Electrician service guide

Consumer unit replacement electricians

Upgrade an outdated fuse board with a clear circuit schedule, suitable protection and certification from a competent electrical contractor.

Free for homeownersUp to three quotesLocal trade matchingNo obligation to hire

Typical project budget

£500–£1,200

Use this as a planning range only. Your property, region, specification and access determine the final quotation.

What the work can include

01

Circuit identification and inspection

The inspection identifies access constraints, hidden defects and the information a tradesperson needs to price the work without avoidable provisional allowances.

02

New consumer unit with RCD/RCBO protection

The quote should state the preparation, protection, disposal and making-good included, not just the visible repair itself.

03

Earthing and bonding checks

The inspection identifies access constraints, hidden defects and the information a tradesperson needs to price the work without avoidable provisional allowances.

04

Testing, labelling and certification

Testing is documented at handover so you know what was checked, what standards apply and which certificates or maintenance notes you should retain.

How to compare quotations

Existing board condition

Ask what the inspection covers, which hidden conditions could change the price and how any additional work must be approved.

Number and condition of circuits

Ask what the inspection covers, which hidden conditions could change the price and how any additional work must be approved.

Earthing arrangement

Ask the tradesperson to define this allowance, its exclusions and the evidence they will provide at handover so every quote can be compared fairly.

Surge protection and future circuits

Ask the tradesperson to define this allowance, its exclusions and the evidence they will provide at handover so every quote can be compared fairly.

Questions homeowners ask

Do I need a new consumer unit?

Age alone is not decisive, but missing protection, damage or alterations can justify an upgrade after inspection.

Will the power be off?

Yes. Arrange a suitable window and protect sensitive equipment before the supply is isolated.

Is RCBO protection worth considering?

Individual RCBOs can reduce nuisance tripping and make fault finding clearer; ask for the options in the quote.