What a consumer unit does
The consumer unit, often called the fuse box, is where every circuit in your home starts. A modern unit has RCD protection, which cuts the power in a fraction of a second if someone touches something live. Many older fuse boxes don't have it.
Signs it's time to replace yours
- It has old wire fuses that you have to rewire or replace when they blow.
- There's no RCD, or no test button marked "T" or "Test".
- It's a plastic unit. Since 2016, new consumer units in homes have to be made of a non-combustible material, usually metal.
- The power keeps tripping and you can't work out why.
- You can see scorch marks or smell burning near it.
- You're adding to the house, such as an extension, a new kitchen or an EV charger.
How the job works
- Free quote. We look at your existing board and wiring, and tell you what's involved and how long the power will be off.
- The swap. The old unit comes out and the new one goes in, with every circuit labelled.
- Testing. Every circuit is tested before the power goes back on. If testing finds a fault on an existing circuit, we explain it and agree what to do before fixing anything.
- Paperwork. You get an Electrical Installation Certificate, and we register the work with Building Control through NICEIC. You don't apply to the council or pay their fee.
Common questions
Is a consumer unit change notifiable?
Yes. Replacing a consumer unit has to be registered with Building Control. As a NICEIC Domestic Installer we register it for you, so you get a Building Regulations compliance certificate without dealing with the council.
How long will I be without power?
It depends on the house and the number of circuits. We'll tell you before we start, so you can plan around it.
What if testing finds a problem with my old wiring?
We explain what we've found and what it would cost to put right, and nothing extra is done without your say-so.
We cover Petersfield and the villages around it, including Liss, Steep, Buriton, East Meon, Clanfield, Horndean, Liphook and Alton.