Consumer Unit Replacement Cost UK 2026 | Free Estimate
Honest 2026 consumer unit pricing across the UK: typical costs by property size and complexity, what a fair quote includes, and how to spot upsells you don't need.
Quick answer: Replacing a consumer unit (fuse box) in the UK typically costs £350 to £700 in 2026, including labour, materials, testing and Part P certification. Most 3-bed homes land at £400 to £600. An older installation that needs an earthing upgrade, extra circuits, or asbestos removal can push the job towards £800 to £1,000+.
What Is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit — sometimes called a fuse box — is the main hub that distributes electricity around your home. It contains circuit breakers (MCBs) and residual current devices (RCDs) that protect you from electrical faults and fire.
If your home still has an old-style fuse box with rewirable fuses, upgrading to a modern consumer unit is one of the best safety improvements you can make.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here's a realistic breakdown of consumer unit replacement costs in 2026:
| Property Type | Typical Cost | Time Required | |---|---|---| | Small flat (1-2 bed) | £300 – £450 | 4-6 hours | | Mid-size house (3 bed) | £400 – £600 | 6-8 hours | | Large house (4-5 bed) | £550 – £800 | 8-10 hours | | With additional circuits | £600 – £1,000+ | 1-2 days |
Prices include labour, materials, testing, and Part P certification.
Estimate Your Consumer Unit Replacement Cost
Pick your board type, how many circuits you have and your current setup. The estimate updates instantly using 2026 UK installer rates:
What's Included in the Price?
A proper consumer unit replacement should include:
• The unit itself — A quality brand like Hager, Schneider, or MK
• All new MCBs and RCDs — Correctly rated for your circuits
• Full testing — Every circuit tested after installation
• Part P certification — Legal requirement, registered with your local council
• Minor remedial work — Fixing any immediate safety issues found during the swap
What Can Increase the Cost?
Several factors can push the price higher:
• Earthing upgrades — Older properties often need new earthing arrangements (adds £100-£200)
• Additional circuits — If you need new circuits added at the same time
• Asbestos — Older meter cupboards may contain asbestos requiring specialist removal
• Accessibility — Difficult access to the existing board
• Rewiring requirements — If inspection reveals dangerous wiring that must be replaced
How to Get the Best Price
• Get 3 quotes — Never go with the first price you're offered
• Compare like-for-like — Make sure each quote covers the same scope of work
• Check qualifications — Only use a Part P registered electrician
• Don't choose the cheapest — The lowest quote may cut corners on quality or testing
• Ask what's included — Certification, testing, and making good should all be included
Do I Need a Consumer Unit Replacement?
You probably need an upgrade if:
• Your fuse box has rewirable fuses (wire-type fuses you replace manually)
• There's no RCD protection
• The board is damaged, scorched, or showing signs of overheating
• You're having other significant electrical work done
• Your home insurance company has flagged it
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