Fuse Box & Consumer Unit Replacement in London
Call us:
Service open:
Monday to Sunday
24 hour emergency service
London
3 DOWNBANK AVENUE
BEXLEYHEATH DA7 6RS
Are you concerned that your home’s fuse box is outdated, unsafe, or not compliant with current UK regulations? At Excel Electrician, we specialise in fuse box replacement and consumer unit installation across London. We ensure every job meets Part P Building Regulations, provides full safety, and gives you peace of mind.
What Is a Fuse Box vs. a Consumer Unit?
A fuse box is an older style electrical panel that uses fuses to protect your home’s circuits. When there’s a power overload, the fuse melts (“blows”), cutting power to that circuit. But it doesn’t tell you which circuit failed, and replacing a blown fuse can be fiddly and unsafe.
A consumer unit (modern fuse board) uses Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) or Residual Current Devices (RCDs). These switch off individual circuits in the event of fault, and are far safer, easier to use, and compliant with modern electrical safety standards.
Do you think it's time to replace your old fuse box?
Call one of our registered London electricians for your FREE quote
Signs You Need to Replace Your Fuse Box
- Signs You Need to Replace Your Fuse Box
- Your fuse box lacks RCD protection or has old ceramic fuses, which may no longer comply with BS 7671.
- Frequent tripping, flickering lights, or breakers that won’t reset.
- Burn marks or corrosion on fuse carriers or wiring.
- Home rewiring or extension work where old systems can't handle extra load.
- You’re selling or buying a property—certifications or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) may require an upgrade.
Fuse Box
Consumer Unit
Types of Consumer Units Available
Main switch Consumer Unit
This type of unit has one main switch that controls all the circuits in the home, so the entire power supply can be turned off at once.
If there’s a fault or power surge, the main switch will trip to off along with the breaker for the problem circuit.
It’s a popular and affordable choice for small flats and single-storey homes.
Best for: Small homes or flats where simplicity and low cost are the main priorities.
Dual RCD Consumer unit
A Dual RCD consumer unit splits the electricity into two separate sections, RCD1 and RCD2.
The benefit is that if one section switches off due to a fault, the other section can still provide power to part of the house.
This makes it a great choice for larger or multi-storey homes.
Best for: Medium to large homes where keeping some power on during a fault is important.
High integrity Consumer unit
A High Integrity consumer unit is a popular option because it allows each circuit in the home to be controlled independently.
This means that if one circuit develops a fault—like the one powering your freezer—other circuits will keep working without interruption.
Best for: Families, larger homes, or anyone who wants maximum protection and minimal disruption if a fault occurs.
Do you think it's time to replace your old fuse box?
Call one of our registered London electricians for your FREE quote
Cost & What Affects It
Replacing a fuse box or installing a new consumer unit typically costs between £375 and £550 (labour + parts + certification). However, final price depends on:
- Number of circuits in your house.
- The condition of existing wiring & whether earth / bonding checks are required.
- Type of consumer unit installed (single vs dual RCD vs high integrity split circuits).
- Access conditions, location of board, and whether additional safety improvements are needed.
We always provide free, no-obligation quotes so you know exactly what you pay.
The Replacement Process & Timeline
- Inspection & Safety Review – We inspect your current fuse box, wiring, earth bonding, and identify compliance issues (e.g. old fuses, inadequate protection).
- Planning & Unit Selection – Together we decide which consumer unit best meets your needs and budget.
- Installation – Removal of old fuse box, installation of the new model, rewiring as needed.
- Testing & Certification – Once installed, full safety tests are carried out. We issue the required Part P certificate and useful documentation.
- Handover & Advice – We’ll show you how the new system works, how to reset RCDs/MCBs, and maintenance tips.
Most full replacements take around half a day in a typical UK home, though properties with older wiring may need more time.
Does your RCD consumer unit keep tripping?
If your residual current device (RCD) continues to trip, it is highly probable that there is an electrical issue within your house, causing one of the circuit breakers to switch off the RCD.
Find out in this short video how to identify the specific circuit breaker that is tripping, isolate the malfunctioning electrical equipment, and reset the RCD to restore power.
How to Check a Fuse using Your Phone!
If you’re using an old fuse box, sometimes the problem is just a blown fuse. But figuring out which one can be tough without a multimeter.
Good news—there’s a quicker, easier way to check just by using your phone! Watch this short video to learn how and save yourself the cost of an electrician.
You’ll just need to grab a new fuse and you’re good to go!
FAQ — Safety, Regulation & Practical Advice
Can I replace my fuse box myself?
Where should a consumer unit be located in the home?
What is the difference between fuses and circuit breakers (MCBs)?
How long does fuse box replacement take?
Are old fuse boxes illegal?
What does a typical replacement cost include?
How often should a consumer unit be replaced?
Do I need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) after replacing a fuse box?
Get Your Free Quote Today
If your fuse box is old, tripping, or simply causing you concern, don’t wait. Call Excel Electrician now at 07947 194 448 to schedule a free, no-obligation quote. Your home deserves safe, compliant electrical protection.
Although based in East London we don’t shy away from travelling further afield to help customers in needs.
However, below are the areas where most customers get in touch with excel electricians LTD:
Orpington - Dartford - Bromley - Greenwich - Bexleyheath - Romford - Welling - Erith - bow - Mile End- Chislehurst - Abbey Wood - Woolwich -Sidecup - Beckenham - Plumstead - Swanley
Other electrical services we provide
Domestic
Commercial
Excel Electricians LTD
3 Downbank Avenue
London
DA7 6RS
Tel: 07947 194448
Email: info@excelelectrician.co.uk
Open: Monday-Sunday 24/7
