Fuse board replacement with RCD protection and certification
Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) Upgrade
A consumer unit upgrade replaces an old fuse box with a modern unit incorporating RCD (residual current device) protection on relevant circuits, improving safety by cutting power quickly in the event of a fault, and is one of the most common findings recommended on an EICR.
Definition
What Consumer Unit Upgrade covers
Older fuse boxes often lack RCD protection, use rewireable fuses rather than modern circuit breakers, or are simply at the end of their service life. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit brings the installation's protective devices up to current standards, and is a notifiable change under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Suitable for
- Older fuse boxes without RCD protection identified on an EICR
- Consumer units nearing the end of their service life
- Properties adding significant new electrical load where the existing unit lacks capacity
- Landlords bringing a rental property's installation up to current standards
Not suitable for
- Consumer units that pass a current EICR with no adverse findings — an upgrade isn't automatically needed just because a unit is older
- Underlying circuit wiring faults, which need addressing separately and aren't resolved by the consumer unit alone
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Assessment
Inspecting the existing consumer unit and circuits to confirm what the new unit needs to accommodate.
- 02
Isolation and removal
Safely isolating the supply and removing the old fuse box.
- 03
Installation
Fitting the new consumer unit and connecting existing circuits, correctly labelled.
- 04
Testing and certification
Full testing to BS 7671 and issuing an Electrical Installation Certificate with Part P notification.
Typical timescale
A standard consumer unit upgrade is typically completed within a day, including testing and certification.
Cost guidance
A consumer unit upgrade typically costs £450–£900 per job in our area, as a fixed price including certification, with the number of circuits affecting where in the range it falls. We provide an itemised quotation after assessment rather than a fixed headline price.
Limitations and exclusions
- A consumer unit change is notifiable work under Part P and is certified and notified accordingly
- Underlying circuit or wiring faults found during assessment are flagged and quoted separately from the consumer unit itself
- A brief loss of power during the changeover is unavoidable and scheduled with you in advance
Areas we cover
Consumer Unit Upgrade across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for consumer unit upgrade in each town we work in.
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FAQs
Consumer Unit Upgrade FAQs
How do I know if my fuse box needs replacing?
Common indicators include old rewireable fuses, no RCD protection, or adverse findings on an EICR. We assess the specific unit on a visit rather than assuming age alone means it needs replacing.
Will I lose power during the upgrade?
Yes, briefly — the supply needs to be isolated while the old unit is removed and the new one connected. This typically takes part of a day and is scheduled with you in advance.
Is a consumer unit upgrade required by law?
Not automatically, unless an inspection (such as an EICR) identifies it as unsafe or non-compliant, or it's a condition of a sale, letting or insurance requirement. We advise based on the actual findings for your unit.
Discuss your consumer unit upgrade project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.