Consumer unit and fuse board upgrades in South London
Old fuse boxes replaced with a modern consumer unit with RCD/RCBO protection. Every circuit is tested, you receive full certification, and the work is registered with Building Control.
What a consumer unit does.
The consumer unit, often called the fuse board or fuse box, is where your electricity supply is split into individual circuits for lights, sockets, cooker, shower and so on. It holds the devices that protect those circuits and the people using them.
Older boards protect cables from overload, but many give little or no protection against electric shock or earth faults. A modern consumer unit adds that protection.
Signs your board may need upgrading
- Rewireable fuses: fuse wire in ceramic or plastic carriers
- No RCD protection, or a single RCD covering everything
- A plastic (combustible) consumer unit
- Scorching, buzzing, a burning smell or a hot board
- No spare ways for a new kitchen, extension or circuit
- An EICR that recommends replacing the board
What’s inside a new consumer unit.
The exact make-up depends on your property and circuits. We’ll explain what we recommend and why.
Circuit breakers
Replace old fuses. They switch off a circuit that is overloaded or short-circuited, and reset at the flick of a switch.
Residual current protection
Detects current leaking to earth, such as through a person, and disconnects in a fraction of a second.
Combined protection
An MCB and RCD in one device per circuit, so a fault on one circuit doesn’t switch off the rest of the house.
Surge protection
Limits voltage spikes from the supply or lightning that can damage electronics. Assessed for each installation.
Arc fault detection
Detects dangerous arcing in damaged cables or loose connections. Recommended in some situations; we’ll advise.
Non-combustible enclosure
Domestic consumer units are now installed in non-combustible enclosures, typically steel.
What happens during an upgrade.
Survey & quote
We look at your board, circuits, earthing and bonding, then give you a written quote.
Checks before work
Existing circuits are tested so any faults are identified and discussed up front.
Installation
Power off, old board removed, new consumer unit fitted, circuits connected and labelled.
Testing
Every circuit tested to BS 7671 before power is restored, and the results recorded.
Certification
Electrical Installation Certificate issued and the work registered with Building Control.
Good to know
Main protective bonding to water and gas pipes, and the earthing arrangement, have to meet current standards when a consumer unit is replaced. If these need upgrading we’ll include it in your quote, so there are no surprises on the day.
Consumer unit questions.
How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
For a typical house or flat, the installation and testing usually take most of a working day. Larger properties, extra circuits or earthing and bonding upgrades can add time. We’ll give you a realistic timescale with your quote.
Will my power be off?
Yes, the supply has to be switched off while the old board is removed and the new one is connected. We’ll agree timings with you beforehand and restore power to tested circuits as soon as it is safe to do so.
Do I need a rewire as well?
Usually not. A consumer unit can be replaced without rewiring, but your existing circuits are tested as part of the job. If testing shows a circuit is in poor condition we’ll explain what we found and your options before going any further.
Why might my new board trip when the old one didn’t?
RCDs detect small leakage currents that old fuses ignore, so an existing fault, such as damaged cable or moisture in an outdoor fitting, can show up once proper protection is in place. Finding these faults is part of the point of the upgrade, and we’ll explain anything we find.
What paperwork will I get?
You’ll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate with the test results for your circuits. Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under the Building Regulations, so it is registered with Building Control and you’ll receive confirmation for your records.
How much does a consumer unit upgrade cost?
It depends on the number of circuits, the protection needed, where the board is and whether earthing or bonding needs upgrading. We give a free written quote after seeing the installation. A photo of your current fuse board with your enquiry helps us give a quicker, more accurate price.
Send us a photo of your fuse board.
A clear photo of your current board, with the cover on, is usually enough for us to give you a guide price and arrange a visit.