A consumer-unit upgrade is more than changing the box
The consumer unit is the distribution and protection point for the electrical installation. Replacing it can improve how faults are contained and how circuits are isolated, but the new equipment must be appropriate for the supply, earthing and circuits already in the property.
Before quoting a consumer-unit replacement, we assess the existing board, available space, circuit count, earthing and bonding, and the condition of connected circuits. That preparation reduces surprises when the old board is removed.
What our consumer unit replacement service includes
When should a fuse box be assessed?
An older board is not automatically unsafe, and a newer-looking board does not guarantee that the installation is sound. Assessment is sensible when protection is limited, alterations are planned or previous work is poorly documented.
- No residual-current protection on relevant circuits
- Damage, heat marks, loose covers or missing blanks
- Frequent tripping or evidence of improvised alterations
- An extension, rewire, EV charger or major new circuit is planned
- An EICR has identified consumer-unit or protection issues
- Circuit labels are missing or unreliable
RCDs, RCBOs and surge protection
Modern consumer-unit design may use RCDs or individual RCBOs to provide additional protection and improve fault separation. Surge protective devices can reduce the risk of transient overvoltage damaging sensitive equipment. The final arrangement depends on the installation and current requirements—not a one-size-fits-all package.
We explain the proposed device arrangement, spare capacity and any limitations found during pre-testing.
Why circuits are tested before and after replacement
A new consumer unit can reveal faults that an older protective arrangement did not detect. Pre-testing helps identify likely remedial work before the change. After installation, the circuits and protective devices are tested, the board is labelled and the results recorded.
If a circuit cannot be safely reconnected, we explain the reason and the work required rather than bypassing the new protection.
Consumer units for landlords and renovations
Landlords often combine a board assessment with an EICR or planned remedial work. Renovators may coordinate the upgrade with new kitchen circuits, an extension or a partial rewire. Combining related work can improve circuit planning and reduce repeated disruption.
Recent consumer unit replacement work in Leeds
Consumer unit replacement cost in Leeds
A like-for-like consumer unit replacement with dual RCD protection starts from £450 in Leeds. A full RCBO board, where every circuit has its own combined RCD and breaker so one fault does not trip the whole house, starts from £550. Both prices include a metal enclosure, surge protection, full testing of every circuit and an Electrical Installation Certificate. If testing finds faults on existing circuits that must be fixed before the new board can be energised, we tell you before doing that work. Full details are on our prices page.
Fuse box upgrade signs you should not ignore
Not every old board needs replacing immediately, but some symptoms mean it should be assessed soon.
- Rewirable fuses (the ceramic carriers with fuse wire) rather than breakers
- No RCD test button, or a single RCD that trips the whole house
- A plastic enclosure under the stairs or in a cupboard — the 18th Edition requires non-combustible enclosures in escape routes
- Scorch marks, a warm cover or a smell of hot plastic
- Nuisance tripping that has become more frequent
- You are adding an EV charger, electric shower, hot tub or garden office and the existing board has no spare ways
Consumer units across Leeds and West Yorkshire
We replace consumer units in homes and rental properties across Leeds — most often in Kirkstall, Headingley, Meanwood, Armley, Bramley, Horsforth, Pudsey and Rawdon — and for landlords who have received a C2 code for a lack of RCD protection on an EICR. Read our guide to the signs your fuse box needs replacing.
How our consumer unit replacement service works
Pre-installation check
We review the supply, earthing, bonding, circuits and likely board size.
Protection design
The device arrangement, surge protection and spare capacity are planned.
Safe replacement
The supply is isolated, the new unit installed and circuits labelled.
Test and certify
Connected circuits and protective devices are tested and documented.
Related electrical services
Consumer Unit Replacement in Kirkstall and LS5
Kirkstall is our primary local service area and the base for our wider Leeds coverage. We provide consumer unit replacement for homes, landlords and businesses throughout Kirkstall LS5, including properties around Kirkstall Road, Abbey Road, Morris Lane, Hawksworth and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Being locally based helps us understand the mix of older terraces, converted properties, rental homes, family houses and commercial premises found around Kirkstall. Every job is still assessed on its own electrical condition, access and required scope.
Consumer Unit Replacement across Leeds
We provide this service from our Kirkstall base across Leeds and surrounding West Yorkshire communities. Browse a local page below or use the complete area finder.
Consumer Unit Replacement FAQs
Is a new consumer unit always required for a house sale?
No. A sale does not automatically require replacement. An EICR or specific assessment can establish the installation’s condition.
Will the power be off?
Yes. The installation must be safely isolated during replacement and testing. We explain the expected outage before the appointment.
Can faults appear after the new board is fitted?
More sensitive modern protection may reveal pre-existing leakage or circuit defects. Pre-testing is used to identify this risk as early as possible.
Do I need surge protection?
It is considered as part of the design under current requirements. We explain the proposed arrangement and any relevant risk or exception.
Will every circuit have its own RCBO?
That depends on the design and equipment selected. Individual RCBOs can improve fault separation, but the final proposal must suit the installation.
Do I receive a certificate?
Yes, the replacement is tested and the appropriate electrical installation documentation is provided.
How long does a consumer unit replacement take?
Usually half a day to a day. The power is off for most of that time, so we agree the timing with you in advance.
Is a metal consumer unit a legal requirement?
For new installations in domestic premises, consumer units must be made of a non-combustible material — in practice, metal. Existing plastic boards are not illegal, but an EICR will note them and they should be replaced when the board is upgraded.
Will you fix faults on the old circuits?
We test every circuit before connecting it to the new board. If a circuit fails, we explain what it needs and quote it separately — we will not silently connect a faulty circuit to a new board.