What is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit (also known as a fuse box or fuse board) is the main electrical distribution board in your property. It contains the main switch, circuit breakers (MCBs) and RCD protection devices that control and protect all the electrical circuits in your home.
When Should You Replace Your Consumer Unit?
- Your consumer unit is more than 25 years old
- It has old-style rewirable fuses rather than modern MCBs
- It lacks RCD protection (required for rental properties)
- Circuits keep tripping frequently
- You're having a full rewire or major electrical work done
- Your EICR has identified the consumer unit as needing replacement
What Does the Law Say?
Since January 2017, all new consumer unit installations in domestic properties must use metal-clad consumer units. Plastic consumer units are no longer compliant with BS7671 wiring regulations for new installations.
For rental properties, if your EICR identifies the consumer unit as requiring replacement, this must be carried out within 28 days (or the timeframe specified in the report).
How Much Does a Consumer Unit Replacement Cost in London?
Consumer unit replacement in London typically costs between £300 and £600 depending on the size of your property, number of circuits and type of unit required. William Electrical Services offers transparent fixed pricing — call for a free quote.
How Long Does it Take?
Most consumer unit replacements are completed in 4-6 hours. The power will need to be off for a portion of this time. We complete most jobs in a single day and issue your completion certificate on the same day.
Need a Consumer Unit Replacement?
Fixed price consumer unit replacements across London. Same-day completion certificates. Call for a free quote.
Call 07450 630937