About this service
The consumer unit is the main distribution point for a home. It contains the main switch and protective devices for each circuit. Replacing it can provide modern residual-current protection, individual RCBOs, surge protection, clearer labelling and room for future circuits.
A new consumer unit does not repair faults elsewhere in the property. Existing circuits must be assessed and tested because insulation damage, borrowed neutrals, poor earthing or mixed wiring can prevent a safe changeover. Those findings should be discussed before the old unit is removed wherever practical.
Common problems we help with
No or limited RCD protection
Older fuse boxes may not provide additional shock protection for socket, bathroom, lighting or outdoor circuits.
One fault turns off much of the house
Split-load arrangements can place several circuits on one RCD. Individual RCBOs reduce the consequences of a single circuit fault.
No capacity for planned work
EV charging, solar, extensions and new heating may require additional ways or a different distribution design.
Poor condition or missing labels
Heat damage, broken blanks, mixed protective devices and unclear circuit schedules make safe operation and maintenance harder.
How we carry out the work
Survey and pre-test
We identify circuits, check the supply and earthing, inspect bonding and test for faults likely to affect the change.
Plan the board and outage
Protective devices are selected for the circuits and future needs. We agree how long power will be unavailable.
Replace, label and certify
The new unit is installed, every connected circuit is tested, devices are verified and a typed schedule is fitted.
What is normally included?
- Initial discussion about the property, symptoms, priorities and timescale
- Assessment of the relevant circuit, equipment, access and existing protection
- A written scope for the proposed consumer unit replacement work
- The agreed installation or repair work, with disruption kept to a reasonable minimum
- Inspection, electrical testing and appropriate handover documentation
Before the work starts
- Condition of existing circuits before new protective equipment is fitted
- Available space, circuit identification and future capacity
- Earthing, bonding and supply characteristics
- How essential equipment will be managed during isolation and testing
What affects the price?
The price depends on the existing installation and the amount of work required. For consumer unit replacement, the main factors normally include:
- Circuit quantity and board configuration
- Defects revealed by pre-work or completion testing
- Meter tails, earthing and bonding alterations
- Labelling, containment and any necessary relocation
Testing, certificates and handover
Once the installation work is complete, we inspect and test it and provide the records that apply to the job.
- Updated circuit schedule and protective-device labels
- Test results and applicable installation certificate
- Guidance on testing residual-current devices
- Explanation of any separately identified future recommendations
Consumer Unit Replacement questions
Does an old fuse box automatically need replacing?
No. Age alone is not the decision. Condition, protective measures, planned alterations and inspection results matter.
What happens if testing finds a fault?
We explain the affected circuit and options. A dangerous or non-compliant fault may need repair before it can be connected to the new unit.
What certificates should I receive?
A consumer-unit replacement normally requires an Electrical Installation Certificate and Building Regulations compliance notification through the applicable route.
Booking the work
What happens after you contact us
1. Discuss the job
Tell us about the property, the symptoms or the result you want. Photographs and model numbers are often helpful.
2. Inspect and quote
We check the relevant installation and give you a written quotation showing what is included.
3. Complete and test
We carry out the agreed work, verify it electrically and explain any controls, labels or certificates at handover.