Fuse Box Replacement
Consumer Unit Upgrades in Bristol
Replacing an old fuse box or outdated consumer unit is one of the most effective safety upgrades a Bristol home can have, adding RCD protection and, where required, surge protection to every circuit.
Why Upgrade a Consumer Unit?
The consumer unit is the heart of your electrical installation. Older units with rewirable fuses or early miniature circuit breakers offer little or no protection against electric shock, and none against the transient over-voltages that can damage modern electronics. A modern unit with residual current devices (RCDs or RCBOs) on every circuit, a metal enclosure and surge protection where required brings that protection up to the standard expected by the current edition of BS 7671.
Upgrade or Rewire?
A new consumer unit does not make old wiring new. Before we replace a unit we test the existing circuits, because RCD protection will expose faults that an old fuse board tolerated. If the circuits test well, an upgrade alone is a worthwhile improvement. If they do not, we explain the results and discuss whether a partial or full rewire should be considered instead of, or alongside, the new unit.
What Happens on the Day
Most consumer unit replacements in Bristol homes are completed in a day. Power is off for part of that time while the new unit is installed and each circuit is tested and connected. We label every circuit clearly, explain how the RCDs work and what to do if one trips, and provide the certification and Building Regulations notification the work requires.
What’s Included
- Testing of existing circuits before replacement
- Modern metal-enclosed consumer unit
- RCD or RCBO protection on every circuit
- Surge protection device where required
- Main earthing and bonding checked and upgraded if needed
- Clear circuit labelling
- Electrical Installation Certificate and Part P notification
Ready to talk about consumer unit upgrades?
Tell us about your property and we’ll arrange an assessment and a clear, written quotation.
Consumer Unit Upgrades FAQs
How long will the power be off?
Typically a few hours during the changeover, with the whole job usually completed within a day.
Why do you test before fitting a new unit?
Because RCDs detect faults that old fuse boards ignored. Testing first avoids a new unit that trips constantly and tells us whether the wiring behind it is sound.
Is a consumer unit upgrade notifiable work?
Yes. Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in England, and we handle that notification for you.
Other Services
Full House Rewiring
Complete rewires for Bristol homes where the existing installation has reached the end of its life or no longer suits how the property is used. Learn more →
Partial Rewiring
Targeted rewiring of specific circuits, rooms or floors when a complete rewire is not necessary. Learn more →
Consumer Unit Upgrades
Replacing old fuse boxes and outdated consumer units with modern units offering RCD and surge protection. Learn more →
Kitchen & Bathroom Electrics
Dedicated circuits, lighting and safe installations for the two rooms that place the highest demands on a home’s wiring. Learn more →
Extensions & Renovations
Wiring for extensions, loft conversions and whole-house renovations, planned around the build programme. Learn more →
Electrical Testing & Certification
Inspection, testing and certification of new and existing installations, including condition reports before you decide on a rewire. Learn more →
Thinking About Rewiring Your Bristol Home?
Tell us about your property and what you are planning. We can discuss your electrical installation, explain the next steps, and provide a quotation based on the work your home actually requires.
Straightforward advice · Clear scope · No unnecessary sales pressure