Consumer Unit Replacement Cost

  • Written by David
  • Last updated 23 November 2023

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.

New consumer unit

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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 typeHouse typeDescriptionPriceUnitsRegion
New consumer unit (fuse box)2 bed Flat

Supply and fit 8 way board c/w SPD+RCBOs

£654

Total priceScotland
New consumer unit (fuse box)3 bed Detached house

Remove old consumer box. Install new one. 10 RCB’s

£759

Total priceSouth West
New consumer unit (fuse box)2 bed Flat

change fuse box

£200

Labour onlyLondon
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!
Remedial Works as listed above – consumer unit up to 12. when I needed 6
Retest
Satisfactory EICR Certificate

I’ll never use MyConstructor website again. No contact number.

£873

Total priceLondon
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 priceLondon
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 priceEast Midlands
New consumer unit (fuse box)4 bed Detached house

install new 12 way Niglon consumer unit with tails

£462

Total priceWest 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 priceLondon
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 priceNorth 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 priceLondon
New consumer unit (fuse box)3 bed Detached house

Consumer Unit Change for 3 bed house.

£400

Total priceNorth 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 priceNorth East
New consumer unit (fuse box)4 bed Detached house

Dual RCD consumer unit – replacement with completion certificate and EICR

£500

Total priceLondon
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 priceSouth 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 priceSouth West
New consumer unit (fuse box)3 bed Bungalow

Quote received does not include VAT.
DISTRIBUTION BOARD – RE-SITE – EICR
supply new distribution board and re-site position to hall cupboard
Supply and Install:
1 x 12way distribution board complete with 9 x RCBO’s
Carry out an EICR on the Fixed Wiring Installation and Issue NICEIC Certificate

£750

Total priceEast Midlands
1 – Price submit form – Home & Garden

How much did you pay?

To make this site possible we rely on pricing information provided by users. If you’ve recently paid or been quoted for a job please tell us how much this was.
Typical level of kitchens, tiling, sanitary ware, switches and other fittings included in the price

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