Consumer unit and fuse board replacement
Consumer unit replacement, properly scoped
Thinking about replacing an old fuse board, responding to an inspection report or planning electrical work? Tell us what prompted the enquiry and where the property is. A qualified engineer can review the details and confirm whether a replacement is the right route.
An older consumer unit does not automatically need replacing. The installation, its condition and the work you plan all matter. We will check the scope and engineer availability before agreeing a visit.
Electrical work is undertaken by qualified engineers. Engineers are registered with NAPIT and NICEIC where applicable to the work and assigned engineer.
Request a consumer unit quote
Include your full postcode, property type, why you are considering a change, and any report or planned work. We will review the details and contact you about scope and availability.
Start with the reason for the work
When might a consumer unit replacement be considered?
A replacement may be discussed if a consumer unit is damaged, if a qualified electrician has identified concerns, or if alterations mean the existing arrangement needs reassessing. It should follow an assessment of the installation and the proposed work, not a blanket rule based on appearance alone.
An inspection has raised an observation
Send the exact wording from the EICR or other report. The observation may call for further investigation, a repair or another protective measure; it does not by itself mean the whole board must be replaced.
You are planning changes
A renovation, additional circuit or new high-load equipment can be a reason to review capacity and protection. Tell us what is changing so the electrician can consider the existing installation in context.
The board appears damaged or unreliable
If the enclosure is damaged, there is a burning smell, unusual heat, buzzing or repeated tripping, describe what you have noticed. Do not remove the cover or touch exposed parts; seek electrical advice promptly.
Not sure whether an upgrade is needed? Electrical Safety First advises that an older fuse type, a lack of RCD protection or a combustible enclosure does not by itself mean a consumer unit must be replaced. A competent electrician should assess the particular installation and suitable options.
A replacement is more than a board swap
What the work and handover should cover
The exact specification depends on the circuits, supply, condition and use of the property. Before you accept a quote, ask what the proposed board and protective devices include, what testing and remedial work are covered, and what documentation will be supplied.
Review the existing installation
The engineer needs to understand the board, circuits, earthing and bonding arrangements, supply and any known faults before selecting a replacement.
Agree the board and protection
The design should suit the installation and the work requested. Options such as RCD or RCBO protection, surge protection and spare capacity should be explained where relevant, not promised as a one-size-fits-all package.
Plan isolation and access
Replacing a consumer unit involves interrupting the electricity supply while work is carried out. Tell us about alarms, refrigeration, servers or other equipment that needs planned shutdown or a continuity arrangement.
Inspect and test the work
Existing circuits may reveal defects when assessed or reconnected. Any additional work, exclusions or limitations should be discussed and agreed rather than added without your approval.
Confirm the paperwork
Ask which Electrical Installation Certificate and building-regulation notification evidence will be provided, and who is responsible for issuing or arranging it. The paperwork route depends on the location and contractor’s registration.
Keep future plans in view
Mention any planned EV charging, solar, battery storage, electric heating or extension. The electrician can consider whether the proposed specification needs to allow for declared future work.
A consumer unit replacement is not an EICR. If you need a condition report on the fixed wiring, use Upkeepone’s electrical inspection and EICR service. For a commercial fixed-wiring inspection, see the commercial EICR page.
A useful quote starts with useful details
What affects the cost of replacing a consumer unit?
There is no dependable price from the words “new fuse board” alone. The quotation should reflect the actual installation and the agreed specification. The main factors include:
- the full postcode and travel/access requirements
- property type and whether it is occupied or in use
- number of consumer units and circuits
- existing board and supply arrangement
- the proposed protective devices and board capacity
- condition of the wiring, earthing and bonding
- testing needed and any defects found
- parking, isolation and working-hour restrictions
Send a clear photo of the outside of the closed consumer unit, its labels if visible, and any relevant report. Do not remove its cover or touch internal parts to take a photograph. We will confirm whether the information is enough to quote or whether the installation needs to be assessed first.
From enquiry to planned work
How a consumer unit enquiry works
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Send the basics
Give us the postcode, property type, reason for replacement and any EICR or other relevant report.
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Scope the installation
We review access, circuits, supply information, planned work and whether an engineer with the right competence is available.
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Agree the quotation
The proposed board, included testing, exclusions, paperwork route and price are set out before work is booked.
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Plan the changeover
We confirm access and power-interruption arrangements. If inspection identifies additional work, it must be explained and agreed separately.
Service coverage
Consumer unit replacement areas
London, Essex and Kent are priority areas for regular enquiries. Upkeepone also covers Hertfordshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Sussex, with other UK areas considered by request. Attendance depends on the postcode, installation, access, travel and appropriately qualified engineer availability. Send the full postcode so we can check before confirming whether a visit can be arranged.
For other electrical work, explore Upkeepone’s electrical services. If an existing circuit breaker is tripping or needs repair, see the separate circuit breaker repair service.
Before you book
Consumer unit replacement questions
Does an old fuse box always need replacing?
No. Age or appearance alone does not prove that replacement is necessary. Electrical Safety First says an older fuse type, absence of RCD protection or a combustible enclosure does not automatically require a new unit. A competent electrician should assess the installation and explain the suitable options. Read Electrical Safety First’s consumer-unit replacement guide.
Is a consumer unit replacement the same as an EICR?
No. Replacement is electrical installation work. An EICR is a report on the condition of an existing fixed electrical installation within an agreed scope. If you have an EICR observation, send its exact wording so the electrician can review the request; the report alone does not authorise or define replacement work.
Will the electricity be switched off during the replacement?
The supply has to be safely isolated while the board is changed, so plan for an interruption. Tell us about equipment that should not lose power unexpectedly, including alarms, refrigeration and IT equipment. The electrician will confirm the practical arrangements for the property.
Do Building Regulations apply to consumer unit replacement?
In England, GOV.UK lists installing a replacement consumer unit as notifiable electrical work in a dwelling. This can be handled through an eligible registered competent-person scheme or through the building-control route. Ask which route applies and what evidence you will receive. Rules differ across the UK, so the arrangement must be checked for the property’s nation. See the England guidance.
What certificate should I receive after the work?
Ask the contractor to confirm the inspection/testing record and Electrical Installation Certificate for the work, plus the applicable Building Regulations notification evidence. The precise documents and notification route should be agreed before work starts and depend on the work and location.
How much does consumer unit replacement cost?
Cost depends on the number of circuits and boards, the specification, installation condition, access, testing and any agreed remedial work. Send the postcode, property type, a photo of the closed unit and any report so the team can assess whether it can quote from the information provided.
Which areas can Upkeepone attend?
London, Essex and Kent are priority areas. Hertfordshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Sussex are also covered, and other UK areas can be considered by request. Attendance depends on the postcode, installation, access, travel and availability of an appropriately qualified engineer.
Tell us why you are considering a replacement
Send the full postcode, a brief description and any report wording. Upkeepone will check the scope and suitable engineer availability before confirming the next step. Call 0207 127 5128 or email info@upkeepone.co.uk.
