Consumer Unit Upgrades
Replace old fuse boards with modern consumer units featuring RCD and RCBO protection.
About This Service
The consumer unit, commonly called the fuse box, is the heart of your home's electrical system. Older fuse boards with rewirable wire fuses or older-style MCBs don't offer the RCD (Residual Current Device) protection required by current regulations. An RCD can save your life by cutting power within milliseconds if a fault is detected. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit is one of the most important safety improvements you can make to an older property.
Benjamin Bailey Electrics installs metal-clad consumer units (required since 2016 for fire resistance) with individual RCBO protection where appropriate, surge protection devices (SPDs), and AFDDs for some setups where relevant. RCBOs offer excellent protection because a fault on one circuit, say the kitchen, doesn't trip power to the rest of the house. We assess your property's circuits and recommend the most appropriate unit for your needs and budget.
The upgrade typically takes a single day and causes minimal disruption. We isolate, test, and reconnect every circuit, leaving you with full documentation including a new Electrical Installation Certificate. The work is notified to Building Control under Part P.
How It Works
Assessment
We inspect your existing consumer unit and circuits, checking for any underlying faults that need addressing before the upgrade.
Unit selection
We recommend the right consumer unit for your home, promoting RCBO protection and AFDDs for some setups where relevant, then provide a fixed price.
Installation
We isolate the supply, fit the new consumer unit, and reconnect every circuit. The work usually takes 4–6 hours.
Full test
Every circuit is tested before power is restored. Any issues discovered during testing are flagged and quoted separately.
Certification
You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and Part P notification is made to your local authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a consumer unit upgrade?
Signs include a fuse board with rewirable wire fuses (not MCBs), no RCD protection switches, a board made of plastic (pre-2016 standard), or frequent tripping. An EICR will confirm whether an upgrade is required.
What's the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?
An RCD protects a group of circuits — if one circuit faults, all circuits on that RCD lose power. An RCBO combines MCB and RCD protection in a single device per circuit, so a fault only trips that one circuit. RCBOs are the premium option and what we typically recommend.
Will a new consumer unit fix my tripping problem?
Not necessarily. Tripping is caused by faults in circuits or appliances, not the consumer unit itself. We test all circuits during the upgrade and advise on any remedial work needed.
Is a consumer unit upgrade worth doing before selling a house?
Yes. A modern consumer unit with RCD protection is one of the first things a buyer's surveyor checks. Having a current consumer unit with a valid certificate can prevent renegotiation and delays.
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Get a Quote for Consumer Unit Upgrades
Contact Benjamin Bailey Electrics for a free, no-obligation quote. We serve Forest Row, East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and all surrounding areas.
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