Your consumer unit, sometimes called a fuse board, is the most important safety device in your electrical system. If yours is outdated, it may not protect you from electrical faults that cause fires and shocks.
What Is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit distributes electricity to all the circuits in your home. Modern units contain MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) that trip when overloaded, and RCDs (residual current devices) that cut the power in milliseconds if they detect a fault that could cause electrocution or fire.
Signs You Need an Upgrade
Rewirable fuses with wire carriers instead of modern MCBs. These are slow to react and can be incorrectly rated.
No RCD protection. RCDs save lives by detecting earth faults. Without them, a fault could deliver a fatal shock before the fuse blows.
A wooden or plastic consumer unit. Current regulations require non-combustible (metal) enclosures.
Frequent tripping or blown fuses that suggest overloaded or deteriorating circuits.
What Does the Upgrade Involve?
We replace your existing fuse board with a modern, metal-clad consumer unit fitted with MCBs and RCDs or RCBOs. We test all existing circuits, and the work typically takes half a day. It includes a Minor Works certificate and Part P Building Control notification.
How Much Does It Cost?
A standard consumer unit upgrade in London typically costs between £450 and £800, depending on the number of circuits. We always provide a clear, itemised quote before starting.
Is It a Legal Requirement?
Not for homeowners in general, but if you have electrical work done requiring Part P notification, the consumer unit may need upgrading. For landlords, an outdated unit is likely to result in a failed EICR, which is a legal requirement.
Get a Free Quote
Call 07500 721 453 or request a quote online. We cover all London areas.
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Need help with your electrical project? Contact F & A Electrical for a free quote, or call us on 07500 721 453.