Consumer Unit Replacement
Replace an unsuitable, damaged or outdated consumer unit with equipment selected for the requirements of the electrical installation.
Consumer Unit Installation & Upgrades
Consumer Unit Replacement & Upgrade in Essex
Professional consumer unit and fuse box replacement for homeowners, landlords and businesses across Leigh-on-Sea, Southend and surrounding Essex areas.
Consumer Unit Replacement
RCD & RCBO Protection
Electrical Testing
Domestic & Commercial
Is your fuse box outdated?
If your consumer unit is old, damaged or no longer suitable for your electrical installation, we can assess it and explain your options.
- Consumer unit replacement
- Fuse box upgrades
- RCD / RCBO protection
- Surge protection where appropriate
- EICR remedial work
- Inspection and testing
Electrical Safety
Your consumer unit is at the heart of your electrical installation
Your consumer unit, sometimes called a fuse box, fuse board or distribution board, distributes electricity to the circuits throughout your property.
It also houses protective devices designed to help protect electrical circuits against certain faults and overload conditions.
If your existing consumer unit is outdated, damaged or no longer suitable for your property’s electrical requirements, it may be worth having it professionally assessed.
Arrange an AssessmentReplacement isn’t always the answer
An older consumer unit does not automatically mean it must be replaced. The condition of the consumer unit, protective arrangements, earthing and bonding and the wider electrical installation should all be considered.
Our aim is to identify the appropriate solution for your installation and explain what work is actually required.
Warning Signs
When should your consumer unit be checked?
Some signs should prompt you to have your electrical installation assessed.
Old fuse box
Especially systems using older rewireable fuses.
Frequent tripping
Repeated trips can indicate an electrical fault or overload.
Burning smell
Unusual smells around electrical equipment should be investigated.
Buzzing or crackling
Unusual sounds from a consumer unit require attention.
Visible damage
Cracks, heat damage, discolouration or damaged switches.
New electrical demands
Extensions, EV chargers, showers and new circuits may require assessment.
Our Services
Consumer unit services for homes and businesses
From replacing an ageing fuse box to upgrading protection as part of a wider electrical project.
Consumer Unit Upgrades
Improve an existing electrical installation where an upgrade is appropriate rather than replacing equipment unnecessarily.
RCD & RCBO Protection
Depending on the installation, modern protective devices can provide additional protection for individual circuits and the electrical system.
EICR Remedial Work
If an Electrical Installation Condition Report identifies concerns with your consumer unit or electrical installation, we can discuss the appropriate remedial work.
Testing & Certification
Following electrical work, appropriate inspection, testing and certification can be completed for the work undertaken.
Electrical Upgrades
Consumer unit replacement can form part of wider work including new circuits, renovations, EV charging and electrical improvements.
Modern Protection
Protection tailored to your electrical installation
The exact specification of a consumer unit should be based on the characteristics and requirements of the installation.
RCD Protection
Residual Current Devices can provide additional protection by disconnecting the supply when certain residual-current conditions are detected.
RCBO Protection
RCBOs combine residual-current and overcurrent protection for individual circuits and can help limit the effect of a fault to the affected circuit.
Circuit Protection
Circuit breakers provide protection against overloads and certain electrical fault conditions.
Surge Protection
Surge Protective Devices can be incorporated where appropriate to help protect electrical equipment against transient overvoltages.
Clear Labelling
Correct circuit identification makes it easier to understand the installation and isolate individual circuits when required.
Future Requirements
Where appropriate, the design can take account of planned additions such as EV charging, extensions and new electrical circuits.
When Replacement May Be Appropriate
Six common reasons to have your consumer unit assessed
1
Older installation
Older properties may have consumer units and protective arrangements that no longer suit modern electrical demands.
2
Renovation
Extensions and renovations can introduce additional circuits and significantly change the property’s electrical requirements.
3
New circuits
New kitchens, lighting, showers, outdoor supplies and other electrical additions may require the consumer unit to be reviewed.
4
EV charger
Installing an electric vehicle charger can require assessment of the existing electrical installation and protective arrangements.
5
EICR findings
An EICR may identify issues requiring remedial work involving the consumer unit or other parts of the electrical installation.
6
Visible damage
Heat damage, cracking, discolouration, burning smells or unusual noises should be investigated by a competent electrician.
Our Process
From assessment to installation
A straightforward process designed to make sure you understand the work before it begins.
1
Initial enquiry
Tell us about your property, existing consumer unit and why you are considering an upgrade or replacement.
2
Electrical assessment
We assess the existing consumer unit and relevant parts of the electrical installation.
3
Recommendations
We explain whether replacement, upgrade, repair or further investigation is appropriate.
4
Clear quotation
We explain the proposed work, equipment and any known factors that may affect the cost.
5
Installation
The electrical supply is normally isolated while the consumer unit is replaced and connected.
6
Testing & handover
The completed work is inspected and tested, with appropriate certification provided where required.
Properties We Serve
Consumer unit services for different property types
Homeowners
Consumer unit replacement and electrical upgrades.
Landlords
Electrical upgrades and remedial work for rental properties.
HMOs
Electrical installations for shared accommodation.
Flats
Consumer unit upgrades for residential properties.
Offices
Electrical distribution and protection for workplaces.
Shops
Electrical upgrades for retail premises.
Commercial Units
Electrical installation and upgrade requirements.
Renovations
Consumer units as part of wider electrical projects.
Landlords & Property Managers
Electrical upgrades for rental properties
Electrical installations in rental properties need to be appropriately maintained and inspected.
If an EICR identifies problems involving the consumer unit, protective devices or other parts of the installation, we can discuss the appropriate remedial work.
- Consumer unit replacement
- Electrical testing and EICRs
- Remedial electrical work
- Additional circuits
- Smoke and heat alarms
- General electrical upgrades
Managing several properties?
Talk to Hinter Electrics about your ongoing electrical inspection, maintenance and upgrade requirements.
Talk to Hinter Electrics
Testing & Certification
Installation is only part of the job
Replacing a consumer unit is not simply a matter of removing the old equipment and connecting a new board.
The existing electrical installation should be assessed and the completed work inspected and tested as appropriate.
Where certification is required for the work undertaken, the appropriate electrical certification should be completed.
Testing can include checks relating to:
- Continuity of protective conductors
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity
- Earth fault loop impedance
- RCD operation
- Protective devices
- Circuit identification
- Overall installation condition
Consumer Unit Pricing
How much does a consumer unit replacement cost?
There is no single price that accurately applies to every property.
The cost depends on the number of circuits, consumer unit specification, protective devices, condition of the existing wiring, earthing and bonding, accessibility, testing and whether additional remedial work is required.
Request a Quote
Factors that can affect the price
- Number of electrical circuits
- Consumer unit specification
- RCD / RCBO configuration
- Surge protection
- Condition of existing wiring
- Earthing and bonding
- Accessibility
- Additional electrical work
- Inspection and testing
- Certification
Older Electrical Installations
What if we find problems elsewhere?
A new consumer unit cannot automatically correct faults elsewhere in an electrical installation.
Wiring Problems
Damaged, deteriorated or unsuitable wiring may need investigation or remedial work.
Earthing & Bonding
Existing earthing and bonding arrangements may need to be assessed as part of the installation.
Overloaded Circuits
Additional electrical demand may require changes to circuits or protective arrangements.
Damaged Accessories
Damaged sockets, switches and other accessories can require separate remedial work.
Previous Alterations
Older properties can contain several generations of electrical alterations requiring assessment.
Further Investigation
If the cause of a problem is unclear, additional inspection may be required before remedial work.
FAQs
Consumer unit replacement FAQs
Answers to common questions about fuse boxes, consumer units and electrical upgrades.
Does an old fuse box have to be replaced?
Not necessarily. Age alone does not determine whether
replacement is required. The condition of the consumer unit,
protective arrangements and wider electrical installation
should be considered.
What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?
The terms are often used to describe the same part of the
electrical installation. “Fuse box” is the traditional term,
while “consumer unit” is commonly used for modern electrical
distribution equipment.
How long does consumer unit replacement take?
The duration depends on the number of circuits, accessibility,
condition of the installation and whether additional remedial
work is required. Straightforward replacements may be completed
relatively quickly, while more complex installations can take
longer.
Will my electricity be switched off?
Normally, yes. The electrical supply needs to be isolated while
the consumer unit is replaced and the installation is tested.
We’ll explain the expected disruption before planned work begins.
Can you replace a consumer unit if my wiring is old?
Potentially. However, the condition of the wiring and the
wider electrical installation needs to be considered. A new
consumer unit cannot correct defects elsewhere in the system.
Can you replace my consumer unit after an EICR?
Yes. If your EICR identifies concerns involving the consumer
unit or electrical installation, send us a copy of the report
and we can discuss the appropriate remedial work.
Can you install RCBOs?
Where appropriate, an RCBO-based configuration can be
considered. The correct arrangement depends on the electrical
installation and its requirements.
Do I need surge protection?
It depends on the electrical installation and applicable
requirements. Surge protection can be incorporated where
appropriate.
Can you add new circuits when replacing my consumer unit?
Potentially, yes. Consumer unit replacement can form part of
wider electrical work including additional sockets, lighting,
EV charging and other new circuits.
Do you work with landlords?
Yes. Hinter Electrics provides electrical services for
landlords and rental properties, including consumer unit
replacement, electrical testing and remedial work.
Will I receive an electrical certificate?
Where certification is required for the work undertaken,
the appropriate electrical certification will be completed
and provided.
Protect Your Electrical Installation
Need a consumer unit replacement or upgrade?
Whether you have an ageing fuse box, an EICR recommendation, electrical faults or plans for a renovation, Hinter Electrics can help you understand your options.
info@hinterelectrics.co.uk
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Monday – Friday 9am – 8pm