Titan Electrical provides consumer unit replacement and fuse box upgrades throughout Cambridge and the surrounding area.
If your property has an older consumer unit, outdated circuit protection or you are planning electrical alterations, we can inspect the existing installation and provide a clear quotation for an appropriate upgrade.
A consumer unit is also commonly referred to as a fuse box or fuse board. Older properties may still have traditional fuse boxes, while newer installations normally use circuit breakers, RCDs or RCBOs inside a modern consumer unit.
Consumer Unit Replacement in Cambridge
Modern consumer units provide significantly improved protection compared with many older fuse boxes
- Metal consumer unit
- Type A RCBO protection
- Surge Protection Device (SPD)
- Individual protection for each circuit
- Circuit identification and labelling
- Electrical testing
- NICEIC certification
- Building Regulations notification included
When Should a Consumer Unit Be Replaced?
A consumer unit does not automatically need replacing simply because it is old. However, an upgrade may be recommended where the existing installation has:
- An older fuse box with rewireable fuses
- Limited or no RCD protection
- Older RCD arrangements affecting multiple circuits
- Damaged or deteriorated equipment
- Insufficient space for additional circuits
- Inadequate protection for planned electrical work
- Defects identified during an EICR
We will assess the existing installation before recommending replacement.
RCBO Consumer Unit Upgrades
We generally install modern consumer units using individual Type A RCBOs. An RCBO combines overload protection and residual-current protection for an individual circuit.
This means that if a fault develops on one circuit, only the RCBO protecting that circuit should trip. For example, a fault on a socket circuit would not normally cause the lighting circuits or other unrelated circuits to lose power.
It also makes future electrical work easier. If a circuit needs to be isolated for repairs, alterations or maintenance, that individual circuit can usually be switched off without turning off the rest of the property. The main exception would be work involving the consumer unit itself, where a wider isolation may be required.
This gives better fault separation than older arrangements where one RCD may protect several circuits and a single fault can disconnect a much larger part of the property.
Surge Protection in Modern Consumer Units
Modern consumer unit installations will normally include a Surge Protection Device (SPD). An SPD helps protect the electrical installation and connected equipment from short-duration voltage spikes caused by events such as switching surges or faults on the supply network.
This can help reduce the risk of damage to sensitive equipment such as televisions, computers, smart-home equipment, appliances and EV charging equipment.
Where an SPD is installed, it sits within the consumer unit and works alongside the RCBOs or other protective devices rather than replacing them.
Testing Before and After a Consumer Unit Replacement
Replacing a consumer unit involves more than simply changing the fuse box. The existing circuits need to be inspected and tested to make sure they are suitable for connection to the new protective devices.
Testing can sometimes identify existing faults, damaged wiring or insulation problems that were not obvious with the previous consumer unit.
If additional remedial work is required, we will explain the issue and discuss it with you before carrying out any extra work.
Consumer Unit Replacement Cost in Cambridge
As a guide, typical domestic consumer unit replacement prices are:
- Up to 5 circuits: around £650
- 6–8 circuits: around £700–£800
- 9–12 circuits: around £800–£950
- Larger or more complex installations: quoted individually
These prices assume the existing wiring, earthing and bonding are in suitable condition and that no significant remedial work is required.
The price would normally include a new metal consumer unit, individual Type A RCBO protection, surge protection, full testing, certification and Building Regulations notification.
If testing identifies existing faults or additional remedial work, we will explain what has been found and agree any additional cost before carrying out further work.
Consumer Unit Upgrades for EV Chargers and New Circuits
A consumer unit upgrade may be required when adding new higher-load circuits such as EV chargers, air conditioning supplies, electric heating, kitchen circuits or extension wiring.
We can assess the existing consumer unit and electrical supply to determine whether it can safely accommodate the proposed work or whether an upgrade would be more appropriate.
Why Choose Titan Electrical for a Consumer Unit Replacement?
Titan Electrical is a Cambridge-based NICEIC registered electrical contractor carrying out consumer unit replacements and electrical upgrades throughout Cambridge and the surrounding area.
- NICEIC registered electrician
- Type A RCBO consumer units
- Surge protection included where required
- Full electrical testing
- Certification provided
- Building Regulations notification included
- Clear quotations
- Domestic electrical specialists
- Local Cambridge service
Consumer Unit Replacement Across Cambridge
We carry out consumer unit replacements throughout Cambridge and nearby areas including Newnham, Chesterton, Cherry Hinton, Trumpington, Histon, Milton, Waterbeach and surrounding villages.
Get a Consumer Unit Replacement Quote
If you are considering replacing an older fuse box or consumer unit, contact Titan Electrical to arrange an assessment and quotation.
We can inspect the existing installation, explain the available options and provide a clear price for the work required.
Consumer Unit Replacement FAQs
How long does a consumer unit replacement take?
Most domestic consumer unit replacements can usually be completed within a day, although this depends on the number of circuits and whether any existing faults or remedial work are identified during testing.
Will the power need to be turned off?
Yes. The electrical supply will need to be isolated while the consumer unit is replaced and tested. We aim to keep the period without power as short as reasonably possible.
Do I receive a certificate after a consumer unit replacement?
Yes. The installation will be fully tested and the appropriate electrical certification will be provided. A consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, so the work will also be notified to Building Control through the NICEIC competent person scheme
Do I need an EICR before a consumer unit replacement?
Not necessarily. However, the existing circuits must be inspected and tested as part of the consumer unit replacement to confirm they are suitable for connection to the new protective devices.