Why upgrade your consumer unit?
Older fuse boxes and consumer units often lack RCD (residual current device) protection, which is designed to cut the power instantly if a fault is detected. Without RCD protection, there is a greater risk of electric shock and electrical fires.
Modern consumer units also include RCBO protection for individual circuits, meaning a fault on one circuit won't affect the rest of your home. Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) are now required under the 18th Edition wiring regulations (BS 7671) and protect your appliances and electronics from voltage spikes.
Signs your consumer unit needs replacing
There are several indicators that your fuse box is outdated or no longer safe:
- Your board still uses rewirable fuses rather than MCBs (miniature circuit breakers)
- There is no RCD protection on any circuits
- The unit has a wooden back board or is mounted in an unsafe location
- Circuits trip frequently without an obvious cause
- Scorch marks, discolouration, or a burning smell around the board
- Your home has been extended or had additional circuits added without upgrading the board
- An EICR has flagged the consumer unit as unsatisfactory
What's involved
1. Assessment
We inspect your existing consumer unit and wiring to assess the scope of work. This includes checking the condition of your earthing and bonding, which often needs upgrading alongside the board.
2. Installation
The power supply is isolated and the old unit is removed. A new metal-clad consumer unit is fitted with RCBO protection on each circuit and SPD protection as standard. The work typically takes between four and six hours depending on the number of circuits.
3. Testing and certification
Every circuit is tested after installation to confirm correct operation. You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and a Minor Works Certificate where applicable, confirming compliance with BS 7671 and Part P Building Regulations.
Pricing guidance
A standard consumer unit upgrade for a typical three-bedroom home in Kingston or Surrey costs between £350 and £600, depending on the number of circuits and whether additional earthing or bonding work is required. We provide a fixed quote after assessment with no hidden costs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
Most upgrades are completed in a single day, typically four to six hours. The power will be off for most of this time, so we recommend planning around this.
Will I need to redecorate?
In most cases, no. The new unit is fitted in the same location as the old one. If the board needs to be relocated, we will discuss this with you before starting work.
Is a consumer unit upgrade a legal requirement?
There is no legal requirement to upgrade a working consumer unit. However, if an EICR identifies your board as unsatisfactory, your insurer or landlord obligations may require it to be replaced. Any new installation must meet current BS 7671 regulations.
Do I need an EICR before upgrading?
An EICR is not required before a consumer unit upgrade, but we will inspect your existing circuits as part of the installation process. If we identify any issues with the wiring, we will let you know before proceeding.