Metal consumer units are now the standard. That box is ticked.
But if the cable ducting feeding the consumer unit isn’t fire resistant, you’ve still got a weak point—and it’s one that can undo all the fire protection the metal enclosure is meant to provide.
The Regulation Is Clear — Fire Containment Matters
Since BS 7671 Amendment 3, consumer units in domestic premises must be housed in non-combustible enclosures. The goal is simple: contain fire at the source.
Loose connections, arcing, or component failure can all cause ignition. Metal enclosures help stop fire spreading—but only if the cable entries don’t let it escape.
Standard plastic trunking melts. Fire spreads. Compliance falls apart.
Cable Ducting: The Fire Escape Route
Cables can act like fuses. Plastic ducting can act like a chimney.
Non-fire-rated ducting:
If fire gets out through the ducting, the enclosure has failed—no matter what the label on the consumer unit says.
Fire-Rated Ducting Without the Headache
The excuse used to be time.
Fire-rated solutions were often slow, messy, or impractical—especially on domestic work or tight retrofit jobs. That’s no longer the case.
Fire-Boxx provides patented, modular, fast-fit fire-resistant ducting systems that are quick and easy to install on both new builds and retrofits. No site fabrication. No complex fire stopping. No delays.
On average, contractors report saving around 2 hours per installation compared to traditional fire-stopping methods—time straight back into your schedule and your margin.
Designed for Real Jobs, Not Theoretical Compliance
Fire-Boxx systems are:
They’re designed for sparks who want to do the job right without adding labour.
Fire-Boxx solutions are available at fire-boxx.com and have been featured on eFIXX TV, reinforcing their credibility with electrical professionals across the industry.
The Takeaway
Metal consumer units are the starting point—not the finish.
If the ducting feeding the board isn’t fire resistant, the job isn’t complete. The good news? You no longer have to choose between fire safety and productivity.
With fast-fit, fire-rated ducting that works on new installs and retrofits, you can improve safety, reduce liability, and save an average of 2 hours per install.
That’s better compliance, better protection, and better business.
