The consumer unit is where every circuit in the house is protected. Replacing an old fuse box with a modern unit is one of the most worthwhile safety improvements you can make, as long as it is done with the right checks first.
When to consider an upgrade
- You have rewireable fuses or an old board with no RCD protection
- The unit has a plastic enclosure and you are having other work done
- You are adding circuits (a kitchen, extension, EV charger or garden room) and there are no spare ways
- An EICR has recommended it
- Breakers trip and the cause is the board itself, not a circuit
Our article on when to replace a consumer unit goes into more detail.
What a proper replacement includes
Before the day. We check the earthing arrangement, main protective bonding to gas and water, and the insulation of each circuit. A board change is not just swapping one box for another: if a circuit is faulty, a modern unit will find it.
The unit. A non-combustible enclosure with RCD or RCBO protection arranged so that one fault does not take out the whole house. Surge protection is assessed as the regulations require, and arc fault detection devices are discussed where they are recommended for your type of property.
Labelling. Every circuit is clearly labelled, so you know what each breaker controls.
Testing and paperwork. Each circuit is tested on the new board. You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate, and the work is notified to building control.
If something is found
If testing shows a fault on an existing circuit, we stop and explain it before going further. Usually it can be fixed on the day; occasionally it is a sign that wider work is needed. You decide how to proceed with the facts in front of you.