--- title: "Consumer Unit Upgrade London | Fuse Box Replacement | NICEIC" description: "Consumer unit upgrade in London. Branded boards with full RCBO + SPD protection. NICEIC approved, Building Control registered. From £640. Call 0203 576 6961." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/#organization", "name": "24/7 Electrical Ltd", "url": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk", "logo": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/favicon.png", "founder": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Steve Green", "jobTitle": "Founder & Lead Engineer", "honorificSuffix": "MIET, EngTech, LCIBSE" }, "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+442035766961", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": "English", "hoursAvailable": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday", "Sunday" ], "opens": "00:00", "closes": "23:59" } }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+447557781201", "contactType": "emergency", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": "English" } ], "sameAs": [ "https://www.instagram.com/247electricalkent/", "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084202661265", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBm6o6WrQ68wI7KRlXyBzbA", "https://www.tiktok.com/@247electricalltd", "https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/247electrical1090623" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/#website", "name": "24/7 Electrical Ltd", "url": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk", "publisher": { "@id": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-GB" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "@id": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/services/consumer-units#service", "name": "Consumer Unit Upgrade", "serviceType": "Consumer Unit Upgrade", "description": "Consumer unit (fuse box) upgrades and replacements in London. Modern RCD/MCB protection, Building Control registration included. NICEIC approved installations.", "url": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/services/consumer-units", "provider": { "@id": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/#electrician" }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "London" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Croydon" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Sutton" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Mitcham" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Bromley" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Beckenham" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Edenbridge" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Orpington" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Lewisham" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Dulwich" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Streatham" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Tooting" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Penge" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Sydenham" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Westerham" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Oxted" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Caterham" } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "4.93", "reviewCount": 152, "bestRating": "5", "worstRating": "1" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a consumer unit upgrade?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A consumer unit upgrade replaces your old fuse box (fuseboard) with a modern unit containing MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) and RCDs (residual current devices). This provides superior protection against electric shock and fire compared to old-style rewirable fuses." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does a consumer unit upgrade cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Branded consumer unit upgrades with SPD and full RCBO protection typically cost £640–£865 for a 6-way board, £720–£980 for a 10-way, £810–£1,090 for a 15-way and £890–£1,210 for a 20-way. Price includes the unit, install, full test, NICEIC Building Control notification and meter tails if needed." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does consumer unit replacement take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most domestic consumer unit upgrades complete in 4-6 hours. Your power will be off for most of this time. We can sometimes maintain power to essential circuits during the work." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a consumer unit upgrade?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You likely need an upgrade if: your unit has rewirable fuses rather than MCBs, you have no RCD protection, your unit is over 20 years old, an EICR has identified defects, or you need additional circuits for new equipment like EV chargers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between a fuse box and consumer unit?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "They're essentially the same thing — the central distribution point for your electrical circuits. 'Consumer unit' is the modern term. Old units used rewirable fuses; modern units use MCBs and RCDs that provide better protection and are easier to reset." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is consumer unit replacement covered by Building Regulations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. We register all installations with your local Building Control — this is included in our service, not an extra charge." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I upgrade my consumer unit without rewiring?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Usually, yes. If your existing wiring is in reasonable condition, a new consumer unit can be connected to existing circuits. We test your wiring during installation. If significant defects are found, we'll discuss options — but many properties get substantial safety improvements from a consumer unit upgrade alone." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is an RCD and why do I need one?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "An RCD (Residual Current Device) monitors current flow and cuts power instantly if it detects an earth fault — the kind of fault that causes electric shocks. RCDs can save lives by cutting power in 25-40 milliseconds, faster than the time needed for dangerous shock." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will a new consumer unit stop my circuits tripping?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A new consumer unit won't fix underlying faults that cause tripping, but it will respond to them more safely. If circuits trip due to genuine faults, we'll identify and address these during installation. Nuisance tripping from overly sensitive old RCDs can be resolved with modern high-quality devices." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you supply metal or plastic consumer units?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Under current regulations, domestic consumer units must be metal (non-combustible) or installed in a non-combustible enclosure. We fit quality metal consumer units from reputable manufacturers that meet all current requirements." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Services", "item": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/services" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Consumer Unit Upgrades", "item": "https://24-7electrician.co.uk/services/consumer-units" } ] } ] --- 24/7 Emergency Call-Outs • London & South East [info@24-7electrician.co.uk](mailto:info@24-7electrician.co.uk)[Available 24/7 0203 576 6961](tel:02035766961) [![24/7 Electrical Ltd — Emergency Electrician London](/assets/logo-DYN9PriP.png)](/) [Home](/) [About](/about) Residential Commercial Areas [Reviews](/reviews) [Blog](/blog) [Contact](/contact) [Available 24/7 0203 576 6961 ](tel:02035766961)[Book Consultation](/book-a-consultation)[Get a Free Quote](/contact) 1. [Home ](/) 2. [Services](/services) 3. Consumer Unit Upgrades ![Professional consumer unit wiring and upgrade installation](/assets/consumer-unit-wiring-D1_Ts2Zq.jpg) NICEIC Approved — From £640 # Consumer Unit Upgrade Modern Protection for Your Home Your fuse box is your home's first line of defence against electrical fire and shock. If you have an outdated unit with rewirable fuses, upgrading to modern RCD protection could save lives. [Request a Free Quote](/contact)[0203 576 6961](tel:02035766961) Last updated: 26 August 2026 · Reviewed by Steve Green, NICEIC-approved electrician NICEIC Approved Part P Registered Same Day Available 12mo Guarantee 1,000+ Upgrades ## What Is a Consumer Unit? Your consumer unit (commonly called a fuse box or fuseboard) is the central distribution point for your home's electrical supply. It divides incoming power into individual circuits and provides protection against overload and earth faults. **Modern consumer units include:** - **MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers):** Protect individual circuits against overload and short circuits. Unlike old fuses, they can be simply reset — no fuse wire replacement needed. - **RCDs (Residual Current Devices):** Detect earth faults and cut power in milliseconds. This protects against electric shock from damaged appliances, faulty wiring, or accidents. - **Split-load configuration:** Circuits divided across multiple RCDs so a fault on one circuit doesn't black out your entire home. - **Metal enclosure:** Required by current regulations, metal units contain any fire within the unit rather than allowing it to spread. **Who needs a consumer unit upgrade?** Homeowners in [Croydon](/areas/croydon), [Bromley](/areas/bromley), [Sutton](/areas/sutton), and across London with old fuse boxes, particularly those with rewirable fuses, no RCD protection, or units over 20 years old. Also essential when adding new circuits for [EV chargers](/services/ev-charger-installation) or extensions. ![Modern consumer unit fuse box installed with RCD and MCB protection](/assets/consumer-unit-Bo4ZB8E5.jpg) ## The Danger of Outdated Fuse Boxes Old fuse boxes with rewirable fuses were standard decades ago, but they lack the life-saving protection that modern units provide. If your home still has one, you and your family are at increased risk. **Problems with old fuse boxes:** - **Slow overload response:** Rewirable fuses heat up and melt to break the circuit — a slow process that allows wiring to overheat and potentially start fires. - **No earth fault protection:** Without RCDs, faults that could deliver lethal shocks go undetected until someone is injured. - **Wrong fuse ratings:** Over years, previous occupants may have fitted incorrect fuse wire ratings, eliminating the protection fuses are meant to provide. - **Degraded condition:** Old units suffer from corroded connections, loose terminals, and deteriorating components that create their own hazards. - **Insurance implications:** Insurers may refuse claims or increase premiums for properties with outdated electrical protection. **The consequences of inaction:** Approximately 14,000 UK house fires annually have electrical causes. Many could be prevented by modern protection devices that detect faults before they become fires. A consumer unit upgrade is a modest investment against potentially devastating outcomes. Our Process ## Our Upgrade Process From assessment to certification, we handle everything — including Building Control registration required by law. 01 20 min ### Assessment We inspect your current consumer unit, test circuits, and assess your electrical needs to recommend the right upgrade. 02 30 min ### Quote You receive a detailed fixed-price quote covering the unit, installation, any circuit improvements needed, and full certification. 03 10 min ### Scheduling We arrange installation at a convenient time. Most upgrades complete in a single day. 04 2–4 hrs ### Installation We replace your old unit with a modern consumer unit featuring RCD protection for all circuits. Existing wiring is connected and tested. 05 30–45 min ### Certification Full testing, Electrical Installation Certificate, and Building Control registration. Your installation is fully documented and compliant. Benefits ## Benefits of a Modern Consumer Unit A consumer unit upgrade isn't just compliance — it's genuine protection for your home, your family, and your peace of mind. ### RCD Protection Modern consumer units include RCDs that detect earth faults and cut power in milliseconds — preventing electric shocks that could otherwise be fatal. ### Fire Prevention Old fuse boxes with rewirable fuses don't respond quickly to overloads. Modern MCBs trip instantly, preventing the overheating that causes electrical fires. ### Circuit Capacity Additional ways for new circuits — EV chargers, home offices, extensions. Your upgraded unit can accommodate future electrical needs. ### Insurance Compliance Many insurers require modern electrical protection. An outdated fuse box can complicate claims or affect coverage terms. ### Property Value A modern consumer unit reassures buyers and surveyors. It's one less concern during property transactions. ### Quick Installation Most consumer unit upgrades complete in 4-6 hours. You'll have power restored the same day with full protection active. ## Consumer Unit Options ### Standard Domestic Consumer Unit Suitable for most homes, a standard split-load consumer unit provides RCD protection for all circuits with division into two or more groups. If one RCD trips, you don't lose power to your entire home. Units typically have 6-12 ways for individual circuit MCBs. ### High Integrity Consumer Unit For properties requiring maximum uptime, high integrity configurations provide three separate RCD groups. Critical circuits (like freezers and medical equipment) have independent protection, minimising the chance of nuisance trips affecting essential services. ### RCBO Consumer Unit The premium option: every circuit has its own RCBO (combined RCD/MCB). A fault on any circuit trips only that circuit — no other circuits are affected. Ideal for larger properties or those with sensitive equipment. ### Consumer Unit with Surge Protection Integrated surge protection devices (SPDs) guard against voltage spikes from lightning or grid disturbances. Particularly valuable for properties with expensive electronics or sensitive equipment. ### Amendment 3 Compliance Current regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) require specific RCD protection configurations. All our installations meet current amendment requirements, ensuring your consumer unit meets the latest safety standards. FAQ ## Consumer Unit FAQs Answers to the most common questions about consumer unit upgrades. ### What is a consumer unit upgrade? ### How much does a consumer unit upgrade cost? ### How long does consumer unit replacement take? ### Do I need a consumer unit upgrade? ### What's the difference between a fuse box and consumer unit? ### Is consumer unit replacement covered by Building Regulations? ### Can I upgrade my consumer unit without rewiring? ### What is an RCD and why do I need one? ### Will a new consumer unit stop my circuits tripping? ### Do you supply metal or plastic consumer units? Signs You Need This ## Signs Your Consumer Unit Needs Replacing Your fuse box is the single most important safety device in your home. If any of these apply, it's working against you, not for you. Plastic consumer units have been linked to flat-fire incidents — the 18th Edition now requires non-combustible (metal) enclosures in domestic installations. - You still have rewirable fuses with fuse wire — not modern MCBs - There's no RCD trip switch (or only one covering the whole property) - The casing is plastic and the board is more than 10 years old - Circuits are unlabelled or labelled wrongly - You've added an electric shower, EV charger or extension and it's been wired in 'somehow' - The board buzzes, gets warm or smells of plastic when loaded - Your last EICR called out the consumer unit specifically - You're planning solar PV, battery storage or a heat pump Indicative Pricing ## Consumer Unit Upgrade Pricing Modern 18th-edition compliant boards with surge protection and full certification. Job Type Typical Price What's Included Consumer unit upgrade — up to 6-way (RCBO + SPD) £640–£865 Branded board, every circuit on RCBO, surge protection, full test of existing installation, EIC certificate. Consumer unit upgrade — up to 10-way (RCBO + SPD) £720–£980 Each circuit individually protected — no whole-house trip when one circuit faults. Consumer unit upgrade — up to 15-way (RCBO + SPD) £810–£1,090 For larger homes or where extra capacity is needed for EV / solar / heat-pump circuits. Consumer unit upgrade — up to 20-way (RCBO + SPD) £890–£1,210 Premium install — branded board, full SPD, meter tails replaced where needed. Three-phase distribution board From £1,400 For larger homes, workshops or properties with EV / heat-pump three-phase supply. Sub-main board (garage / outbuilding) £420–£750 Includes SWA cable run, isolator and full certification. Prices shown are typical guide ranges for Greater London and the South East as of 2026. Every job is quoted in writing on a fixed-price basis after a free site assessment — you only pay the figure we agree, with no hidden extras. A consumer unit change requires Building Control notification — included in our price under our NICEIC self-certification scheme. Honest Answers ## Worried About Changing Your Consumer Unit? It's a half-day job that protects you for 25 years. Here's how we de-risk it. ### "How long will I be without power?" Typical changeover is 3–5 hours of total isolation, scheduled for a time that suits you. Fridges and freezers stay cold for that window — we plan it so you're back on by evening. ### "What if you find faults in my existing wiring?" Pre-installation tests are part of the price. If we find issues that prevent us safely energising the new board, we explain them, quote remedials separately, and you choose what to action. ### "Aren't all consumer units basically the same?" No. We fit Hager, Wylex or MK metal boards with proper SPD and individual RCBOs — not the cheapest dual-RCD board on the wholesaler's shelf. The materials list is itemised on your quote. ### "Will it be notified to Building Control?" Yes — under our NICEIC self-certification scheme. You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate plus a Building Control compliance certificate within 30 days. Recent consumer units ## Consumer unit upgrades we've done From dangerous old wooden boards to fully RCBO-protected, clearly labelled new units — all NICEIC certified. ![Old communal fuse board with mixed BS 7671 wiring before replacement](/__l5e/assets-v1/d336c8fe-2e6b-416d-a8d9-7331f2c0dcc7/fuseboard-job-before.jpg) Before: legacy communal board ![Electrician working on meter cupboard fuse arrangement](/__l5e/assets-v1/6478cddf-889c-4fa2-af71-d24f474bdf6b/fuseboard-job-meters.jpg) Isolating supply at the meters ![Electrician accessing a block of flats meter cupboard at night](/__l5e/assets-v1/a4097c1f-d4cc-4e1a-9e58-863898e585ad/fuseboard-job-door.jpg) Out-of-hours communal access ![New 6-way switch fuse board being installed in a block of flats](/__l5e/assets-v1/3412e295-f710-47c4-aace-f7f72bd670e3/fuseboard-job-install.jpg) New switch-fuse board fitted ![Electrician testing new fuse board with voltage tester](/__l5e/assets-v1/02cc5d4f-60fb-41a5-bfbc-6c0ef8f2e233/fuseboard-job-testing.jpg) Live testing & verification ![Completed 6-way fuse board with new Henley blocks and tails](/__l5e/assets-v1/5f3724e7-009a-4f0b-a4bb-7784256e98a7/fuseboard-job-newboard.jpg) Finished install — fully labelled ![Completed communal fuse board upgrade](/__l5e/assets-v1/69cb4e98-8790-4ab5-a703-66fde2537fa4/fuseboard-job-finished.jpg) Job complete & certified ![Old wooden fuse board with rewireable BS 3036 fuses ready for replacement](/__l5e/assets-v1/d319035c-bc66-45b7-8804-71513bde2d3b/old-fuseboard.jpg) Before: legacy rewireable fuses ![New FuseBox consumer unit installed with RCBOs and surge protection](/__l5e/assets-v1/54f2d5b7-a0d1-4a21-b5a7-c26b5ed3f4a9/consumer-unit-new.jpg) Newly installed FuseBox unit ![Professional electrician ready for consumer unit upgrades across London](/assets/cta-background-BI2H9wJG.jpg) Slots Available Within 7 Days ## Replace Your Old Fuse Box Before It Lets You Down Old plastic fuse boxes are the leading cause of domestic electrical fires. A modern metal consumer unit costs less than a new boiler and protects you for decades. [Book My Consumer Unit Upgrade](/contact)[Available 24/7 0203 576 6961 ](tel:02035766961) NICEIC approved · 25+ years' experience · 12-month workmanship guarantee ### 24/7 Electrical Ltd NICEIC-approved electricians. Available 24/7 for emergencies and planned work across London & South East. [0203 576 6961](tel:02035766961) [07557 781201](tel:07557781201) [info@24-7electrician.co.uk](mailto:info@24-7electrician.co.uk) Head Office 51 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 Croydon Office 104 Friars Wood, Croydon, CR0 9JP [](https://www.instagram.com/247electricalkent/)[](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084202661265)[](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBm6o6WrQ68wI7KRlXyBzbA)[](https://www.tiktok.com/@247electricalltd) #### Services - [Emergency Repairs](/services/emergency-repairs) - [House Rewiring](/services/house-rewiring) - [EICR Testing](/services/eicr-testing) - [EV Chargers](/services/ev-charger-installation) - [Consumer Units](/services/consumer-units) - [Lighting](/services/lighting-installation) - [Fire Alarms](/services/fire-alarm-installation) - [Garden Lighting](/services/garden-lighting) - [Kitchen & Bathroom](/services/bathroom-kitchen-electrics) - [CCTV](/services/cctv-installation) - [Smart Home](/services/smart-home) - [Commercial](/services/commercial-electrical) - [PAT Testing](/services/pat-testing) - [Maintenance](/services/electrical-maintenance) - [Fault Finding](/services/fault-finding) - [Appliance Repair](/services/appliance-repair) #### Areas We Cover - [Croydon](/areas/croydon) - [Sutton](/areas/sutton) - [Mitcham](/areas/mitcham) - [Bromley](/areas/bromley) - [Beckenham](/areas/beckenham) - [Edenbridge](/areas/edenbridge) - [Orpington](/areas/orpington) - [Penge](/areas/penge) - [Sydenham](/areas/sydenham) - [Lewisham](/areas/lewisham) - [Dulwich](/areas/dulwich) - [Streatham](/areas/streatham) - [Tooting](/areas/tooting) - [Westerham](/areas/westerham) - [Oxted](/areas/oxted) - [Caterham](/areas/caterham) #### Company - [About Us](/about) - [Case Studies](/case-studies) - [Reviews](/reviews) - [Blog](/blog) - [Contact](/contact) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms & Conditions](/terms) - [Cookie Policy](/cookies) © 2026 24/7 Electrical Ltd. 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