Quick Answer
Consumer unit replacement in the UK costs £300–£1,200 in 2026, depending on the type of board and size of the property. A standard metal-clad RCD board for a 3-bedroom house typically comes in at £400–£700 fully fitted and certified.
Your consumer unit — commonly called a fuse box or fuse board — is the heart of your home's electrical system. It distributes power to every circuit in the house and provides protection against faults. In 2026, many UK homes still have outdated consumer units that lack adequate RCD protection, leaving households exposed to risk. This guide explains what a consumer unit replacement involves, what it costs, and when you need one.
In this guide
What Is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit is the distribution board that receives power from the electricity supplier's meter and splits it into individual circuits throughout your home. Each circuit has its own protective device — a circuit breaker, fuse, or RCBO — that disconnects the circuit if a fault occurs.
Modern consumer units contain Residual Current Devices (RCDs) that provide protection against electric shock by detecting leakage currents. Older units with simple rewirable fuses or MCBs without RCDs do not provide this protection — which is why replacement is so important.
The consumer unit is also known as a fuse box, distribution board, fuse board, or CU. All of these terms refer to the same thing.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Consumer Unit?
Not every old consumer unit needs immediate replacement, but the following situations make replacement urgent or necessary:
- Pre-2016 board with no or partial RCD protection — The 17th Edition Wiring Regulations (2008) required dual RCD protection for most circuits. The 18th Edition (2018) strengthened this further. If your board does not have RCD protection for all circuits, replacement is strongly recommended.
- Rewirable wire fuses — If your board has individual fuse carriers with replaceable wire, it is decades old and must be replaced.
- Plastic consumer unit (non-compliant) — Since 2016, consumer units in domestic premises must have a non-combustible (metal) enclosure. Old plastic units should be replaced when the board is next worked on.
- Adding new circuits — If you want to add an EV charger, electric shower, or outbuilding supply, your electrician will often need to upgrade the board at the same time.
- EICR C1 or C2 codes relating to the consumer unit — Your EICR report may specify the board as a danger or potential danger.
If you are unsure whether your board needs replacement, an EICR is the right starting point — read our guide on when to rewire your house which covers consumer unit age in context.
Types of Consumer Unit
The three main types fitted in UK homes in 2026 are:
| Type | Protection | Typical Cost Fitted | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dual-RCD board | Two RCDs protecting groups of circuits | £300–£550 | Most homes, straightforward upgrades |
| High-spec RCBO board | Individual RCBO per circuit (best protection) | £600–£1,200 | New builds, those wanting maximum protection |
| Split-load board | Partial RCD protection (older design) | £350–£600 | Like-for-like replacement where needed |
| Smart consumer unit | RCBOs plus energy monitoring | £800–£1,500 | Smart homes, those tracking energy use |
An RCBO board (with individual Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection on every circuit) is the gold standard. Unlike a dual-RCD board where a trip knocks out half your circuits at once, an RCBO board means a fault on one circuit only trips that one circuit. It costs more but is considered best practice for any new installation in 2026.
What Affects the Cost?
The final price for your consumer unit replacement depends on several factors:
- Number of circuits — More circuits mean a larger board, more protective devices, and more labour time reconnecting everything
- Type of board chosen — RCBO boards cost significantly more in parts than standard RCD boards
- Condition of existing wiring — If the existing cables are in poor condition, the electrician may need to reterminate or repair them before connecting to the new board
- Location — London and South East rates are typically 20–30% higher than the national average
- Additional work — If an EICR is required alongside the replacement (common and recommended), or if earthing improvements are needed, this adds to the total
To understand how the consumer unit fits into the wider picture of electrical upgrade costs, see our guide to electrician hourly rates in the UK.
What Is Included in the Price?
A standard consumer unit replacement price from a registered electrician should include:
- Supply and fit of the new metal-clad consumer unit
- All circuit breakers, RCDs, or RCBOs
- Reconnection of all existing circuits
- Main earth bonding check and upgrade if required
- Testing and commissioning
- Building Regulations Part P completion certificate (the board replacement is notifiable work)
It should not include re-cabling of circuits (if your wiring needs attention, that is a separate job) or making good any damage to walls around the board location. Check what your quote includes before accepting. For the regulations around certification, read our guide to Part P electrical regulations.
Always use a NICEIC or NAPIT registered electrician for consumer unit work — it is notifiable under Part P and must be certified. Our guide to finding a trustworthy electrician explains how to check registration and get trustworthy quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a consumer unit replacement take?+
Most consumer unit replacements take half a day to a full day — typically 4–8 hours. The power will be off for most of this time, so plan accordingly. More complex jobs with many circuits or difficult access can take longer.
Do I need to be home during the replacement?+
Yes — you should be home or have a trusted adult present throughout the job. The electrician needs access to all parts of the house to test circuits, and you need to be available to check everything works at the end.
Can I have my consumer unit moved to a different location?+
Yes, but this adds to the cost significantly. Moving the board means extending or re-routing every circuit cable and may require trenching in the floor or chasing walls. Expect to add £300–£600 or more for a relocation.
Is consumer unit replacement covered by my home insurance?+
No — it is a maintenance upgrade, not damage caused by an insured event. However, your home insurance may be invalidated if you knowingly have a dangerous consumer unit and do not replace it. Check your policy wording.
My old board has a main switch but no RCDs — is that safe?+
A main switch gives you the ability to isolate power but offers no protection against electric shock. If your board has no RCDs or RCBOs, it does not meet current safety standards and should be replaced. This is especially important for circuits in bathrooms, kitchens, and gardens.
Will I need a new consumer unit when I get an EV charger?+
Possibly. An EV charger requires a dedicated circuit, and if your existing board has no spare capacity or inadequate earthing, your electrician may recommend upgrading the consumer unit at the same time. See our guide to EV charger installation for more detail.
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