, and circuit breakers for the site.
If you’ve been advised following an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection that you would benefit from a distribution board replacement, more than likely you’ll also need to have a residual current device (RCD) fitted. RCD’s play a pivotal role in protecting electrical circuits, preventing direct contact electrical shocks.
When upgrading your distribution board, our team will devise a comprehensive process that meets your specific needs, involving:
- Planning: We’ll identify the areas that need to be upgraded to determine what type of distribution board should be used, and schedule the upgrade.
- Preparing: We’ll prepare the area by removing any obstructions that could interfere with the upgrade, which can include moving furniture, turning off lights, and opening doors and windows.
- Upgrading: We’ll upgrade the distribution board using the appropriate tools and equipment. This may involve replacing old components, adding new components, or making changes to the wiring.
- Testing: We’ll then test the distribution board to ensure that it is working properly, which includes steps like turning on the power and checking for any faults.
- Documenting: We’ll document the upgrade to provide a record of the work that was done, taking photographs and creating a written report.
Empower and upgrade outdated electrical infrastructure today with BES Group
Schedule a consultation Schedule a consultation Schedule a consultationHow our Distribution Board upgrades can benefit you!
Improved safety
An upgraded distribution board is more likely to meet current electrical safety standards, which can help to prevent electrical fires and other hazards.
Increased efficiency
An upgraded distribution board can help to improve the efficiency of your electrical system by distributing power more evenly and efficiently.
Compliance with regulations
In some cases, upgrading your distribution board may be required to comply with local electrical regulations.
Improved safety
An upgraded distribution board is more likely to meet current electrical safety standards, which can help to prevent electrical fires and other hazards.
Increased efficiency
An upgraded distribution board can help to improve the efficiency of your electrical system by distributing power more evenly and efficiently.
Compliance with regulations
In some cases, upgrading your distribution board may be required to comply with local electrical regulations.
FAQs
How do I know if my distribution board needs upgrading?
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There are a few things to look out for that may indicate that your distribution board needs upgrading:
- Age: Distribution boards typically have a lifespan of around 40 years. If your distribution board is older than this, it may be time to upgrade it.
- Overcrowding: If your distribution board is overcrowded, it may not be able to handle the current load. This can lead to overheating and a risk of fire.
- Damage: If your distribution board is damaged, it may not be safe to use. This could be caused by a number of things, such as water damage, fire damage, or physical damage.
- Incompatibility with new appliances: If you are adding new appliances to your home, you may need to upgrade your distribution board to accommodate the additional load.
- Regulations: The electrical regulations in the UK are constantly changing. If your distribution board does not meet the current regulations, you may need to upgrade it.
If you are unsure whether or not your distribution board needs upgrading, it is best to consult with a qualified organisation – like the BES Group. We’ll be able to assess your needs and recommend the best course of action.
Why should I upgrade my distribution board?
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There are a few reasons why you should upgrade your distribution board:
- Safety: An upgraded distribution board is safer and less likely to cause a fire. Older distribution boards may not have the same safety features as newer boards, such as RCDs (residual current devices) and MCBs (miniature circuit breakers). RCDs can detect and interrupt electric currents that are too high, which can help to prevent fires and electric shocks. MCBs can protect your appliances from overloading and overheating.
- Capacity: An upgraded distribution board will be able to handle more appliances and devices, giving you more flexibility when choosing your appliances. Older distribution boards may not have enough space for all your appliances, or they may not be able to handle the power demand of newer appliances.
Efficiency: An upgraded distribution board will be more efficient, which can save you money on your energy bills. Older distribution boards may not be as efficient at converting electrical energy into usable power. - Lifespan: An upgraded distribution board will last longer, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it as often. Older distribution boards may not be as well-made as newer boards, and they may not be able to withstand the same amount of wear and tear.
How long does it take to upgrade my distribution board?
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The amount of time it takes to upgrade your distribution board will depend on several factors, including the size and complexity of your system, the type of upgrade you have done, and the availability of the electrician.
In general, an upgrade can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the time it takes to upgrade your distribution board:
- Size and complexity of your system: The larger and more complex your system, the longer the upgrade will take.
- Type of upgrade: Some upgrades are more complex than others, such as upgrading to a new type of distribution board or adding new circuits.
- Availability of the electrician: If the electrician is busy, it may take longer to get the upgrade done.
What are the compliance requirements for distribution boards?
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The compliance requirements for distribution boards in the UK are set out in the following standards:
BS 7671:2018: The Wiring Regulations: Requirements for Electrical Installations. This standard sets out the requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical installations in the UK.
BS EN 60439-3: Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 3: Distribution boards. This standard specifies the requirements for distribution boards for use in low-voltage electrical installations.
How do I maintain my distribution board after it has been upgraded?
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Here are some tips on how to maintain your distribution board after it has been upgraded:
- Have it inspected and tested regularly: A qualified electrician, like our team at BES Group, should inspect and test your distribution board regularly to ensure that it is safe and working properly.
- Keep it clean: Dust and dirt can build up on the distribution board and cause problems. Make sure to clean it regularly with a soft cloth.
- Don’t overload it: Don’t overload your distribution board by plugging in too many appliances or devices. This can cause the circuit breakers to trip or the distribution board to overheat.
- Replace worn or damaged parts: If any of the parts in your distribution board are worn or damaged, have them replaced as soon as possible. This will help to prevent problems down the road.
Don’t tamper with it: Don’t try to fix or modify your distribution board yourself. If you have any problems with it, call a qualified electrician.
Hear what our customers have to say
We care about the journey we take our customers on, but it’s not our word you should be taking, see what our customers think of the service we provided!
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BES Group Electrical have been one of our main contractors for EICRs since 2020, and more recently for Portable and Fixed Appliance testing. At Sanctuary Group, one of the largest Housing Associations in the UK, with sites located across England and Scotland, our aim is to ensure our compliances are up to date in a timely fashion. BES Group have not disappointed. Communication is positive, quick, professional and with clarity.
I would highly recommend them as a contractor, communication and understanding of the work requested is integral to my position within National Compliance. The team at BES Group Electrical are a pleasure to work with. Thank you, Chris, and all at BES Group Electrical.
”
Charlotte Hampton
National Compliance Administration Officer
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Some of the other international players don’t even have nationwide coverage. BES was able to offer us local resources across the country for our complex operations, there is no other provider that could give us that.
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Customer
Project Manager
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BES is a really disruptive force in the market, they are able to provide a variety of necessary services to their customers and none of the other big players are able to provide that breadth of services.
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Industry competitor
Did you know...
12,000
fires caused by faulty consumer units took place in the UK between 2012 and 2017, according to a report carried out by Electrical Safety First.
10
10 years is the recommended length of time between consumer unit inspections, as stated by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
2.5 million
consumer units are estimated to be faulty in the UK, as reported by Electrical Safety First.
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View all our accreditationsECA
BES Electrical Ltd.
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ISO Accreditation Citation 14001
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ECA
BES Electrical Ltd.
NICEIC
BES Group Electrical Ltd. - British Engineering Services Limited
Safe Electric
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
SafeContractor Approved
BES Group Electrical Ltd. - XEIAD - British Engineering Service Limited
ISO Accreditation Citation 45001
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
ISO Accreditation Citation 9001
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
ISO Accreditation Citation 14001
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
Reset
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
Achilles
British Engineering Services Limited
Avetta
British Engineering Services Asset Reliability Ltd. - BES Group Electrical Ltd.
Construction Isle of Man
BES Group Electrical Ltd
Constructionline
BES Group Electrical Ltd - British Engineering Services Ltd - Inspired Access Ltd - Inspire Structures Ltd
CHAS
British Engineering Services Limited - BES Group Testing Ltd. - BES Group Electrical Ltd.
CPD
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
Trustpilot
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
IWFM
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
Acclaim
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
Facilitiesline
BES Group Electrical Ltd.
Why choose us?
Nationwide Services
Our team of specialist electrical engineers are spread across the UK and are 100% responsible to customer needs. So, no matter where your site is located, we'll be there for you.
Quality Service
With our own innovative training centre, our engineers are consistently kept up to date with the latest changes to the wiring industry regulations. This means that as our customer, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the highest quality service.
Accredited Team
Our electrical engineers are ISO accredited and well equipped to carry out our complete electrical service offering, including our CAD service.
Our related services
Fire Alarm Installation
Electrical Installation Projects
LED Lighting Solutions
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Our sectors
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