Cost Guide

Fuse Box Replacement Cost

Replacing a fuse box (consumer unit) in the UK typically costs between £350 and £800, including the unit itself, labour, and certification. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit with RCD protection is one of the most important electrical safety improvements you can make.

Average cost: £350–£800

Cost Breakdown

Item	Min	Max	Note
Standard dual-RCD consumer unit	£350	£500	Two RCDs protecting groups of circuits; the most common and cost-effective option
Dual-RCD board with SPD	£400	£600	Includes surge protection device, now required under 18th Edition wiring regulations for new installations
High-spec RCBO board	£550	£800	Individual RCBO on every circuit — if one trips, only that circuit is affected, not half the house
Labour (electrician, typically half day)	£150	£300	Most straightforward replacements take 3-5 hours; London rates are higher
Electrical certificate (EIC or MEIWC)	£0	£0	Should be included in any reputable quote — required by Part P building regulations
Additional circuit upgrades	£80	£200	Per additional circuit if new circuits are needed (e.g., adding an EV charger or shower circuit)

What's Included

Removal of the old fuse box and installation of a new consumer unit with RCD or RCBO protection
Full testing of all existing circuits to ensure they are compatible with the new board and meet current safety standards
An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) as required
Building control notification under Part P of the Building Regulations (self-certified if the electrician is NICEIC/NAPIT registered)
Labelling of all circuits in the new consumer unit for easy identification

Factors Affecting Cost

Type of consumer unit — a basic dual-RCD board is significantly cheaper than a full RCBO board, but offers less granular protection
Number of circuits — properties with more circuits (especially larger homes) require a larger consumer unit with more ways
Condition of existing wiring — if the electrician finds issues during testing (such as lack of earthing or deteriorated cables), additional remedial work will be needed
Location — London and South East prices are typically 20-30% higher than the national average due to higher labour costs and overheads
Accessibility of the existing board — boards in awkward locations (behind cupboards, in basements) may take longer to work on or relocate
Surge protection requirement — the 18th Edition (Amendment 2) of BS 7671 requires SPDs in many domestic installations, adding £50-£100 to the cost
Whether the meter tails need upgrading — older properties may have undersized tails that need replacing to meet current standards

How Long Does It Take?

A straightforward consumer unit replacement typically takes 3-5 hours for a standard domestic property. The power will need to be switched off for most of this time, so plan accordingly. If the electrician discovers issues during testing — such as a lack of main earth bonding, deteriorated wiring on certain circuits, or undersized meter tails — the job can extend to a full day. For properties with a large number of circuits or where the board needs to be relocated, allow a full day. The electrician will also need time at the end to test every circuit and complete the certification paperwork.

Do I Need This?

You should replace your consumer unit if it still uses rewirable fuses (where you can see the fuse wire), has no RCD protection, or is a very old design with a wooden back. Under current regulations, landlords must ensure rental properties have RCD protection, and an outdated fuse box will fail an EICR. Mortgage lenders and insurers may also require an upgrade. Even if you are not legally required to replace it, upgrading provides significantly better protection against electric shock and electrical fires. If your fuse box is over 25 years old, or if an EICR has flagged C2 (potentially dangerous) or C3 (improvement recommended) observations related to the consumer unit, replacement is strongly advisable.

How to Save Money

Choose a dual-RCD board instead of a full RCBO board if your budget is tight — both provide RCD protection, but the dual-RCD is significantly cheaper

Get at least 3 quotes from registered electricians and ensure each quote specifies the same board type and includes certification

Combine the consumer unit replacement with other electrical work (such as adding sockets or an EICR) to save on call-out and labour costs

Ask about the brand of consumer unit being fitted — reputable brands like Hager, Wylex, and Schneider offer good reliability without the premium of top-end boards

Check if your energy supplier offers any incentives or can upgrade meter tails at the same time, potentially saving a separate visit

Average Cost Summary

£350–£800

Typical price range for fuse box replacement cost in the UK. Prices may vary based on your location, property type, and specific requirements.

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EICR Cost

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Sources & References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?

They serve the same purpose — distributing electricity to the circuits in your home and providing overcurrent protection. A 'fuse box' is the older term, typically referring to units with rewirable fuses or cartridge fuses. A 'consumer unit' is the modern equivalent, fitted with MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) that trip rather than blow, and RCDs that protect against earth faults. The terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation.

Do I need building regulations approval to replace a fuse box?

Yes. Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. If your electrician is registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, etc.), they can self-certify the work. Otherwise, you must apply to your local authority's building control department before work starts, which adds cost and time.

How long will the power be off during replacement?

Expect the power to be off for 3-5 hours during a standard replacement. The electrician cannot keep circuits live while swapping the board. Plan to charge phones and laptops beforehand, and avoid opening the fridge or freezer unnecessarily. If you work from home, consider scheduling the work for a day when you can be elsewhere.

Should I get a dual-RCD or RCBO consumer unit?

A dual-RCD board splits your circuits into two groups, each protected by an RCD. If a fault trips one RCD, you lose half your circuits. An RCBO board gives every circuit its own individual protection, so a fault only affects the single circuit with the problem. RCBO boards cost more (typically £150-£300 extra) but offer significantly better convenience and protection. For most homeowners, the extra cost is worth it.

Is a consumer unit replacement cheaper in London?

No — London is typically the most expensive area for electrical work. A consumer unit replacement in London usually costs £450-£900 compared to £350-£700 in most other parts of the UK. This reflects higher labour rates, parking and congestion charges, and general overheads for electricians working in the capital.

Can I replace my own fuse box?

Technically, a homeowner can do their own electrical work, but a consumer unit replacement is notifiable under Part P, which means it must be tested and certified. If you are not a registered electrician, you would need to arrange a building control inspection at your own cost. In practice, this is a job best left to a qualified professional — incorrect installation can be extremely dangerous and may invalidate your home insurance.

Will replacing my fuse box fix frequent tripping?

It depends on the cause. If your old board lacks RCD protection and the new one has it, you may actually experience more tripping initially as the RCDs detect existing faults that the old fuses were not sensitive enough to catch. If tripping is caused by a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, or overloaded circuits, a new consumer unit alone will not fix the underlying issue. A good electrician will test all circuits during the replacement and identify any problems.

What is an SPD and do I need one?

An SPD (Surge Protection Device) protects your electrical installation and connected devices from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes or switching surges on the grid. Under the 18th Edition wiring regulations (Amendment 2), SPDs are required in new consumer unit installations where the cost of the device is not disproportionate to the risk. Most electricians now include them as standard. They typically add £50-£100 to the total cost.

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