Consumer Unit Labelling and Circuit Charts: Why Landlords Need Them

Open the cupboard on most London rentals and you will find a consumer unit with faded labels, scribbled names or no labels at all. It seems a small thing, but unlabelled circuits slow down repairs, confuse tenants during a power cut and are one of the items that comes up on EICRs again and again. This guide explains what proper labelling looks like and why it matters for landlords.

What should be labelled

• Every circuit breaker or RCBO, with the area or appliance it serves, such as "Kitchen sockets" or "Shower".
• The main switch, so anyone can find it in an emergency.
• RCDs, with a notice telling the user to test them regularly using the test button.
• Warning notices where they apply, for example for mixed old and new cable colours, or where there is a second supply such as solar panels or a battery.
• The date of the next inspection, usually a sticker left by the electrician after an EICR.

Circuit charts

Alongside the labels, a circuit chart records each circuit's cable size, protective device and what it feeds. It is normally kept inside the consumer unit door or with the certificates. A good chart means the next electrician can work quickly and safely, which saves you money on every callout.

Why it matters for landlords

• Tenants can safely reset a tripped breaker and tell you exactly which circuit went off.
• Repairs are faster because the electrician does not have to trace every circuit first.
• Missing labels and charts are often noted on an EICR, and they make the report harder to read for agents and councils.
• In converted flats, labels help prove each flat is only fed from its own board.

If your report found circuits that cannot be traced, our guide to what happens after an unsatisfactory EICR explains what an FI code means.

Getting it done properly

We label every board during an EICR and leave an up to date circuit chart. If a board is too old to label properly, or is full, our guide to fuse board replacement in London explains when an upgrade makes sense.

Energy North Ltd carries out EICR inspections and consumer unit upgrades across North, East and West London. Our City & Guilds certified electricians can usually attend within 48 hours, and certificates are emailed the same day. Planning a car charger? See our EV charger installation page.