COST GUIDES
How much does consumer unit replacement cost in 2026?
Updated 02/26
Average replacement cost
Typically around £485 for a populated 10-way RCBO consumer unit, including installation
Legal requirement
Consumer unit replacement is notifiable electrical work and must be carried out by a Part P-registered electrician
Key cost driver
The number of circuits in your home directly affects the size and price of the consumer unit
Replacing a consumer unit (sometimes called a fuse board) is one of the most important electrical safety upgrades you can make to your home.
The cost of replacing your consumer unit will vary depending on the size of your property, the number of circuits required, and the type of consumer unit installed.
Here, you'll discover how much consumer unit replacement costs in 2026, what affects pricing, inspection requirements, and how to budget accurately using our cost calculator.
Modern consumer units improve electrical safety, meet current regulations, and remove the need to replace fuses after trips.
Average cost of consumer unit replacement
| Fuse box replacement costs | Average cost (+VAT) |
|---|---|
| Cost of populated consumer unit (10 way) - supply only (MCBs) | £120 |
| Cost of populated consumer unit (10 way) - supply only (RCBOs) | £250 |
| Meter tail cables | £4 per m |
| Cost to install consumer unit | £160 |
| Cost to replace circuit breaker | £52.50 |
| Cost to remove a fuse box or consumer unit | £75 |
| Electrical inspection | £210 |
| Electrician hourly rate | £45 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
For most homes, replacing an old fuse box or consumer unit with a 10-way RCBO consumer unit costs around £485.
Typical variations include:
Smaller homes (6 circuits): from £350
Larger homes (12+ circuits): up to £800
More circuits mean a larger consumer unit, additional RCBOs, and longer installation time.
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What affects consumer unit replacement costs?
Understanding the factors that affect the cost of replacing a consumer unit will help explain why quotes can vary:
Number of circuits – the biggest influence on cost
Type of consumer unit – dual RCD, main switch, or high-integrity
Condition of existing wiring – defects must be fixed before replacement
Property size – larger homes usually need higher-capacity boards
Location – labour rates are generally higher in London and the South East
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Consumer unit costs by property size
It's generally more expensive to replace a consumer unit in a larger property because it will usually need more circuits.
Terraced property: £350
Semi-detached property: £550
Large detached property: £750
These figures are average costs for supplying and installing a new consumer unit, assuming wiring is in good condition and no relocation is required.
Types of consumer units and average costs
As the rules that govern how circuits are protected in the UK are quite precise, there are only a few different types of consumer units.
However, in combination with the circuit protection devices they house – MCBs, RCBOs and RCDs – they allow for infinite configurations and circuit design.
| Type of consumer unit | Cost (supply only) |
|---|---|
| Main switch consumer unit part populated | £30–£200 |
| Dual RCD consumer unit part populated | £80–£200 |
| High integrity consumer unit populated | £70–£250 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
Installation labour is typically around £160 regardless of type.
Dual RCD consumer units
Lower upfront cost and easier to configure, but limited circuit separation — a fault can trip multiple circuits.
Main switch consumer units
Each circuit is protected by its own RCBO, offering full circuit separation, but higher component costs.
High-integrity consumer units
A balance between cost and performance, combining RCD/MCB-protected circuits with individual RCBOs for critical circuits.
Everyday circuits like lights and sockets are often grouped under an RCD, meaning a single fault can switch off multiple areas at once. More important circuits can be protected individually using RCBOs, which helps reduce nuisance tripping and unexpected power cuts.
Additional costs to budget for
Some of the additional costs you may need to budget for with consumer unit replacement include:
Moving the consumer unit: £400
Moving consumer unit and incoming mains cable from the street: £2,000+
Meter tail cables: £4 per m
Wiring repairs identified during inspection
How long does it take to replace a consumer unit?
Standard replacement: 4–7 hours
Large or complex installations: up to a full day
If rewiring is required: several days or more
Power will be switched off during installation, so plan around this disruption.
Consumer unit replacement cost calculator
Use our calculator to estimate costs based on the number of circuits, type of consumer unit, and inspection and labour requirements.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. Final costs depend on wiring condition, access, and compliance requirements.
What’s included in consumer unit replacement quotes?
Most quotes include:
Removal of old fuse box or consumer unit
Supply and installation of new consumer unit
Testing and commissioning
Electrical certification
Quotes usually exclude:
Rewiring or fault repairs
Consumer unit relocation
Decorative making-good
Always request a written quote so you can accurately compare prices and check what's included.
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Inspection and legal requirements
Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Part P of Building Regulations.
Before installation, electricians must carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to confirm your wiring is safe.
After completion, you must receive:
An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
Confirmation of Part P compliance
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) typically costs around £210. Find out more in our electrical safety check cost guide.
Hiring a professional vs DIY consumer unit replacement
DIY consumer unit replacement is illegal and unsafe.
A qualified electrician ensures:
Legal compliance
Correct circuit protection
Reduced fire and shock risk
Valid certification for insurance and property sales
Signs you may need a consumer unit replacement
Regular tripping
Burning smells or buzzing noises
Plastic or outdated fuse box
No RCD protection
Home extension increasing electrical demand
Consumer unit replacement cost checklist
Find an electrician near you
Consumer unit replacement is a critical home safety upgrade, so hiring a qualified electrician is crucial.
Search your postcode to compare checked, reviewed electricians working in your area and request quotes with confidence.
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Consumer unit replacement FAQs
How much does it cost to replace a consumer unit in 2026?
Most homes pay around £485, depending on circuit count and unit type.
Is replacing a consumer unit legally required?
It’s not a legal requirement to upgrade your fuse box to a consumer unit, however, outdated fuse boxes aren’t as safe as modern consumer units.
Replacement work must comply with Part P regulations, and once the work is complete, your electrician will provide you with an EIC to prove and certify compliance.
Does replacing a consumer unit require rewiring?
It's not always necessary to rewire before replacing a consumer unit, but your property's wiring must pass inspection before installation.
How often should a consumer unit be inspected?
A consumer unit should be inspected every 10 years for owner-occupied homes and every 5 years for rental properties.
How long does a consumer unit last?
The lifespan of a consumer unit is typically 20–30 years, depending on condition and usage.
Can I replace a consumer unit myself?
No, you can’t replace a consumer unit yourself. You’ll need the help of a qualified electrician — from a legal and safety standpoint.
How long does it take to replace a consumer unit?
The bigger the consumer unit (meaning the more circuits it has), the longer it will take to install. As a guide, plan for between 4–7 hours. Rewiring, if needed, will increase this timeframe.
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