Fuse Box (Consumer Unit) Replacement London
Ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system with our expert fuse box replacement services. We provide reliable solutions tailored to modern safety standards.
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What Are Fuse Boxes and Consumer Units?
A fuse box which is also known as a consumer unit, is important to manage the electricity of homes. It works by distributing power to various circuits like lighting and sockets. It also includes safety devices to offer protection against electrical faults.
Older fuse boxes used fuses containing a thin strip of metal that melts when the current exceeds a safe level, cutting off electricity to prevent hazards. Modern consumer units have evolved to use miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and residual current devices (RCDs). MCBs can be easily reset after tripping, unlike fuses that need replacement. RCDs offer extra protection because they can quickly disconnect power upon detecting a fault which helps to reduce the risks of electric shocks.
It is important to understand your consumer unit to ensure safety. In emergencies, you can turn off the main switch to cut all power. If a circuit breaker trips, it indicates a problem in that specific area; resetting it might solve the issue, but if it trips again, consult a qualified professional like the EICR CERT.

Our Prices
Tired of outdated electrics? EICR CERT, London’s trusted experts, offers modern fuse box installations to ensure your home’s safety and efficiency. Get a free quote and upgrade now!
Domestic Fuse Box Installation
£299.00
Commercial Fuse Box Installation
£799.00
Ensure Complete Compliance with Our Property Solutions
Why Upgrade to a Modern Consumer Unit?
It is important to upgrade to a modern consumer unit significantly to enhance the electrical safety of your home. Contemporary units feature advanced circuit breakers that swiftly detect and isolate electrical faults, reducing fire risks and protecting against electric shocks.
Modern consumer units comply with the latest UK regulations, ensuring your electrical system meets current safety standards. This compliance not only safeguards your household but also adds value to your property, as potential buyers often seek homes with up-to-date electrical installations.
Additionally, the electrical demands of today’s households are increasing which need to accommodate numerous appliances and electric devices – this is why it is important to use modern consumer units to meet these needs of modern living without overloading the system. With this upgrade, you can rest assured and get a reliable and efficient power supply.
Identifying an Outdated Fuse Box
Identifying an outdated fuse box is crucial for maintaining electrical safety in your home. Older fuse boxes often have a Bakelite or light metal casing, sometimes with a wooden back, indicating they date back to the 1950s or earlier.
These units typically contain rewirable fuses instead of modern circuit breakers. The absence of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) is another sign; modern consumer units include RCDs with a test button marked ‘T’ for enhanced safety.
Visible signs such as burn marks, corrosion, or a burning smell near the fuse box indicate potential hazards and the need for replacement.
Frequently blown fuses, flickering lights, or non-functional sockets suggest the fuse box is deteriorating and may not handle your home’s electrical demands.
Types of Consumer Units We Offer
Choosing the right consumer unit is essential for your home’s electrical safety and efficiency. Here’s an overview of the types we offer at EICR CERT:
Main Switch Consumer Unit
Ideal for small properties, this unit features a single main switch controlling all circuits. It's simple and reliable, providing basic protection by allowing you to shut off the entire electrical supply when needed.
Dual RCD Consumer Unit
Perfect for larger homes, this unit includes two Residual Current Devices (RCDs), dividing your circuits into two sections. This design offers better fault isolation; if one RCD trips due to a fault, the other half of your home's circuits remain active, minimising disruption.
High Integrity Consumer Unit
This advanced solution is designed for managing multiple independent circuits. It combines the benefits of both Main Switch and Dual RCD units, featuring additional neutral bars that allow certain critical circuits to have individual protection. This setup ensures essential appliances remain unaffected by faults in other areas, enhancing overall safety and reliability.
Essential Components of a Consumer Unit
A consumer unit comprises several key components as follows:
Main Switch
The main switch serves as the central control for your home’s electrical supply. It allows you to disconnect all electricity in your property quickly, which is essential during emergencies or when performing maintenance.
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers protect individual circuits from overloads and short circuits. If a circuit draws too much current, the breaker trips, cutting off the electrical flow to prevent overheating and potential fires. Unlike fuses, circuit breakers can be easily reset after tripping.
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
RCDs are life-saving devices that detect earth leakage faults, such as when electricity flows through an unintended path, like a person. They rapidly cut off the power, significantly reducing the risk of severe electric shocks. Modern consumer units typically include RCDs to enhance safety.
Why Does Your Fuse Box Keep Tripping?
Experiencing frequent fuse box trips can be both frustrating and concerning. Understanding the common causes and knowing how to address them can help maintain your home’s electrical safety.
Common Reasons for Fuse Box Tripping
- Overloaded Circuits: Plugging too many appliances into a single circuit can exceed its capacity, causing it to trip. This is often due to the use of multiple devices simultaneously, especially high-wattage appliances.
- Faulty Appliances: A defective appliance can cause the fuse box to trip. Issues such as damaged wiring or internal faults within the device can lead to electrical imbalances.
- Short Circuits: When a live wire touches a neutral wire, it creates a short circuit, leading to an immediate trip to prevent potential hazards.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Unplug All Devices: Disconnect all appliances and devices from the affected circuit.
- Reset the Fuse Box: Locate your consumer unit and reset the tripped switch to the ‘on’ position.
- Reconnect Appliances One by One: Plug in each device individually and monitor the fuse box. If it trips after connecting a specific appliance, that device may be faulty.
- Avoid Overloading Circuits: Distribute electrical devices across multiple outlets and circuits to prevent overloads.
Cost of Consumer Unit Replacement
Replacing a consumer unit is a significant investment in your property’s electrical safety. Several factors influence the overall cost:
Factors Influencing Cost
Type of Consumer Unit
Basic units are more affordable, while advanced models with additional features, such as RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection), can increase the price.
Size of Property and Number of Circuits
Larger homes with more circuits require bigger consumer units, leading to higher costs.
Additional Upgrades
If your existing wiring is outdated or doesn't meet current standards, rewiring may be necessary, adding to the overall expense.
We usually charge £299.00 for domestic fuse box installation and £799.00 for commercial fuel box installation including parts and labour. This estimate can vary based on the factors mentioned above.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
Replacing a consumer unit is a critical task that ensures your home’s electrical system is safe and up to date. We carry this process in several key steps as follows:
Initial Inspection
We begin by conducting a comprehensive visual inspection of your existing electrical installation. With this assessment, we can identify any visible signs of damage or non-compliance with current regulations. Moreover, we also examine earthing and bonding arrangements to ensure they meet safety standards. Once we detect any issues, we will initiate necessary remedial work before proceeding.
Installation
Once the initial checks are complete, we disconnect the old fuse box and install the new consumer unit. This involves carefully connecting each circuit to the appropriate breaker within the unit. Once the process of installation is done, we perform a series of tests to verify that all connections are secure and functioning correctly.
Certification
After successful installation and testing, we provide you with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This document confirms that the work complies with UK regulations. We also notify the local building control authority, as required by law. By following these steps, we ensure that the electrical systems of your home are safe, compliant, and officially documented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I replace my fuse box on my own?
No, replacing a fuse box is not a DIY job. It requires a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with UK regulations. Attempting this yourself can lead to serious hazards and legal issues.
How long does a replacement take?
The duration varies based on property size and complexity. Typically, replacing a consumer unit can take between 4 to 7 hours. Larger homes with more circuits may require additional time.
Is it safe to install near a gas meter?
Regulations require a minimum separation of 150mm between a consumer unit and a gas meter to prevent potential hazards. Proper spacing ensures safety and compliance with standards.
Are old fuse boxes against regulations?
Old fuse boxes are not illegal if they meet the standards at the time of installation. However, they may lack modern safety features like Residual Current Devices (RCDs). Upgrading to a current standard is advisable for enhanced safety.
Why Choose Us for Your Consumer Unit Replacement?
Certified Electricians with Extensive Experience
We are a team of certified electricians with years of experience in the industry. Our expertise ensures that your consumer unit replacement is carried out safely and efficiently, adhering to all necessary regulations.
Fully Compliant Installations Adhering to the Latest Standards
We at EICR CERT take pride in providing bespoke consumer unit replacement services that meet the latest standards. Our installations uphold the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and include an RCBO consumer unit with an integral surge protection device, designed to protect your electronic devices in the event of a power surge.
Transparent Pricing and Exceptional Customer Service
We believe in transparent pricing, ensuring you know exactly what to expect without hidden costs. We are committed to exceptional customer service so you can always find us available to address your concerns and provide guidance throughout the process. We offer a full consumer unit replacement service for domestic properties, ensuring your home is safe and compliant with current regulations.
Book Your Fuse Box (Consumer Unit) Replacement Today
Experiencing frequent fuse box trips can be both frustrating and concerning. Understanding the common causes and knowing how to address them can help maintain your home’s electrical safety.
Simple Steps to Schedule an Appointment:
Booking your consumer unit replacement with us is straightforward:
- Contact Us: Reach out via our website and contact us via our live chat option to discuss your needs.
- Free Home Survey: We offer a complimentary home survey to assess your current electrical system.
- Fixed-Price Quote: After the survey, we’ll provide a no-obligation, fixed-price quote tailored to your requirements.
Free Home Surveys and No-Obligation Fixed-Price Quotes
We understand the importance of clear and transparent pricing. With free home surveys, our team is able to evaluate your specific needs and make sure to quote accurately. This approach helps you make an informed decision without any pressure.