Safer Consumer Unit Upgrades Across London for Homes, Landlords & Businesses

A consumer unit, sometimes called a fuse box or distribution board, is the central point that controls and protects the electrical circuits in a property. It contains the main switch and protective devices for circuits such as lighting, sockets, cooking and heating. A modern consumer unit can provide clearer isolation, better circuit identification and protection selected around the installation.

An upgrade may be worth considering when the existing board still uses rewireable fuses, has limited RCD protection, is damaged, overcrowded, poorly labelled or unsuitable for planned electrical work. Repeated tripping, heat, buzzing, scorch marks or a burning smell also need prompt investigation. Age alone does not automatically mean replacement is required; condition, protection and suitability should be assessed.

No. An older consumer unit is not automatically unlawful simply because a newer design is available. Replacement is normally recommended when the board is unsafe, damaged, unsuitable for the installation, lacks appropriate protection or cannot support planned alterations. A survey or EICR can help establish the condition of the wider installation before a decision is made.

The final specification depends on the circuits, equipment, property type and electrical design. A modern board may use RCBOs to provide individual overcurrent and residual-current protection, along with surge protection where specified. AFDD protection may also be required or recommended for selected circuits or property types. The devices should be chosen for the installation rather than selected as a one-size-fits-all package.

In a dwelling in England, replacing a consumer unit is notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations. The work can be notified through a registered competent person scheme or handled through the appropriate building control route. The notification process is separate from the Electrical Installation Certificate provided for the completed electrical work.

Yes. Replacing the board does not remove faults that may already exist in the wiring. The circuits being reconnected need suitable inspection and testing so the installer can confirm their condition and record the results. A modern RCBO may reveal an earth-leakage or wiring fault that an older fuse box did not disconnect for, so additional remedial work may sometimes be needed.

Many straightforward domestic replacements are completed within one working day, but the actual time depends on the number of circuits, access, cable identification, earthing arrangements and whether faults are found during testing. Larger homes, HMOs, commercial sites, multiple boards or difficult locations may need more time. The expected shutdown and working period are discussed before the appointment.

Yes. The electrical supply must be safely isolated while the old board is removed and the new consumer unit is installed. Power will remain off for part of the appointment while circuits are reconnected and tested. Save work, shut down sensitive equipment and tell us in advance about alarms, medical devices, refrigeration, servers or other essential systems that need special planning.

The affected circuit is identified and the finding is explained before work outside the agreed consumer unit quotation begins. A dangerous or unreliable circuit may need to remain isolated until it is repaired. Additional fault finding, cable repairs or remedial work are priced separately. Once approved work is complete, the circuit is retested and the final result is recorded.

No. A consumer unit upgrade replaces the distribution board and protective devices, while a rewire replaces some or all of the fixed cables, circuits and accessories. Existing wiring is normally reused during a board change when inspection and testing show that it is suitable for reconnection. Damaged, unsafe or deteriorated circuits may still require separate repair or rewiring.

You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate recording the new work, inspection and test results. The consumer unit should also have clear labels and an updated circuit schedule. Where the work is notifiable in a dwelling, the relevant Building Regulations notification or compliance record is arranged through the chosen notification route. Keep these documents with the property's electrical records.

Yes, where space, supply capacity and the electrical design allow it. Sensible spare capacity can make future work such as extensions, kitchen alterations, EV charging, heat pumps, solar equipment or additional circuits easier to plan. Spare ways do not guarantee that every future load can be connected, because the supply, maximum demand, earthing and cable routes must also be assessed.

Pricing depends on the circuit count, board specification, access, earthing arrangements and the condition of the wiring being reconnected. Benjamin Services' planning ranges are typically £550–£700 for a smaller board, £700–£950 for a standard home and £950–£1,400 or more for larger or more complex properties. Fault repairs, new circuits, supplier equipment and builders' work are quoted separately.

Send the postcode, property type, a clear photograph of the existing fuse box, the estimated number of circuits and details of any planned electrical work. Mention restricted cupboards, high-level access, multiple consumer units, three-phase supplies or essential equipment that cannot easily lose power. Previous EICRs or electrical certificates can also help us recommend the right survey or quotation route.