Lumiel Blog
Case Study

Is It Time to Replace Your Fuse Board?

Lumiel London
April 26, 2025
2

A Homeowner’s Guide to Modern Consumer Units in London

If you’re wondering whether your home’s fuse box or consumer unit is up to date, this guide will help you understand the signs of wear, the cost of a safe upgrade, and what to expect during a fuse board replacement in London.

🔍 Why Fuse Boards Are Being Replaced Across London

Many London homes still rely on older fuse boxes that don’t comply with today’s electrical safety standards. These legacy systems often lack:

  • RCD protection
  • Surge protection
  • Fire-retardant consumer unit casings (metal over plastic)

Modern consumer units provide greater protection against electrical faults, reduce fire risks, and ensure compliance with current regulations like BS7671 and Part P.

🚨 7 Signs You May Need a Fuse Box Replacement

  1. Frequent tripping of breakers
  2. Flickering lights or power loss
  3. Old-style rewireable fuses
  4. No RCD protection
  5. Burn marks or a buzzing fuse board
  6. Failing an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
  7. Planning a home extension or EV charger installation

💷 Cost to Replace a Fuse Box in London

A standard consumer unit replacement cost typically ranges between £500 and £900, depending on:

  • Number of circuits
  • Type of board (RCBO, Dual RCD, etc.)
  • Complexity of rewiring
  • Location and accessibility
  • Required testing and certification

🛠️ All Lumiel installations include full testing, NICEIC certification, and fixed pricing.

🔧 What Does a Modern Consumer Unit Include?

FeatureWhy It MattersRCDsProtect against electric shockMCBsIndividual circuit protectionRCBOsCombines RCD + MCB in one deviceMetal CasingFire resistant and regulation-compliantSurge ProtectionGuards against power surges and lightning

🧑‍🔧 Why Choose Lumiel?

At Lumiel, we deliver fuse board upgrades tailored to your property’s needs. Whether it’s a studio flat or a large family home, you can count on:

  • Certified electricians (NICEIC + ECA)
  • ✅ Transparent pricing and timelines
  • ✅ Professional, tidy installations
  • ✅ 5-star reviews from homeowners across London

📋 What Happens During the Replacement?

  1. Initial inspection of your existing board
  2. Power shutdown & removal of the old fuse box
  3. New unit installation with updated labelling
  4. Testing of all circuits for faults and safety
  5. Issuing of certificate and building notification

🕒 Duration: Usually completed in half a day.

🤔 FAQs: Consumer Unit Replacement in 2025

Do I need to replace my plastic consumer unit?
Yes, if it's not fire-rated. New regs recommend metal-cased units for enhanced safety.

Is it a legal requirement to upgrade?
If your current fuse board fails a safety inspection or you’re doing major work, then yes.

Will I lose power during installation?
Only temporarily. We’ll schedule a time that works best for you.

📞 Book a Free Fuse Board Assessment

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Whether it’s flickering lights, an old fuse board, or a tripping consumer unit, Lumiel is here to help.

Get a free quote today from one of our certified electricians.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Modern Consumer Units in London
Lumiel Team