Consumer unit replacement in Birmingham
Fuse board upgrades with modern RCD or RCBO protection, fitted and certified by NICEIC approved electricians.
Signs you need a new consumer unit
- Old rewireable fuses (fuse wire in ceramic carriers)
- No RCD protection, so no test button on the board
- Your EICR came back unsatisfactory because of the board
- Scorch marks, buzzing or a burning smell from the board
- You're adding circuits, such as an extension, EV charger or electric shower
What's included
- Testing every circuit before we quote
- New metal-clad consumer unit with RCBO or RCD protection
- Surge protection device
- Main earthing and bonding checked and upgraded if needed
- Full test, Electrical Installation Certificate and Part P notification
From £700
Final price depends on the number of circuits and whether bonding or other work is needed. Quoted after testing.
The jargon, explained
Your fuse box has a few different switches, and each one has its own job.
- Main switch: turns off all the power in the house.
- MCB (circuit breaker): switches a circuit off if too much power is drawn, like plugging in too many heaters. It protects the cables.
- RCD: switches off in a split second if electricity leaks where it shouldn't, such as through a person. It protects people.
- RCBO: an MCB and RCD in one, fitted on each circuit. If one circuit has a fault, only that circuit goes off.
- SPD (surge protection): helps protect your electronics from power spikes, for example from lightning strikes nearby.
Old fuse boxes with fuse wire, or boards with no RCD at all, give much less protection than a modern board. If yours has no test button, it's worth getting it checked.
Common questions
How long does a consumer unit replacement take?
Usually half a day to a full day. The power is off while the new board is fitted and every circuit is tested.
How much does a consumer unit replacement cost?
From £700. The final price depends on the number of circuits, RCBOs or a dual RCD board, and whether earthing or bonding needs upgrading. We test first and give a fixed quote.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate from us, and a Building Regulations compliance certificate follows once we notify the work through NICEIC.
Why does a new board trip when the old one didn't?
Old boards often had no RCD protection, so existing faults went unnoticed. A new board shows them up. That is why we test every circuit before quoting, so any faults are found and priced up front rather than discovered on the day.
RCBOs or a dual RCD board?
With a dual RCD board, a fault on one circuit can switch off half the house. RCBOs protect each circuit separately, so one fault only affects that circuit. RCBOs cost more but are worth it in most homes and rental properties. We will price both if you want to compare.
Does a plastic fuse box need replacing?
Not automatically. Newer consumer units must have a non-combustible (usually metal) enclosure, but an older plastic board is not a failure on its own. What matters is its condition and whether the circuits have RCD protection. We will tell you honestly if yours is fine.