Inside a Consumer Unit: What’s in a Fuse Box and Why It Matters for Your Home’s Safety

‍Bought a New Home?

Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Fuse Box and Consumer Unit

Congratulations on your new home! Whether you’ve just moved into a charming Victorian terrace or a modern flat, one of the first things you should check is your fuse box—also known as the consumer unit.

It might not be exciting, but it’s one of the most important safety systems in your property. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything new homeowners in London should know about fuse board replacement, consumer unit compliance, and staying protected.

🔍 What Is a Consumer Unit?

A consumer unit is the central hub of your home’s electrical system. It controls the distribution of electricity to every room, outlet, and appliance — and protects you from electrical faults, surges, and shocks.

Common terms used include:

• 🔹 Fuse board
• 🔹 Fuse box
• 🔹 Main distribution board

🏚️ How Old Is Your Fuse Box?

If your new home has:

• A plastic casing
• Rewireable fuses instead of modern switches
• No visible RCD buttons or labelling
  …it likely needs a fuse board upgrade.

Most older consumer units are non-compliant with current safety regulations like the 18th edition of BS7671 or Part P of the Building Regulations.

🔧 Do I Really Need to Replace It?

If you plan on:

• Renovating your kitchen or bathroom
• Installing an EV charger or heat pump
• Adding new sockets or lighting circuits
• Letting the property out

…then yes — a consumer unit replacement may be legally required or strongly recommended.

💷 Fuse Box Replacement Cost for New Homeowners

Fuse Board Type

Estimated Cost

‍Dual RCD £500–£650

High Integrity £600–£750

RCBO £700–£900

All Lumiel upgrades include:

• NICEIC Certification
• Circuit testing
• Surge protection (if required)
• Metal consumer unit installation
• Building Control notification

🧑‍🏫 What Every New Homeowner Should Do:

1. Book an Electrical Safety Check (EICR)
2. Ask for the most recent electrical certificate
3. Check if your consumer unit has RCDs and SPDs
4. Ensure you’re working with a NICEIC-registered electrician
5. Plan future-proof upgrades (e.g., for smart home or EV)

💡 Quick Glossary for Newbies

RCD Residual Current Device – protects against electric shock RCBORCD + Circuit Breaker in one – protects each circuit individuallySPDSurge Protection Device – guards against lightning and power surgesEICRElectrical Installation Condition Report – like an MOT for your wiringMCBMiniature Circuit Breaker – cuts power to individual circuits

🧑‍🔧 Why Choose Lumiel for Your New Home’s Electrical Needs?

✔️ We specialise in consumer unit upgrades for new homeowners
✔️ Over 30 five-star reviews across South West London
✔️ Transparent, fixed pricing and friendly guidance
✔️ Fully certified and insured engineers

We’ll explain every step in plain English — no jargon, no guesswork.

📞 Book a Fuse Box Health Check Today

Whether you’ve just moved in or want peace of mind before your first renovation, we’re here to help.

📍 Serving South West London and surrounding areas
📞 Call 020 XXXX XXXX

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