New Consumer Units
Upgrade your consumer unit (fuse board) for improved safety, RCD protection, and compliance with current regulations.
If your property still has an older fuse board without RCD protection, upgrading to a modern consumer unit is one of the most important safety improvements you can make. A new unit provides dual RCD or RCBO protection on every circuit, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock and electrical fires.
Consumer unit replacements are notifiable work under Part P. We supply, install, test, and certify the complete installation.
Signs your fuse board needs replacing
- Rewireable fuses, or a mix of old fuses and breakers
- No RCD protection
- Scorch marks, buzzing or a burning smell
- You are adding a shower, extension or new circuits
How it works
We check your existing board, earthing and bonding, then give you a fixed written quote. The power is off for part of the work, so we agree timings with you first. The new unit meets BS 7671 (18th Edition), every circuit is tested, and you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate. A new board is often fitted as part of a rewire.
Common Questions
How much does a new consumer unit cost?
Every job is different, so we visit and give you a free, fixed written quote before any work starts. Call or email us to arrange a visit.
What is the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?
An RCD cuts the power quickly if current leaks to earth, for example through a person. An RCBO adds overload protection for a single circuit, so a fault trips only that circuit and the rest of the house keeps its power.
Does a new consumer unit have to be metal?
Yes. Since Amendment 3 to BS 7671 took effect in 2016, consumer units in homes must be made of non-combustible material, which in practice means metal. Surge protection is also required in many installations under the 18th Edition.
Do I need a new board just to add a circuit?
Not always. It depends on whether your existing unit is suitable, has space and meets current requirements. We check this on our visit and tell you plainly whether it can stay.
Is it notifiable?
Yes. Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable under Part P. As an NICEIC registered contractor we notify it for you, with no separate building control fee, and issue an Electrical Installation Certificate.
