How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?

Most domestic 10-14 way board upgrades are completed comfortably within half a day (4–6 hours), depending on the complexity of the existing wiring.

Will I lose power during the upgrade?

Yes, power will be completely off during the physical replacement. We recommend making a coffee beforehand and keeping fridge/freezers closed, as they will stay cold enough for several hours.

Do I need an EICR before upgrading?

It is highly recommended but not strictly required. We carry out full testing of the circuits as part of the board replacement. If dangerous pre-existing faults are discovered (e.g., a short circuit), they must be rectified before the new breaker can be safely turned on.

What is surge protection (SPD), and do I need it?

An SPD diverts massive electrical spikes safely to earth before they can fry your sensitive electronics. Under the latest BS 7671 Amendment 2 regulations, it is highly required for domestic properties, hence we include it as standard.

Are your consumer units metal?

Yes. Since Amendment 3 of the 17th Edition, all domestic consumer units must have their enclosures manufactured from non-combustible material (steel) to contain potential fires.

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Consumer Unit Upgrades

Upgrade your old fuse board to a modern consumer unit with RCD protection. NICEIC approved electricians in London, Essex & surrounding areas. Same-day service available.

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An outdated fuse board is one of the biggest electrical safety risks in any UK property. Pulse Electrical London replaces old fuse boards with modern 18th Edition metal-clad consumer units featuring life-saving RCD and RCBO protection, bringing your home's electrical core up to the highest current safety standards.

Key Benefits

Modern RCD/RCBO protection for every individual circuit

Fully Compliant with BS 7671 18th Edition Amendment 2

Massively prevents electrical fires and fatal electric shocks

Same-day installation with minimal power downtime

Full rigorous circuit testing and NICEIC certification included

Surge protection (SPD) fitted as standard on all new installs

Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?

The consumer unit (fuse box) is the beating heart of your electrical system. Older properties often still rely on wooden-backed fuse boards or plastic units with rewireable fuses (Wylex standard). These legacy boards offer zero protection against fatal electric shocks (no RCDs) and are constructed from combustible materials which pose a severe fire hazard. By upgrading, you introduce Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent (RCBOs) that detect microscopic faults and cut the power in milliseconds—saving lives and preventing property fires.

What Does the Upgrade Process Involve?

Initial Load Assessment: We calculate your maximum demand, ensuring the new board can handle modern loads like EV chargers, electric showers, and induction hobs.
Safe Isolation & Removal: The main supply is securely locked off, and the dangerous old board is systematically dismantled and disposed of.
Installation of the New Board: We mount a robust, non-combustible metal-clad consumer unit. We highly recommend all-RCBO boards, meaning if one circuit faults (e.g., a toaster trips), only the kitchen sockets lose power, keeping your lights and fridge running perfectly.
Surge Protection Device (SPD): Included as standard, an SPD protects your costly electronics (TVs, PCs, smart appliances) from destructive over-voltage spikes originating from the national grid or lightning strikes.
Main Earthing & Bonding: We ensure your gas and water pipes are safely bonded to earth, commonly upgrading main earthing tails to 16mm² to comply with modern safety standards.
Full Certification: Every circuit is vigorously tested for insulation degradation and earth fault loop impedance. We then issue a comprehensive Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).