What are consumer unit replacement costs? Expert insight on how much you can expect to pay

Knowing how much you are going to have to budget for consumer unit replacement costs is a smart move. If you have an old fuse box that hasn’t been changed in the last 20 or more years, there’s a good chance it will need replacing.

It’s crucial that the electrics in your home are up to regulation. They need to be certified to ensure that they are safe, which will reduce the risk of fire and electrocution when working with any wiring in the home.

Here you’ll find out how much consumer units cost, what size is needed and how much you’ll be charged for labour.

Paul Appleby

Paul has over 20 years’ experience in the electrical industry, delivering innovative and reliable circuit protection solutions.

Consumer unit replacement costs: What is a consumer unit?

A consumer unit, commonly referred to as a fuse box or fuse board, is the central point of a home electrical system. It distributes electricity throughout a home and protects circuits against faults and overloads. It's where you go when the electrics cut out to check the fuses.

Paul Appleby, product manager for BG Circuit Protection at Luceco Group, gives more details, “The typical consumer unit consists of a main isolation switch and is populated with protection devices designed to protect the circuit and the end user from potential electrical faults which may occur.”

He adds, “Modern consumer units are typically constructed from a non-combustible metal material to comply with the latest IET 18th Edition Wiring Regulations BS7671 Amendment 3. This stipulates that consumer unit enclosures in domestic premises must be made of non-combustible material to reduce fire risk.”

Try these consumer units to replace your old unit

Reasons why you need to replace a consumer unit

There are several reasons why a consumer unit might need replacing. As Appleby explains, “If a unit is outdated or still uses rewireable fuses, it may no longer meet modern safety standards.”

He continues, “Old consumer units can be dangerous, especially if they lack proper circuit protection like RCDs (Residual Current Devices) or RCBOs, which help prevent electric shocks and reduce the risk of fire.”

However, it's not just outdated units that need replacing, as Appleby adds, “A replacement may also be necessary if the unit is damaged.“ He notes, “A broken cover may expose live electrical connections, or the approved installer has issued an EICR (Electrical Inspection Condition Report) indicating that the consumer unit should be replaced.” Additionally, there are a few other reasons a replacement might be needed, as Appleby lists here:

• Having major electrical work done, such as a home extension.
• Having an EV charger installed for charging an electric car at home.
• Having a new kitchen installed when there is no room for additional circuits.

Cost to replace a consumer unit in UK

Costs can vary depending on the size and specifications of the unit, as well as the complexity of the installation. For example, Appleby states, “A standard BG consumer unit typically ranges from £60 to £150.” He adds, “This depends on the number of ways and whether it uses RCBOs or dual RCD configurations.”

Ways refer to the number of circuit breakers in the unit. For instance, a 16-way unit will have 16 circuit breakers, making it larger than a 6-way switch, which costs less. A three-bedroom house typically requires a 12-way unit.

Installation costs significantly affect the overall price. Appleby mentions, “Labour costs for a qualified electrician can range between £500 and £800 depending on factors such as your geographical location, the complexity of the installation, and whether the installation is retro-fit, a full rewire, or a new build.”

Overall costs will start at around £600 for smaller properties and increase with the size of the unit used. For a typical three-bedroom house, expect to pay at least £750.

Appleby adds, “It’s vital that this work is carried out by a registered professional, as it involves certifying the safety of the entire electrical system in your home. Installing or replacing a consumer unit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations and requires both an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and notification to building control.”

How long is a consumer unit expected to last?

Consumer units and regulations evolve, so how long should you expect a new consumer unit to last? Appleby states, “A well-installed consumer unit should last around 20 to 30 years, though this can vary based on usage, environmental conditions, and overall system maintenance.”

To ensure the longevity of a consumer unit, it requires proper care. As Appleby explains, “A consumer unit doesn’t necessarily need regular servicing, but it should be inspected periodically as part of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which is typically recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes or when there’s a change of occupancy. For rental properties, landlords are required to perform these inspections every 5 years.”

There is also the option for homeowners to test devices themselves, as Appleby mentions, “Homeowners can perform test functions on certain devices by pushing the test button on the front to ensure they are operational.” He adds, “This should be done every six months, and if a device is found to be non-operational, consult a qualified electrician for further investigation.”

Finally, Appleby emphasises, “Certification is essential when a consumer unit is installed or replaced. This confirms that the work meets the relevant regulations and that the unit is functioning safely and effectively.”

FAQs

Can old wiring be used with a new consumer unit?

A new consumer unit will help your home meet regulations, but your current wiring may be an issue. If your old wiring can be used, it can save a lot of money. Appleby shares if this is possible, “Potentially, yes, but only if the existing wiring is in good condition and meets current safety standards. That’s why it’s critical to have a qualified electrician carry out an inspection and installation.”

He adds, “ They’ll assess whether the existing wiring is safe and compatible with a new consumer unit. In some cases, older wiring may need to be upgraded due to deterioration of materials to ensure the whole system remains compliant and safe.”

How long do consumer units take to install?

If you are having a new consumer installed, you want to know how long you will be without electricity, so you can plan ahead. Appleby says, “Most consumer unit installations can be completed within a day, usually between four to eight hours, depending on the complexity of the job and the condition of the existing wiring.”

He adds, “BG consumer units are designed to make this process as efficient as possible and to simplify the installation process for professionals.”

A new consumer unit will bring electricity to the home, and most electrical issues should be dealt with by a qualified electrician. But there are some basic electrical tasks that a competent DIYer can tackle. Check out our how to wire a light switch, wiring a plug and how to change a light fitting guides to ensure you do it correctly.