What Is a Fuse Board (Consumer Unit) and Why It Matters
Your fuse board — now more commonly called a consumer unit — is the control centre of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity to various circuits in your property and protects you from electric shocks and fire hazards.
Modern units use MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and RCDs (Residual Current Devices) for faster, more effective protection. If your home still has an old fuse board with ceramic fuses or no RCD, it’s time for an upgrade — for both safety and compliance.
Top Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Fuse Board
- No RCD Protection: If your board doesn’t trip in dangerous situations, you’re unprotected from electric shocks.
- Fuse Wire System: Replacing blown fuses with wire is outdated and unsafe.
- Frequent Tripping: If your power cuts often, your system may be overloaded or outdated.
- Burn Marks or Smells: Signs of overheating or faulty connections.
- Home Renovation or Rewiring: New circuits or higher loads demand a modern board.
- Buying/Selling a Property: Lenders and insurers often require up-to-date systems.
If your home was wired before 1990, it likely doesn’t meet today’s safety standards.
What’s Included in a Fuse Board Upgrade
At Lumiel, our replacement service includes:
- Site Assessment & Safety Checks
We inspect your existing system and circuits, and identify any faults. - Installation of a New Metal-Clad Consumer Unit
Compliant with 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, with:- RCBO or dual-RCD protection
- Surge protection
- Labels and safety instructions
- Full Testing of All Circuits
We test and verify the safety of each circuit post-installation. - EIC Certification (Electrical Installation Certificate)
Essential for property records, insurance, and peace of mind. - Documentation for Landlords
If you're renting out the property, we’ll also provide an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) if requested.
Types of Fuse Boards and What’s Right for You
Dual RCD Boards
These are standard for most domestic homes. They divide your circuits into two groups, ensuring some circuits stay on if one side trips.
RCBO Boards (Recommended)
RCBOs provide individual protection to each circuit. If there's a fault on one, only that circuit is affected — a safer, more convenient option.
Three-Phase Boards
These are typically used in commercial or larger residential properties with high power demands.
Do You Need a Fuse Board Upgrade to Sell or Rent Your Home?
Yes. If you’re preparing to sell, an outdated fuse board can be flagged on a building survey, potentially delaying the sale. For landlords, fuse board replacement may be necessary to pass an EICR (a legal requirement in the UK for rented properties every 5 years).
How Long Does a Fuse Board Replacement Take?
In most homes, we complete the job in one working day. The process involves:
- Isolating your electrical supply
- Removing the old unit
- Installing the new consumer unit
- Labelling and testing circuits
- Issuing your certificate the same or next day
We work cleanly and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption.
Why Choose Lumiel for Fuse Board Replacement in London?
- ✅ NICEIC Approved Contractor
- ✅ Certified & Insured
- ✅ Same-day or next-day service in South West London
- ✅ Specialists in fuse board upgrades, rewires, and EICRs
- ✅ Clean, tidy work with full post-install walkthrough
- ✅ Detailed quotes, no hidden fees
Serving Wimbledon, Clapham, Putney, Battersea, and all nearby areas.
Combine Your Fuse Board Replacement with Other Upgrades
Many of our clients combine this service with:
- House rewiring
- EV charger installation
- Solar panel setup
- Smart home systems
- Outdoor and garden lighting
We can inspect your entire system and provide a bundle quote — saving you time and money.
Let’s Make Your Home Safer
If your fuse board is more than 20 years old, don’t wait for a fault to take action. A modern consumer unit protects your home, meets legal requirements, and increases resale value.
📞 Call Lumiel for a free fuse board assessment or same-day booking.
📍 Serving South West London — and available nationwide for larger projects.
