Consumer Unit Replacement Cost
The average cost to replace a consumer unit in the UK is between £450 and £750 including VAT, depending on the size of your property and the number of circuits.
Upgrading your old fuse box to a modern consumer unit is one of the most important electrical safety improvements you can make. A new unit ensures your home meets the latest wiring regulations and can safely handle today’s higher power demands.
| Property Type | Typical Price (inc. VAT) | Duration |
| 1 to 2 bed flat | £400 to £550 | Half a day |
| 3 to 4 bed house | £500 to £700 | 1 day |
| Large property / high-spec unit | £700 to £900+ | 1 to 2 days |
This price includes:
- The new consumer unit (usually with MCBs and RCD/RCBO protection)
- Testing and certification
- Notification to Building Control (Part P)
- Labour and materials
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User submitted consumer unit prices
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 2 bed Flat | Supply and fit 8 way board c/w SPD+RCBOs | £654 | Total price | Scotland |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Detached house | Remove old consumer box. Install new one. 10 RCB’s | £759 | Total price | South West |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 2 bed Flat | change fuse box | £200 | Labour only | London |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 4 bed Detached house | install new 12 way Niglon consumer unit with tails | £462 | Total price | West Midlands |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Detached house | Consumer Unit Change for 3 bed house. | £400 | Total price | North West |
| 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 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 4 bed Detached house | Dual RCD consumer unit – replacement with completion certificate and EICR | £500 | Total price | London |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| New consumer unit (fuse box) | 3 bed Bungalow | Quote received does not include VAT. | £750 | Total price | East Midlands |
Why replace your consumer unit?
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. You might need a replacement consumer unit if:
- You still have a fuse box with rewireable fuses
- Your current unit has no capacity for new circuits (e.g. an extension or EV charger)
- You’re renovating or upgrading your electrical system
- You failed an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- You want to meet 18th Edition wiring regulations (BS 7671)
A modern consumer unit improves electrical safety and helps prevent electrical fires and shocks.
Factors affecting the cost
| Factor | How it affects Price |
| Number of circuits | More circuits require more breakers and labour. |
| Property size | Larger homes mean longer wiring runs and more testing. |
| Wiring condition | Old or damaged wiring may need upgrading. |
| Type of unit | Standard split-load units are cheaper than RCBO or surge-protected models. |
| Location | Prices in London and the Southeast are typically 10 to 20% higher. |
What’s included in consumer unit installation
During a consumer unit installation, a qualified electrician will:
- Isolate your electrical supply
- Remove the old fuse box or consumer unit
- Install the new board with appropriate MCBs and RCDs/RCBOs
- Test all circuits for safety
- Issue an Electrical Installation Certificate
- Register the work with Building Control
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.
The unit distributes electricity to each circuit and protects them with safety devices such as:
- MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) trip in the event of overload or short circuit
- RCDs (Residual Current Devices) cut power if a fault current is detected
- RCBOs combine both functions in one unit.
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.
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.
Choosing the right electrician
Only use a Part P registered, NICEIC, or NAPIT-approved electrician. They’ll provide:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
These documents are vital for insurance and future property sales.
Typical upgrade options
- Dual RCD boards provide standard protection for homes
- All-RCBO boards ensure each circuit has individual protection
- Surge-protected units safeguard sensitive electronics
- Metal-clad units are required under the 18th Edition for fire resistance
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace a consumer unit?
Usually between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of circuits and wiring condition.
Do I need to notify Building Control?
Yes. Your electrician will handle this as part of their Part P compliance.
Can I replace a fuse box myself?
No. Only a qualified, registered electrician can legally carry out this work.
Will power be off during replacement?
Yes, your supply will be turned off while work is carried out and testing completed.
Does replacing a consumer unit increase home value?
It can improve your property’s safety and compliance rating, which helps during resale.
