Upgrading your consumer unit is a key step to protecting your home and family against electrical hazards while accommodating modern technology. Resistance Electrical offers expert advice, professional installation, and full certification to keep your electrical system safe and efficient.
Our Services
Consumer Unit Upgrade & Replacement
Older fuse boxes or consumer units can pose serious safety risks and cause frequent power trips, disrupting your daily life. If your home’s electrical system struggles to cope with modern appliances or you’re planning a renovation, upgrading your consumer unit is a smart and necessary step.
About This Service
Common Issues That Call for a Consumer Unit Upgrade
Consumer units, often called fuse boards, are the control centres of your home’s electrical system. They distribute electricity safely throughout your property and protect circuits with fuses or breakers. However, older units lack modern safety features, which can lead to problems such as:
- Frequent nuisance tripping: Older consumer units may trip unnecessarily, causing inconvenience and uncertainty.
- Outdated protection: Lack of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent (RCBO) protection increases the risk of electric shock or fire.
- Inadequate capacity: New high-load equipment like electric vehicle chargers, induction hobs, or electric showers may overload old systems.
- Wear and tear: Ageing components and metal parts that may corrode or degrade, compromising safety.
- Post-EICR remedial work: Following an Electrical Installation Condition Report, upgrades may be required to meet current standards.
- Landlord responsibilities: Ensuring rented properties meet safety regulations with up-to-date consumer units.
Benefits
Modern Consumer Unit Features and Options
RCD Protection
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) detect earth faults and cut power quickly to prevent electric shocks. Modern consumer units include RCDs to protect groups of circuits, an important safety upgrade for older systems.
RCBO Protection
RCBOs combine the functions of an RCD and a circuit breaker, protecting individual circuits from both overload and earth faults. This reduces nuisance tripping and isolates only the affected circuit, improving convenience and safety.
Metal Enclosures
Metal consumer unit enclosures provide enhanced durability and fire resistance compared to plastic ones. They also help contain electrical faults more effectively.
Circuit Separation
Separating circuits for lighting, sockets, and high-load appliances minimises interference and prevents total power loss if one circuit trips. This is particularly useful in homes with EV chargers or electric showers.
Surge Protection
Surge protection helps protect your electrical system and connected appliances from sudden voltage spikes caused by issues such as power cuts, switching events or lightning activity. A Surge Protection Device (SPD) can help reduce the risk of damage to sensitive electronics throughout your home.
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers protect individual electrical circuits by automatically switching off the power if they detect an overload or short circuit. Unlike traditional fuses, they can be reset once the fault has been resolved, providing reliable and convenient protection for your electrical system.
Our Process
What to Expect During a Consumer Unit Upgrade
Initial assessment
We inspect your existing fuse board, assess your electrical load and identify any safety faults or capacity issues.
Load considerations and planning
We determine the best consumer unit with appropriate circuit separation, RCD/RCBO protection, and a metal enclosure suited to your home.
Installation of isolator and main switch
We fit a main isolator switch for easier control and maintenance access.
Earthing and bonding checks
Proper earthing and bonding are verified or upgraded to meet Building Regulations.
Testing and certification
We carry out dead and live tests on all circuits to ensure correct operation, then provide full certification and notify Part P Building Regulations as required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An RCD protects several circuits by shutting off power if it detects an earth fault, but it will cut all circuits it covers. An RCBO protects one circuit individually from both overload and earth faults, helping to avoid unnecessary power loss to other areas.
Trust and Compliance
Resistance Electrical is fully qualified and registered with the relevant UK authorities. Our electricians are Gas Safe and NICEIC certified, insured, and trained to comply with Part P Building Regulations and BS 7671 wiring standards. All our consumer unit upgrades come with guarantees and full certification, giving you peace of mind your home is safe and compliant.
For homes in Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, and Crawley, we understand the specific challenges of period properties and flats, including limited cupboard space and older wiring systems. Our team adapts solutions to fit your home’s unique needs while maintaining safety standards.