How much does it cost to replace a consumer unit?
The consumer unit is still what most people refer to as the ‘fuse box’. The prices shown here are to install a new consumer unit of different configurations replacing an old fuse box or a unit that’s reached its capacity. A consumer unit replacement can be necessary if you’re house is being extended or you simply require more circuits due to a new kitchen for example. Prices include all the paperwork required, testing, materials and of course labour charges.
The cost of installing consumer units has risen dramatically in recent years due to increased safety legislation and certifications . For a complete consumer unit replacement you can expect to pay in the region of £400 – £600 + VAT and will take between half a day and a full day, you can find actual prices paid in our user submitted prices section.
What is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit is an electrical box with breakers between the electricity meter and all the other electrical circuits in the house. It is often called a fuse box, but modern boxes do not contain fuses anymore, but plug-in Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and RCDs (Residual Current Device). MCBs are better than fuses, because they can be reset after tripping, whilst a fuse must be replaced.
A series of MCBs and usually one RCD are fitted onto a DIN rail, but in the case of a dual consumer unit you may have more RCDs.
The MCB is an electrical switch, designed to protect an electrical circuit from overload or short-circuit. When it detects a fault, it interrupts the electrical flow by tripping. Contacts inside a MCB must carry the load without getting too hot and must also withstand the heat produced by the arc when it trips.
What is an RCD?
An RCD, or Residual Current Device, is a crucial safety component in a consumer unit (or electrical distribution board). Its primary function is to protect against electric shock and fire hazards by constantly monitoring the balance of current flowing in the live and neutral wires of an electrical circuit. If it detects a difference in current, suggesting a leakage or fault, the RCD rapidly cuts off the power supply, preventing potential harm. This quick response is vital for safeguarding individuals and property from the dangers of faulty appliances, damaged wiring, or accidental contact with live parts. RCDs are a key element of electrical safety standards, ensuring that any imbalance in current, indicative of a fault, triggers an immediate protective action, minimizing the risk of injury and ensuring a safer electrical environment.
User submitted consumer unit prices
Prices provided to us by WhatPrice users are listed below, generally these are the amount people have paid and will include VAT, unless otherwise stated. These are to be used as a guide only to provide a ballpark figure for similar situations, specific installations can vary costs significantly so always get a few quotes to compare.
| Job type | House type | Description | Price | Units | Region | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 2 bed Flat | Supply and fit 8 way board c/w SPD+RCBOs | £654 | Total price | Scotland | 2024 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Detached house | Remove old consumer box. Install new one. 10 RCB’s | £759 | Total price | South West | 2024 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 2 bed Flat | change fuse box | £200 | Labour only | London | 2024 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 2 bed Flat | Used MyConstructor, independent didn’t reply when I went direct. Turns out it would have been £630 direct. Bad business that they didn’t reply! I’ll never use MyConstructor website again. No contact number. | £873 | Total price | London | 2024 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 1 bed Flat | I think I have been totally ripped off for installing a consumer unit of six circuits for a studio flat of only 325 sq ft | £800 | Total price | London | 2024 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Detached house | install missing PEB onto water services. supply and install 10 way fuseboard. 2 men | £1,030 | Total price | East Midlands | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 4 bed Detached house | install new 12 way Niglon consumer unit with tails | £462 | Total price | West Midlands | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Semi-detached house | Replace 10 way split load rcd new tails and main earth binding in place | £550 | Total price | London | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 4 bed Semi-detached house | Supplied and fitted 10 way RCD consumer unit to replace old fuse board. | £400 | Total price | North West | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Terraced house | Installation of 10 way consumer unit with bonding to gas and water pipes. New 25 mm meter new tails with 16mm earth. | £515 | Total price | London | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Detached house | Consumer Unit Change for 3 bed house. | £400 | Total price | North West | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Semi-detached house | To supply and fit a hi-integrity dual RCD 10w Consumer Unit. Includes all testing, certification and notification to LABC via Elecsa/NICEIC Part P membership. Does NOT include remedial work. | £550 | Total price | North East | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 4 bed Detached house | Dual RCD consumer unit – replacement with completion certificate and EICR | £500 | Total price | London | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Semi-detached house | Remove existing consumer unit, supply and install 10 module MK Consumer Unit complete with 2 x RCD and miniature circuit breakers. Renew meter tails using 25mm2 issue certification | £450 | Total price | South West | 2023 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 2 bed Terraced house | New 10 way consumer unit, upgrade meter tails, earthing and bonding, all tests, certification and Part P notification. | £515 | Total price | South West | 2023 |