Consumer unit upgrades
Swap an old fuse box or tired consumer unit for a modern board with RCD protection, fitted to BS 7671, then tested and certified. For homeowners and landlords across Bristol, Bath and the South West.
What a consumer unit upgrade involves
The consumer unit, often still called the fuse box, is where your electricity supply is split into separate circuits for sockets, lighting, the cooker, the shower and so on. Each circuit has a device that switches it off if something goes wrong.
An upgrade means taking out the old unit and fitting a new one that meets BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition). Modern units use RCDs or RCBOs, which cut the power in a fraction of a second if current leaks to earth, for example through a damaged cable or a person touching something live. They also have a metal enclosure, which helps contain a fire if a connection ever overheats.
We test your existing circuits as part of the job, so you know the new board is going onto wiring that's fit for it.
Signs you need a new consumer unit
- You still have old rewireable fuses (the kind with fuse wire), or a board on a wooden backing.
- There's no RCD, or one RCD covers the whole house, so a single fault turns everything off.
- Switches trip often and it's hard to tell why.
- The board is warm, buzzing, crackling or has scorch marks. Switch off if it's safe to, and call us straight away.
- You're adding circuits, for a new kitchen, an electric shower or an extension, and there's no space left in the old unit.
- An EICR (electrical installation condition report) has recommended an upgrade.
What affects the cost
Every home is different, so we don't publish set prices. The main things that make a difference are:
- How many circuits you have, and so how big the new unit needs to be.
- The type of board. RCBOs on every circuit cost more than a board with shared RCDs, but a fault then only turns off the circuit it's on.
- Whether the main earthing, or the bonding to your gas and water pipes, needs upgrading to meet current regulations.
- Whether a surge protection device (SPD) is fitted to guard against voltage spikes.
- Any faults found when the existing circuits are tested, which need putting right before the new board goes live.
- Access, and whether the unit needs moving to a new position.
We'll look at your current set-up and give you a clear quote before any work starts.
What happens on the day
- We agree a start time and tell you roughly how long the power will be off.
- We switch off the supply, take out the old unit and fit the new one, connecting and clearly labelling every circuit.
- We test each circuit and check the RCDs trip as they should, then switch everything back on.
- We show you how the new board works, including how to reset a tripped switch and test the RCDs, and leave the area tidy.
- The work is tested and certified, and you get an Electrical Installation Certificate to keep with your home's paperwork.
Why choose us
Fully qualified & insured
Your new consumer unit is fitted by a qualified electrician, and every job is fully insured.
High standards of workmanship
Neat, clearly labelled wiring, tested and certified, with the area left tidy.
Customer satisfaction our priority
Honest advice about what you actually need, and a clear quote before we start.
Friendly, quick and took care to do a high quality job. Would absolutely recommend.
Consumer unit questions
Do I legally have to replace an old consumer unit?
Not usually. There's no rule that says a consumer unit must be replaced just because it's old, as long as it's safe. But if an EICR finds problems with it, the report may recommend an upgrade, and landlords must put right anything it lists as dangerous or potentially dangerous. A new unit is also often needed when you add circuits or have major electrical work done.
How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
A straightforward swap in a typical house usually takes most of a working day. It can take longer if testing shows faults on existing circuits, or if the earthing and bonding need upgrading. We'll give you an idea of timings with your quote.
Will my power be off?
Yes, the supply has to be off for most of the job while the old unit comes out and the new one goes in. We'll agree timings with you and tell you before we switch off. Keep fridge and freezer doors shut and they'll usually be fine. Clocks, routers and alarms may need resetting afterwards.
Do you certify the work?
Yes. The work is tested and certified, and you'll get an Electrical Installation Certificate showing it meets BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations (18th Edition). Replacing a consumer unit is also notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, which means building control has to be told about it. We'll explain how that's handled for your job before we start.
Do I need a full rewire as well?
Not necessarily. A new consumer unit is often fitted to existing wiring that's in good condition. We test every circuit as part of the job. If the results show old, damaged or unsafe wiring, we'll explain what we found and your options, from repairing a single circuit to a partial or full rewire. We won't carry out extra work without agreeing it with you first.
Get a free quote
Tell us about your current board and we'll give you a clear quote before any work starts.