What is a consumer unit?
A consumer unit, often referred to as a fuse board, is the main control point for your property’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to different circuits and provides protection in the event of a fault.
Modern consumer units use RCBOs and RCD protection to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, bringing installations in line with current safety standards.
When should a consumer unit be upgraded?
There are several situations where upgrading your consumer unit is recommended:
- The existing fuse board is old or uses rewireable fuses
- The installation has no RCD protection
- The consumer unit is made of plastic and located in a high-risk area
- You have received an unsatisfactory EICR
- You are carrying out renovation or extension work
If you are unsure, it may be worth arranging an EICR in Cambridge to assess the condition of your installation:
? https://titanelectricalltd.com/eicr-cambridge/
How much does a consumer unit upgrade cost in Cambridge?
The cost of upgrading a consumer unit can vary depending on the size of the property and the condition of the existing installation.
Typical prices are:
- Standard consumer unit replacement: £750 – £900
- More complex installations or relocations: £900 – £1,200+
This usually includes:
- New consumer unit with RCBO protection
- Testing and certification
- Removal of the old unit
- Notification to building control
Every property is different, so the most accurate way to price the work is by reviewing the existing setup.
You can find more details about our upgrade service here:
? https://titanelectricalltd.com/consumer-unit-upgrades/
What affects the price?
Several factors can influence the final cost:
Condition of existing wiring
If the wiring is in poor condition, additional work may be required to bring it up to standard.
Number of circuits
More circuits mean more time and materials.
Location of the consumer unit
Difficult access or relocation will increase labour time.
Earthing and bonding
If bonding is missing or undersized, this will need to be upgraded as part of the work.
Guidance on electrical safety standards can be found here:
? https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/homeowner/
What are the benefits of upgrading?
Upgrading your consumer unit improves both safety and reliability.
Key benefits include:
- Improved protection against electric shock
- Reduced risk of electrical fires
- Easier fault identification
- Compliance with current regulations
- Better suitability for modern electrical demands
A modern consumer unit also makes it easier to add new circuits, such as EV chargers or additional sockets.
Do I need to upgrade immediately?
Not all older consumer units are unsafe, but if your installation lacks modern protection, it is worth considering an upgrade.
If an inspection has identified issues, particularly C1 or C2 observations, replacement is often the most practical long-term solution.
Consumer unit upgrades in Cambridge
We carry out consumer unit upgrades across Cambridge and surrounding areas, providing clear advice and straightforward pricing.
If you are unsure whether your fuse board needs replacing, we can review your setup and guide you on the best option.
Contact Titan Electrical Ltd
For advice or a quote, get in touch with Titan Electrical Ltd.
Alternatively, you can send over a photo of your existing consumer unit and we can provide guidance before arranging a visit.
