Consumer Unit & Fuse Box Upgrade
Replace your old fuse box with a modern 18th edition consumer unit. RCD/RCBO protected, metal enclosure. Qualified and insured.
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Consumer Unit & Fuse Box Upgrade
Qualified electrician
Same-day service
Most jobs matched within hours.
Upfront pricing
Clear quotes before work starts.
Qualified pros
NICEIC & NAPIT registered.
Pay when done
Funds held until you're happy.
How it works
Initial assessment
The electrician inspects your existing fuse box, earthing arrangement, and main supply. They check how many circuits you have, whether the earthing and bonding are adequate, and whether the main fuse and meter tails need upgrading. Any issues are flagged before work begins.
Isolation and safe disconnection
The electricity supply is isolated at the main fuse or by the DNO if a cut-out seal needs breaking. All existing circuits are carefully disconnected and labelled. The property will be without power for the duration of the changeover.
Installation of new consumer unit
The new metal consumer unit is mounted in the same location (or a new location if required). Meter tails are connected, and all circuits are transferred to the new board. RCBOs or MCBs with dual RCD protection are fitted to each circuit, sized correctly for the cable and load.
Earthing and bonding upgrades
Main earthing and supplementary bonding are checked and upgraded if necessary. This includes main bonding to gas, water, and oil pipes, and any supplementary bonding required in bathrooms and kitchens. 10mm² and 4mm² earth conductors are used as required.
Testing and certification
Every circuit is fully tested for insulation resistance, continuity, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD trip times. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued. The work is notified to Building Control through the electrician's competent person scheme.
What's included
What's involved
A consumer unit upgrade replaces your existing fuse box or outdated consumer unit with a modern metal-enclosed unit that meets the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022). Modern consumer units use RCBOs or dual RCD protection to provide individual circuit protection, meaning a fault on one circuit does not trip the entire house. The metal enclosure is now mandatory under Amendment 3 to reduce fire risk. This is one of the most common electrical upgrades in UK homes and is often required before other work such as EV charger installation or adding new circuits.
If your home still has a rewirable fuse box with porcelain fuse holders, a plastic consumer unit, or an older board without RCD protection, it does not meet current safety standards. Without RCD protection, there is no automatic disconnection in the event of an earth fault — increasing the risk of electric shock and electrical fires. A consumer unit upgrade is also required if you need additional circuits (e.g., for an EV charger or electric shower) and your existing board has no spare ways. It is notifiable work under Part P and must be carried out by a registered electrician.
Get a personalised quote
Typical cost: £350–£800per installation
Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.
How long does it take?
Half a day to a full day (4-8 hours) depending on the number of circuits, condition of existing wiring, and whether earthing or bonding upgrades are needed. If meter tails need replacing or the board is being relocated, allow a full day.
Regulations & safety
Safety notice
Consumer unit replacement is notifiable electrical work under Part P. It must be carried out by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme. Do not attempt this yourself — working on a live consumer unit can be fatal.
Your property will be without electricity for several hours during the changeover. Plan accordingly — especially if you rely on medical equipment, have a home alarm, or need to keep food refrigerated.
If your existing wiring is very old (e.g., rubber or lead-sheathed cable), connecting it to a modern consumer unit with RCD protection may cause nuisance tripping. Your electrician should test all circuits before commissioning the new board.
Part P of the Building Regulations (Approved Document P)
Consumer unit replacement is notifiable electrical work. It must be carried out by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) or inspected and certified by Building Control.
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition)
The national standard for electrical installations in the UK. Specifies requirements for circuit protection, earthing, bonding, and the type and rating of protective devices in the consumer unit.
Amendment 3 to BS 7671 — Metal Consumer Unit Enclosures
Since January 2016, all new or replacement consumer units in domestic premises must be enclosed in a non-combustible (metal) enclosure. This was introduced to reduce the risk of fire spreading from a consumer unit fault.
Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (ESQCR)
Governs the connection between the DNO supply and your installation. If the main fuse seal needs breaking during the upgrade, your electrician must arrange reinstatement with the DNO.
What to expect
Having issues with your existing installation?
Already have a consumer unit & fuse box upgrade and having issues? Check our troubleshooting guides.
Old Fuse Box — Do I Need To Upgrade?
Your fuse box is old and you are wondering whether it needs replacing with a modern consumer unit.
RCD Keeps Tripping? Common Causes & How to Fix It (2026)
Your RCD keeps tripping and cutting power to multiple circuits. This guide covers every common cause — from faulty appliances and moisture to wiring faults and nuisance tripping — plus exactly what to do about it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a consumer unit upgrade?
How long will the power be off?
What is the difference between RCBOs and a split-load board with RCDs?
Will a new consumer unit fix my tripping problem?
Do I need to upgrade my meter tails at the same time?
Is a consumer unit upgrade the same as a fuse box change?
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