Your consumer unit (often called a fuse box) is the heart of your home’s electrics. It controls every circuit in the house and protects you and your family if something goes wrong. Many homes still have units that are decades old, and they simply do not offer the protection modern units do.
6 signs it is time for an upgrade
1. You still have rewireable fuses
If your fuse box has old fuses with fuse wire rather than switches (circuit breakers), it is well overdue for replacement. Old-style fuses are slower to react and much less convenient to reset.
2. There is no RCD protection
RCDs (residual current devices) switch the power off in a fraction of a second if they detect current leaking to earth, for example through a person. They are one of the most important safety devices in a modern home. If your unit has no RCDs, upgrading is strongly recommended.
3. It is made of plastic
Since 2016, the wiring regulations (BS 7671) have required consumer units in homes to be housed in a non-combustible enclosure, usually metal. Older plastic units are not dangerous just because of this, but it is a good sign the unit is due an upgrade.
4. Circuits keep tripping
Frequent tripping can point to a fault on a circuit, or to an old unit that can no longer cope with the way you use electricity today. Either way, it is worth getting checked.
5. You are adding something new
An EV charger, electric shower, garden office or kitchen extension all need new circuits. If your unit is full or out of date, it usually makes sense to upgrade it at the same time.
6. You can see scorching, burning smells or buzzing
Any of these is a warning sign. Switch off if it is safe to do so and call an electrician straight away.
What a consumer unit upgrade involves
Most consumer unit replacements are completed in a single day, with the power off for part of it. We test the existing circuits first, fit the new unit with the right protection for each circuit (including surge protection where needed), then test and clearly label everything.
A consumer unit replacement is notifiable work, so you will receive an electrical installation certificate and the job will be registered with building control. If testing reveals problems with the wiring itself, we will explain them clearly; see our guide to the signs your house needs rewiring.
Need a hand?
Think your fuse box might be due an upgrade? Call Dan on 07914 146034, email dan@lightningelectricservices.co.uk or send us a message for a free, no-obligation quote. You can also see more of our work on our past projects page.