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The short answer
- The total cost of replacing a fuse box will depend on a number of factors, but the type of unit is likely to be the most significant
- Traditional fuse boxes will be replaced with a new and improved version called a consumer unit
- In London, you can expect to pay on average anywhere between £300 - £850 for a fuse box replacement service
- Outside of London, the total cost can range between £250 - £650
- Having an up-to-date fuse box is an important part of ensuring the electrical efficiency and safety of your home
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Contents
- How much does it cost to replace a fuse box?
- What is a fuse box?
- What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?
- What other factors affect the cost of fuse box replacement?
- Is replacing an existing fuse box with a consumer unit legally required?
- Why should you replace a fuse box with a consumer unit?
- When should you replace an existing consumer unit?
- How often should a fuse box/consumer unit be replaced?
- Can replacing your fuse box/consumer unit add to your property value?
- Can you replace your own fuse box/consumer unit?
- Where can I find an electrician to replace my fuse box/consumer unit?
- Sources
How much does it cost to replace a fuse box?
Traditional fuse boxes are no longer installed as they don't meet modern safety regulations, so your existing fuse box will need to be replaced with a new device called a consumer unit.
The total cost of replacing a fuse box will depend on quite a few factors but the size of your property and the type of consumer unit you’re installing will likely be the most influential factors.
Electricians typically charge an hourly rate, plus the cost of your new fuse box and any materials. Larger homes tend to have more electrical circuits, which require a more advanced and expensive unit to manage the additional load. So the bigger the property, the more costly fuse box replacements tend to be.
Your electrician will advise on the most suitable consumer unit for your home. You can then purchase the unit yourself or get your electrician to source it locally for you. Keep in mind that most electricians typically add 20–25% to the unit's cost to account for travel and the time spent sourcing it.
Here are the expected costs of fuse box replacement in London, compared to outside of London.
| Consumer unit | Installation time | Price range (outside London) | Price range (London) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-way circuit | 3 - 4 hours | £200 - £250 (inc. VAT) | £260 - £340 (inc. VAT) |
| 10-way circuit | 4 - 5 hours | £250 - £400 (inc. VAT) | £340 - £480 (inc. VAT) |
| 12-way circuit | 5 - 6 hours | £400 - £520 (inc. VAT) |
£480 - £560 (inc. VAT) |
| 16-way circuit | 6 - 7 hours | £520 - £600 (inc. VAT) | £560 - £650 (inc. VAT) |
Electrician services tend to be more expensive in the southern regions of the UK, with rates in London reaching up to 20% higher than in other areas. It's also important to consider potential surcharges and parking fees when hiring an electrician in London. Any additional costs will be added to your final bill, which can addd a few hundred pounds to the final cost.
What is a fuse box?
A fuse box is designed to distribute electrical current to the various circuits throughout your home while protecting against potential hazards caused by electrical surges or overloads. Having an up-to-date fuse box is an essential step in ensuring your home's electrical efficiency and safety.
What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?
Essentially, a fuse box and a consumer unit serve the same purpose - to regulate and distribute electricity across your home's circuits and protect against electrical hazards.
The terms "fuse box" and "consumer unit" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different devices. Fuse boxes are outdated systems that shut off entirely during a power surge, with the fuse melting to break the electrical circuit. This requires the blown fuse to be replaced before the system can function again. Consumer units are the new and improved versions of fuse boxes, using switches that trip during a current overload, that can be easily reset.
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What other factors affect the cost of fuse box replacement?
Several other factors may determine the overall cost of getting your fuse box replaced, such as when you book, disposing of your old unit and any additional work that needs doing.
1. When you book
You'll most likely pay a premium for next-day services and on the day call-outs. You’ll likely find electricians will also charge more during unsociable hours such as early morning, later in the evening, weekends and bank holidays.
2. Removal of old unit
Your electrician will ensure that your old unit is safely and responsibly disposed of. The cost for removing and disposing of your old fuse box typically ranges from £70 - £150, depending on the complexity of the removal and local disposal fees.
3. Additional work
When replacing your fuse box, it's a great opportunity to upgrade any other electrical aspects of your home to get everything up-to-date, safe and efficient. As electricians typically charge an hourly rate, they should be able to add any additional services on to your final bill.
If you have older wiring and circuits, it's a good time to rewire the whole property before replacing your fuse box. This will ensure the wires are fully comptabile with the new consumer unit, improving electrical efficiency. The cost of an electrical rewire can cost anywhere from £2,500 - £10,000+, depending on where you live and the size of the property.
Your electrican can also move where your fuse box sits in your home. Depending on placement and any additional wiring needed, you can expect to pay around £300 - £600+.
Is replacing an existing fuse box with a consumer unit legally required?
Having a fuse box in your home is not illegal, so there’s no legal obligation to replace it with a consumer unit. However, if you needed to replace your current fuse box for any reason, it would need to be replaced with a consumer unit. Outdated fuse boxes aren’t installed anymore due to updated safety regulations stating that any electrical upgrades need to comply with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). So it’s worth considering replacing them with a modern consumer unit, as soon as possible, to ensure the electrical safety of your home.
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Why should you replace a fuse box with a consumer unit?
If you're a homeowner or landlord with a fuse box still installed in your property, it's strongly recommended to upgrade to a consumer unit. There are many reasons why making the switch can be beneficial, not just for the safety of your home but also for your pocket.
1. Electrical safety
Outdated fuse boxes don’t meet modern electrical regulations, unlike consumer units. In the case of a power surge, it can take a few moments for the fuse to fully melt and interrupt the electrical circuit. During this delay, an electrical fire can spark.
Meanwhile, a consumer unit will instantly break the circuit making them a far safer option. Consumer units are equipped with Residual Current Devices (RCDs), and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) which instantly detect and interrupt current leaks and protect against electrical shocks. In fact, it’s a legal requirement for all new electrical systems to include RCDs to comply with safety regulations, such as the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
2. Usability
When a fuse blows with a fuse box, it can be a hassle to reset the unit. You’ll need to replace the fuse, which you can do yourself or you call out an electrician. However, this can be costly, especially for on the day callouts. During this time, the electrical circuit connected to the blown fuse will be down, which can be an inconvenience.
Consumer units are much more consumer-friendly. A tripped circuit can be quickly and easily reset by flipping the tripped switch back to its normal position.
3. Capacity
Consumer units are designed to support more electrical circuits, allowing them to handle the increased load of modern appliances more efficiently than outdated fuse boxes. This results in fewer circuit trips and a smoother overall experience.
4. Energy efficiency
Consumer units optimise the distribution of electricity across the various circuits in the home, reducing the likelihood of energy loss and waste. As a result, modern consumer units are significantly more energy-efficient than older fuse boxes, helping you save money on your electric bills.
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When should you replace an existing consumer unit?
The easiest and quickest way to know if you're consumer unit is ready for an upgrade is to carry out a professional Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). During the assessment, your electrician will inspect the fuse box along with all wiring, switches, and sockets throughout your property, identifying any underlying issues.
Even without a EICR, there are often some telltale signs when it’s time for an upgrade.
| Signs | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequent tripping |
|
| Damaged unit |
|
| Outdated model |
|
| Getting work done? |
|
How often should a fuse box/consumer unit be replaced?
Even if your fuse box or consumer unit isn’t showing any signs of damage, it should still be inspected and tested regularly. If you’re a homeowner, you should get an inspection every 10 years. The frequency of inspections increases if you’re a landlord, where you should have an electrician check your fuse box every 5 years or when the tenancy changes. [1] If these inspections bring up any faults or signs your fuse box doesn’t comply with regulations you should get it replaced.
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Can replacing your fuse box/consumer unit add to your property value?
Replacing your fuse box isn’t going to directly add to your property value. However, upgrading will make your home more appealing to potential buyers. A modern electrical system offers peace of mind, assuring buyers that the property complies with current safety standards. Other improvements such as rewiring, repairing plug sockets, and lighting add further reassurance, as it means buyers won't need to undertake costly upgrades once the keys are handed over.
Can you replace your own fuse/consumer unit box?
You should never attempt to replace your own fuse box. If anything goes wrong with the installation, your home’s safety can be seriously at risk.
A ‘competent’ electrician should always carry out any electrical work, including fuse box replacement. This just means a qualified electrician who is a member of a trusted trade body such as the NICEIC or the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. A qualified electrician will ensure that the old fuse box is replaced safely, and that all necessary regulations, such as Part P of the UK Building Regulations and the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), are fully complied with. Once the replacement is done, you'll receive an electrical safety certificate.
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Where can I find an electrician to replace my fuse box/consumer?
Remember, when looking for an electrician to carry out a fuse box replacement, it’s important to ensure that they’re a ‘trusted’ and ‘competent’ person. In short, this just means that the electrician should be qualified, and belong to a trusted trade body such as the NICEIC or the Electrical Competent Person Scheme. Most of these trade bodies have directories on their websites, so it's worth checking these out. You can also often find good local recommendations through social media or community boards, but just double-check their credentials before going ahead with any work.
To take the hassle out of finding a local, qualified electrician, book through a professional tradesperson service like Housekeep. We’ll instantly match you with a highly rated and trusted electrician to replace your fuse box at a date and time that suits you. Just get a quote to get started.
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Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson
Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.
With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.
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