If you’ve ever opened the cupboard under your stairs and stared at the row of switches and wires labelled “fuse box,” “consumer unit,” or “board thing,” you’re not alone. Most homeowners in the UK have a vague idea of what their consumer unit does but not when or why it might need replacing.
Let’s break it down clearly. A consumer unit is the heart of your home’s electrical system. When it’s outdated, faulty, or overloaded, it can’t properly protect you, your appliances, or your property. That’s where an upgrade becomes essential.
What Is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit is the modern replacement for the old-style fuse box. It’s where all your electrical circuits are controlled and protected. It distributes electricity around your home and cuts the power when there’s a fault, preventing fires and electric shocks.
Modern consumer units are equipped with devices like:
- MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) to protect individual circuits
- RCDs (Residual Current Devices) that shut off power when they detect leakage or shock risk
- RCBOs (a combination of both) for enhanced protection on each circuit
- SPD (Surge Protection Devices) to guard against power surges from storms or grid issues
Older fuse boxes with ceramic fuses or rewireable fuses don’t provide anywhere near this level of safety.
Why Should You Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
There are a few reasons a consumer unit upgrade is not only a good idea but often necessary.
1. Improved Safety
Modern consumer units are designed to current regulations and are far more effective at detecting electrical faults. An RCD, for example, can cut the power in a split second if someone touches a live wire. That kind of speed can literally save a life.
2. More Circuits, Less Overload
Many older homes were wired with just one or two circuits for sockets and lights. Today’s households run TVs, Wi-Fi routers, electric ovens, chargers, underfloor heating, EV chargers and more. That puts serious strain on older boards. Upgrading gives you the capacity to spread those loads out safely.
3. Compliance with Current Regulations
If you’re having major electrical work done (like a rewire or extension), your existing fuse box may no longer meet current UK wiring regulations (BS7671). Upgrading keeps your home compliant and ensures the rest of your electrics are protected.
4. Property Sales and Insurance
Selling your home? Surveyors often flag outdated electrical systems. And many insurers now ask for EICR reports and up-to-date consumer units to validate cover. An upgraded unit ticks that box.
5. Peace of Mind
Above all, a modern unit gives you confidence that your home and family are properly protected. You’re not just relying on old fuses and fingers crossed anymore.
When Should You Upgrade?
There’s no fixed expiration date on a consumer unit, but here are some clear signs it’s time to upgrade:
- Your fuse box uses rewireable fuses (you wrap wire around a fuse cartridge)
- There’s no RCD protection on circuits (often the case in units older than 20 years)
- You’re planning a rewire, extension, or EV charger install
- Your electrics trip frequently or smell of burning
- The board is damaged, loose, or doesn’t meet modern safety standards
A qualified electrician can inspect your system and let you know if a new unit is recommended. In some cases, a partial upgrade or new RCD protection may be enough but often, a new board is the safest solution.
What’s Involved in the Upgrade?
A typical consumer unit upgrade takes a day or less. Your electrician will:
- Isolate and test the system
- Remove the old fuse box
- Fit a new metal-clad fire-rated consumer unit with RCDs or RCBOs
- Label and test every circuit
- Issue a certificate of compliance (EIC)
- Notify Building Control as required
It’s important to use a NICEIC or similarly registered electrician, like JJB Electrical. This ensures the work is done safely and legally and that you get the certification needed for insurance and future resale.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of the property, the number of circuits, and where you’re located. As a guide, a full consumer unit replacement in a standard UK home now starts from £750 plus VAT, including installation, testing and certification.
Additional safety features such as RCBOs on every circuit or surge protection devices can increase the total price slightly, but they also improve the system’s safety, reliability and convenience. For homes with more complex requirements or larger properties, the final cost may be higher but you’ll receive a clear quote before any work begins.
Can You Upgrade Without a Full Rewire?
Yes, you can. While a full rewire often includes a new consumer unit, many homes just need the board upgraded. However, during installation, your electrician will test the rest of your wiring. If anything else needs urgent attention, they’ll let you know.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your consumer unit is one of the smartest ways to bring your home’s electrics up to modern standards. It’s not just about meeting regs, it’s about protecting what matters most.
If you’re seeing signs of an outdated board or just want peace of mind, talk to a qualified local electrician. At JJB Electrical, we offer full consumer unit upgrades, certification, and expert advice, trusted across Broxbourne, Cheshunt, and beyond.
Ready to upgrade? Call us today on 01992 276087 or fill out our contact form to book a free assessment.
