Consumer unit & fuse box replacement
Swap an old, unprotected fuse box for a modern consumer unit with RCD/RCBO protection — safer, compliant, and tested. NICEIC-certified across Essex & London, usually done in a single visit.
Why upgrade your fuse box?
Your consumer unit is the heart of your electrics — it distributes power and, just as importantly, cuts it off when something goes wrong. Older boards often lack the protection a modern home needs, leaving you exposed to electric shock and fire risk. If your current board keeps tripping, our guide on why a fuse box keeps tripping explains the common causes.
Signs you need a new consumer unit
- An old board with rewireable (ceramic) fuses rather than breakers
- No RCD protection (no "test" button), or a single RCD that takes out the whole house when it trips
- A wooden or older plastic enclosure (current units are metal-clad)
- Scorch marks, a burning smell, or fuses/breakers that keep tripping
- Adding an EV charger, an extension, or a rewire
What's involved
We isolate the supply, fit a modern metal consumer unit with the right RCBO/RCD protection for each circuit, then test every circuit and issue your certificate. Where needed, we'll sort earthing and bonding at the same time so the whole installation meets current regulations.
How much does it cost?
A straightforward consumer unit replacement typically runs from around £450–£850 across Essex and London. Extra circuits, relocating the board, or remedial work found during testing can add to that. Get a guide price from our instant estimate tool, confirmed with a free visit. See our full guide to fuse box replacement costs in Essex.
Areas we cover
We replace consumer units across Essex and London — Chelmsford, Brentwood, Basildon, Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Southend-on-Sea, Ilford and the surrounding towns. Check your postcode or call.
Fuse box replacement FAQs
How long does a consumer unit replacement take?
Most straightforward fuse box swaps are completed in a single day — typically 4–6 hours including testing and certification. Installations that also need earthing or bonding upgrades can take a little longer.
Will my power be off while you work?
Only for the time it takes to change the board. We isolate the supply, fit the new unit, then restore and test everything the same day — and we always let you know in advance so you can plan around it.
Do I get a certificate when the work's done?
Yes. Every consumer unit replacement is tested and signed off with an Electrical Installation Certificate, and we notify building control under Part P where required.
What's the difference between an RCD and an RCBO board?
An RCD protects a group of circuits and trips them all when a fault occurs; an RCBO protects each circuit individually, so a fault on one circuit won't black out the whole house. We usually recommend a full RCBO board for the best protection.