Consumer units–often referred to as fuse boxes, fuse boards, or electrical panels–are crucial electrical safety components found in residential and commercial buildings. Usually hidden away in under-stairs cupboards, you might not pay them much attention until a fuse blows and you’re trying to figure out what’s happened.
Your consumer unit is responsible for safely and efficiently distributing electricity around your home, and can last between 20 and 30 years if well maintained. If you’ve noticed a rise in circuit tripping, or are aware that you have an old unit that may pose a safety risk, it’s advisable to hire an electrician to assess your current consumer unit and advise whether or not a replacement is necessary.
In this guide, we’ll look at different types of consumer units and their associated costs, as well as what to consider in terms of maintenance and upkeep, while sharing cost-saving tips and considerations to help you make the most cost-effective decision possible.
Let’s get started.
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What Is a Consumer Unit?
Consumer units are considered the powerhouse of all electrical activity in your home. Electricity from the power grid is fed into your consumer unit, and the unit is then responsible for safely and efficiently distributing that electricity around your home’s circuits.
They are crucial electrical safety devices found in both residential and commercial properties. In the event of a power surge or overload, the consumer unit ‘trips’ and halts the flow of electricity. This safety feature can help to prevent electrical fires and damage to the consumer unit, as well as damage to your home and its occupants.
Modern consumer units can have residual current devices (RCDs) fitted, which protects you from fatal electric shocks if you touch a live wire as a result of cutting through a live cable. In the event of a fault in the flow of electricity, RCDs will switch off the electricity supply if an imbalance between outgoing and incoming total currents is detected, saving you from a fatal electric shock.
While consumer units have long lifespans–between 20 and 30 years–older models can come with safety risks due to the way they were once manufactured, with old models featuring wooden backings and the potential of loose cabling, which pose both fire and electrocution risks.
With these facts in mind, it’s vital to upgrade your unit to ensure its compliance with modern regulations and the safety of your home and its residents in case of a power surge or electrical fault.
Different Types of Consumer Units
It can be overwhelming looking at the different types of consumer units if you’re not particularly comfortable with the devices. Let’s break them down:
Main Switch Consumer Unit
A main switch consumer unit has a manually operated switch–the main switch–that can be flicked on or off to control the flow of electricity to your home. This switch can be used to isolate the power when working on your home’s electrics or if you encounter an electrical fault in your home.
Consumer Unit World states that “Main Switch Consumer units are now commonly populated with Type 2 Surge Protection Devices as standard” due to the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations amendment. These units start at around £100, but prices vary depending on the brand and the unit’s material.
Dual RCD Consumer Unit
This consumer unit has both the main switch and two RCDs installed, which means you can separate your upstairs and downstairs circuits, for example. This means that instead of turning off your whole supply with a main switch, you can choose to isolate it by storey.
RCDs are safety features that shut off your electrical supply in the event of an ingoing and outgoing power imbalance. Depending on the brand, Dual RCD consumer units can cost anywhere from £40 to £130. The more circuits your home has, the higher your installation costs will be.
Split Load Consumer Unit
Split load consumer units work by dividing your home’s circuits into two groups, with one being protected by the main switch, and the other protected by an RCD. This helps to separate electrical problems on one circuit from affecting the whole house.
Split load consumer units usually range from £60 to £100.
High Integrity Consumer Unit
This consumer unit is an excellent choice for homeowners wanting extra safety in rooms with higher electric shock risks, such as kitchens or bathrooms. Every circuit is separated, and will trip independently, which can be useful if you want to preserve the electricity to the rest of your property while a particular fault is tended to.
These can cost around £80 to £150, depending on the brand.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Consumer Unit?
As we’ve just mentioned, consumer unit replacement costs can vary depending on your chosen type and its associated features. Here’s an overview of the different prices in the UK market:
| Type of Consumer Unit | Estimated Supply Cost |
|---|---|
| Main Switch Consumer Unit | £100+ |
| Dual RCD Consumer Unit | £40 to £130 |
| Split Load Consumer Unit | £60 to £100 |
| High Integrity Consumer Unit | £80 to £150 |
The cost of a new consumer unit will rise in relation to its features. For example, if you have added surge protection, split circuits or additional RCDs, you’ll typically pay a higher price than you would on simpler models with just a main switch.
The number of circuits your consumer unit has will also affect the price:
| Number of Circuits | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Six Circuits | £350 to £500 |
| Ten Circuits | £450 to £650 |
| Twelve Circuits | £500 to £850 |
Six circuits are adequate for smaller residential properties with limited electrical needs, such as flats, where the electrical demand is far less than it would be in a bigger building. This number of circuits can cost between £350 to £500, depending on the brand.
Ten circuits are suitable for average-sized homes, offering capacity for lighting, kitchen appliances, and plug sockets. These units commonly cost between £450 and £650.
Twelve circuits are best for large homes with extensive electrical demands. This ensures that there is enough capacity for all electrical applications while still being able to protect the system in the event of a power surge. These units cost the most out of our range, between £500 and £850.
These prices have just focused on supply costs–now, let’s look at how much it costs to fit a new consumer unit when we add in the electrician’s labour charges.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Consumer Unit?
To ensure a safe consumer unit installation, it’s essential to hire a professional electrician to do the fitting. While some jobs can be tackled as DIY projects, electrics are not one of them.
Electricians typically charge between £40 and £80 per hour, depending on their seniority and experience in the industry. Straight-forward consumer unit replacements take around 1 to 2 hours, giving you a range of labour fees from £40 to £160. However, as with any project, these labour fees can change depending on any additional requirements or considerations.
For example, if your property is old and has a particularly unsafe existing consumer unit, the job will be classed as being more complex, and your labour costs will rise as a result. In these scenarios, you will likely need extensive re-wiring to update your property and meet current electrical safety standards.
In some instances, old fuse boxes will require immediate attention–an emergency call-out–which can cost £100 just to get an electrician to your property. Your project costs and labour charges are then added on as required.
If access to your existing consumer unit or associated wiring is limited, this can pose additional timing requirements. In cases where you are having more circuits added, your labour charges will be higher, as well as supply costs for the additional equipment.
To get the most accurate estimate for your consumer box replacement, it’s best to speak to an electrician for a personalised quote. Be sure to mention all your system’s specifics, such as the age of your existing unit, the age of your home’s wiring, and if you need any additional electrical work carried out at the same time.
Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Outdated consumer units or old fuse boxes may come with an added premium for removal, which can cost an additional £50 on top of your existing fees. This is directly correlated to their increased safety risks and non-compliance with current electrical regulations.
This charge is added because replacing old fuse boxes is considerably more complex than simply swapping the old unit out with something new. Before starting the replacement, your electrician must assess the wiring and earthing arrangements to ensure they are safe to work on. This added time will add extra labour charges to your bill.
Some old fuse boxes may require immediate attention, resulting in an emergency electrician call-out. These are usually charged at £100 for the call-out alone, with additional fees being added as the project progresses.
Unlike simple consumer unit replacements, swapping an old fuse box for a new consumer unit will likely require re-wiring. This is especially true of older properties where the original wiring is likely to be outdated and not up to current electrical safety standards.
If the existing wiring is unsuitable for the new consumer unit’s electrical load or is substantially damaged, it must be replaced. Similarly, if you require additional circuits due to increased household demand, new wiring will need to be laid to accommodate this.
You will also need certifications once your new consumer unit has been fitted to ensure its electrical safety compliance. This may require additional inspections or testing, which can cost in the hundreds.
Lastly, once your new consumer unit is fitted, it’s prudent to carry out routine maintenance to ensure everything works as it should and is still in line with current electrical standards. Maintenance is usually charged between £100 and £300, depending on the size of your system and property, as well as the condition of it.
Keeping on top of maintenance can help to reduce your long-term electrical safety costs as you’re less likely to encounter major problems if you have routine inspections carried out.
Regulatory Compliance and Certification Costs
New consumer units in the UK must meet the regulatory standards as outlined in the BS 7671–or British Standard 7671–known as the IET Wiring Regulations.
The IET states that replacing a consumer unit in England and Wales falls under Part P of the Building Regulations and is classed as ‘notifiable work’. This means that it is a legal requirement for all work on fixed electrical installations in dwellings to comply with relevant standards—BS 7671.
Once fitted, your electrician should give you an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Domestic Electrical Installation Certificate (DEIC) to certify their work. This means that they have carried out the task to the required standard and accept the responsibility of the unit, including the safety of the circuits connected to the consumer unit.
Electrical safety certificates can cost anywhere from £80 for a one-bedroom house to £250+ for six-bedroom and more homes. You will also need to pay for the electrician’s time. Most safety checks take between 2 and 4 hours to complete, which can cost between £80 to £320.
Be sure to ask your electrician about certifications and compliance before the work starts. If you encounter a trader who is reluctant to give you a certificate or refuses to, make sure you take your trade elsewhere, as they could be a rogue trader.
What Additional Costs Should I Bear in Mind?
While the number one consideration is the cost to replace the consumer unit itself, there are additional costs associated with the job that can bump up your project’s final fee.
It can be beneficial to make the most of your electrician while they’re at your property, as some may charge minimum call-out fees for smaller jobs. Also, if you need an electrician on a weekend or evening at short notice, you will likely pay £100 as a minimum call-out fee, and your actual electrical job will be charged on top of this.
With this in mind, here are some additional tasks and their costs to consider while an electrician is already at your property:
| Task | Estimated Supply and Labour Cost |
|---|---|
| New Light Switches | £20 to £55 |
| New Plug Sockets (internal) | £110 to £165 |
| New Plug Sockets (external) | £85 to £130 |
| Broken Fuse Replacement | £80 to £100 |
| Replace Circuit Breaker Switch | £45 to £50 |
| New Sub-Panel | £300 to £700 |
| Consumer Unit Maintenance | £100 to £300 |
Installing new light switches and plug sockets can help to increase your home’s usability. Depending on the type you choose, they can also help to add value to your property if you opt for sockets with USB charging or light switches with dimming capabilities.
Light switches can cost anywhere from £20 to £55 and upwards, while new plug sockets can cost £110 to £165. Moving outside, you may want an electrical socket fitted to help with gardening–this can cost between £85 and £130.
If some of your electrical equipment has failed, you can ask your electrician to replace it for you. Broken fuse replacements can cost £80 to £100, and replacing circuit breaker switches can cost around £50.
General maintenance checks on your existing consumer unit can cost between £100 and £300 and are a good idea every few years to keep on top of regular maintenance.
Cost-Saving Tips and Considerations
As we’ve already mentioned, electrical jobs need to be carried out by qualified electricians. Trying to cut corners with DIY is not advised under any circumstances and can compromise the safety of both you and your entire household.
The best way to ensure your consumer unit is cost-effective is to simply choose the model that best suits your needs. This is to say, don’t choose a 12-circuit unit if you have a one-bedroom flat, as it won’t be necessary and will only hike your project price up without any real need.
If you are unsure about what type of consumer unit is right for you, it’s best to contact local electricians for advice. While doing so, be sure to collect multiple quotes to compare their costs and suggestions–by doing this, you can easily see who may be trying to fleece you with extras and add-ons that aren’t entirely necessary for your property.
Be sure to pay attention to how the trader talks to you during this initial phase, as it can indicate their communication style. If they are taking a long time to respond to you, or seem reluctant to do so, it might be best to continue your search elsewhere as it could be an early indicator of potential communication issues.
While you can’t change it, be aware that electricians’ charges will be higher in capital cities as opposed to smaller villages and towns. This is due to the increased demand and is something to bear in mind depending on your geographical location.
When choosing your new consumer unit, it’s a good idea to ask about the warranty period. This is typically 12 months, but some can carry 2-year warranties from the date of manufacture and 1-year warranties from the date of installation.
To validate the warranty, ensure that your electrician signs off on their work and provides you with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This is important not only in the event of any issues during the warranty period but also for your home’s general electrical safety as it proves the work has been carried out to the current electrical standards.
Choosing to replace an integral part of your home’s electrical network can be daunting. By correctly assessing your needs, consulting with multiple electricians, and comparing quotes, you can upgrade your consumer unit to a modern model, helping to supply your home with electricity in a controlled and safe way for years to come.
Sources
https://www.heathelectricalservices.com/news/what-is-a-consumer-unit
https://www.mjpelectrical.com/how-often-should-a-consumer-unit-be-checked
https://www.elsyselectrical.co.uk/when-to-upgrade-your-consumer-unit-fuse-box
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/rcds-explained
https://www.consumerunitworld.co.uk/choosing-a-consumer-unit