RCD
a residual current device detects current flowing along an unintended path and disconnects the supply to the circuit or circuits it protects. It helps reduce the risk of electric shock from certain faults.
Electrical services · London
Consumer unit
replacement
in London.
PEP replaces consumer units and fuse boxes in houses and flats across Central, West and North West London. We assess the existing installation, explain the proposed work and plan the changeover with you.
Whether you are replacing an old fuse board or preparing for a refurbishment, the aim is a consumer unit suited to your home, with testing and certification built into the work.
Central, West and North West London
Domestic Installer SchemeExisting installation
assessed before replacement
Installation, testing
and documentation
01 · Understanding the existing installation
Replacing an old fuse box: when is an upgrade appropriate?
Your consumer unit distributes electricity to the circuits in your home and houses the devices that protect them. You may know it as a fuse box or fuse board.
An upgrade may be appropriate when equipment is damaged, the existing protection needs improvement, or planned electrical work requires a different arrangement. Repeated tripping needs investigation before deciding whether replacement will address the cause.
PEP reviews the existing setup and any relevant inspection findings with you. The recommendation should explain what needs changing and why, so you can make an informed decision about the work.
The existing wiring
Can the consumer unit be replaced without rewiring?
Yes, where assessment and testing show that the existing wiring is suitable. Replacing the consumer unit and replacing the cables throughout a property are different scopes of work.
A new unit does not correct faults elsewhere in the installation. If wider work is needed, we explain the findings and the options. For a project involving new wiring throughout the property, see our full house rewiring service in London.
02 · Planning and installation
What does a consumer unit replacement involve?
The work begins with an assessment of the existing circuits, earthing and protective bonding. This helps establish whether the installation is suitable for connection to the proposed unit and whether remedial work is needed.
We discuss the specification, location and scope before installation. If you are planning a kitchen refurbishment, an extension or other electrical work, tell us at this stage so the design can take it into account.
The replacement includes installation by an electrician, circuit identification, inspection and testing, followed by the appropriate documentation. If further issues emerge during the work, we explain their effect on the scope and agree any additional work with you.
For projects involving several electrical services, explore our residential electrical services in London.
A clear scope before work begins
Consumer unit replacement cost in London
The cost depends on the installation as well as the new board. The number of circuits, the protective devices specified, access and any change of location can all affect the quotation. Faults in existing wiring or work needed to the earthing and bonding can add to the scope.
PEP prepares a quotation around the assessed requirements of your property. We set out the proposed equipment, installation work, testing and documentation, alongside any identified remedial work.
When comparing fuse box replacement quotes, check what each includes. A lower headline price may cover a different specification or leave additional work outside the quoted scope.
Discuss your replacementProtection, explained
RCDs, RCBOs and surge protection explained
The protective devices are selected for the installation and the applicable requirements of BS 7671. Three terms you may see in a quotation are:
RCBO
combines residual current protection with protection against overloads and short circuits in one device. Using individual RCBOs can help limit the circuits affected when a fault occurs.
SPD
a surge protective device helps protect the installation and connected equipment against brief voltage surges. It serves a different purpose from an RCD or RCBO.
We explain the proposed protection in plain English, including how it relates to the circuits in your home.
Working around your household
Planning the work in an occupied home
The electricity supply will need to be switched off during the replacement. We discuss the expected interruption and access requirements before the appointment so you can plan around working from home, heating, cooking and other daily needs.
Tell us in advance about equipment that must remain powered or any access arrangements for a flat or managed building. Access may also be needed to sockets and other parts of the installation for testing.
The time required depends on the circuit count, access and the condition found during the work. We discuss the expected duration once the scope is understood, including any additional work that could affect the schedule.
03 · Verification and handover
Testing, certification and Building Regulations
After installation, the work is inspected and tested. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) records the work covered and the relevant inspection and test results.
Consumer unit replacement in a home in England is notifiable under Building Regulations. PEP handles the notification for its replacement work, with the corresponding Building Regulations compliance documentation forming part of the completion process.
An EIC is different from an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which assesses the condition of an existing installation. A certificate for a replacement consumer unit does not mean that the whole property has been rewired.
Keep the installation certificate and Building Regulations documentation with your property records.
Before you book
Consumer unit replacement FAQs
Are consumer unit replacement and fuse board replacement the same service?
In most household enquiries, yes. “Consumer unit”, “fuse board” and “fuse box” describe the equipment being discussed. If you are unsure which type you have, describe the existing installation and the reason you are considering a change.
Do I need an EICR before replacing a consumer unit?
Electrical Safety First recommends an EICR before replacement. We review any existing report and establish the assessment and testing needed before work starts. A separate full EICR is not a universal legal prerequisite for every replacement.
Does a plastic consumer unit have to be replaced?
A plastic enclosure alone does not automatically require replacement. Its condition, location and the installation's protective measures need assessment.
Will a new consumer unit stop the electricity tripping?
That depends on the cause. A fault in an appliance or an existing circuit may remain after a board change. Investigation should establish the problem before replacement is recommended as the solution.
Can I have a consumer unit upgrade during a refurbishment?
Yes. Discuss it while the electrical work is being planned, particularly if circuits will be added or altered. We can consider the consumer unit installation as part of that scope and coordinate the timing with the wider project.
Does replacement resolve an unsatisfactory EICR?
Only the issues addressed by the completed work are resolved. Other findings may require separate action. Share the report with us so we can explain which items the proposed replacement covers and what else needs attention.
Can the existing unit be repaired instead?
Sometimes a repair or a more limited alteration is appropriate. The decision depends on the fault, equipment compatibility and the condition of the installation. We explain the recommended scope after assessment.
Let’s plan the next step
Discuss your consumer unit replacement
Tell us your postcode, whether the property is a house or flat, and what has prompted the enquiry. If you have an EICR or details of a planned refurbishment, include them so we can understand the starting point.
We will discuss the next steps towards an assessment and quotation for your home.
Request a quote07825 268 434