Consumer Unit Replacement in the Chilterns
A consumer unit, also called a fuse board, controls and protects every electrical circuit in your home. When it is outdated, overloaded, or contains rewirable fuses instead of modern MCBs, it cannot provide adequate protection. We replace consumer units for homeowners across the Chilterns. Our NAPIT-registered engineers assess your existing board, replace it with a fully compliant modern unit, and certify all work to BS 7671. Call 01494 977298 to book an assessment.
When does a consumer unit need replacing?
Not all consumer units need replacing immediately, but some genuinely do. The most common reasons:
- Rewirable fuses: Older boards with wire fuses rather than MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) provide much less protection and cannot be relied upon to trip correctly under fault conditions.
- No RCD protection: A consumer unit without a residual current device (RCD) cannot protect against electrocution from earth faults. Modern boards are required to have RCD protection.
- Insufficient capacity: Adding a new circuit, for example an EV charger installation in the Chilterns, a home office, or an extension, to an already full board is not possible without an upgrade.
- Physical damage or deterioration: Boards showing signs of heat damage, corrosion, or visible deterioration need replacing.
What are the signs my consumer unit is outdated or unsafe?
The clearest signs are rewirable fuses instead of MCBs, breakers that trip regularly without an obvious cause, a board that feels warm to the touch, any signs of burning or scorching near the board, and a unit that does not have an RCD. If your home was built or last rewired before 1990, it is worth having the consumer unit assessed.
How much does consumer unit replacement cost in the Chilterns?
Consumer unit replacement typically costs between £400 and £700, depending on the size of the board and the number of circuits. This includes the new unit, all associated materials, the installation, and the certification. We provide a fixed quote after assessing your existing setup. There are no extras added on the day.
Book an assessment
What does consumer unit replacement involve?
We turn off the main supply to the property, remove the existing board, and fit the new consumer unit. Each circuit is reconnected individually and tested before the supply is restored. The job typically takes half a day for a standard domestic board. Once complete, you receive a BS 7671 installation certificate confirming the work is compliant. We notify the relevant authorities on your behalf as required under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Why choose a NAPIT-registered electrician for consumer unit replacement?
Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. It must be carried out by a registered competent person who can self-certify the work. Our NAPIT-registered engineers self-certify all consumer unit replacements, which means you receive a proper certificate and the work is registered. You will need this if you sell your property. Learn more about NAPIT-certified electrical installations and Electrical Installation Condition Report.
What do homeowners ask about consumer unit replacement?
Book a consumer unit assessment in the Chilterns
Call us on 01494 977298 or use the form below. We cover Amersham, Chesham, Great Missenden, Wendover and the surrounding Chilterns.