How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuse Box in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
27 October 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuse Box in the UK?
The typical cost to replace a fuse box in the UK is between £550 and £950 in 2026. This InstantCost guide price covers a modern consumer unit supplied and fitted, including suitable protective devices, electrical testing, certification and Part P notification where applicable.
The final fuse box replacement cost can be higher if testing finds damaged wiring, poor earthing, missing bonding, crossed circuits or other faults that must be corrected before the new consumer unit can be safely commissioned.
Quick answer:
Typical consumer unit replacement cost: £550 to £950
Electrical Installation Condition Report: £150 to £350
Electrician hourly rate: £40 to £75
Short-job call-out charge: £40 to £80
Partial rewire, if separately required: £1,800 to £4,000
Full three-bedroom house rewire, if separately required: £3,500 to £6,500
Prices were checked against InstantCost’s UK electrician data on 27 October 2026. They are budgeting estimates, not fixed quotations. The exact cost depends on the property, number of circuits, consumer unit specification, location and condition of the existing wiring.
Fuse box replacement cost breakdown
Electrical work | Typical 2026 cost | What the figure covers |
|---|---|---|
Fuse box or consumer unit replacement | £550 to £950 | Typical supplied and fitted replacement with protective devices, testing and applicable notification. |
EICR | £150 to £350 | Inspection of the property’s fixed electrical installation. This may be quoted separately. |
Electrician labour | £40 to £75 per hour | Useful when additional investigation or remedial work is charged by time. |
Call-out charge | £40 to £80 | May apply to an initial inspection. Ask whether the first hour is included. |
Partial rewire | £1,800 to £4,000 | Only relevant if significant circuit replacement is separately required. |
Full three-bedroom house rewire | £3,500 to £6,500 | A separate project, not a normal part of changing a consumer unit. |
A new consumer unit does not automatically mean a rewire. Existing circuits can often remain if inspection and testing show that they are safe and suitable. Remedial work should be based on actual test results, not the age of the fuse box alone.
What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?
Fuse box is the familiar name many homeowners use for the equipment that distributes electricity around the property and protects its circuits. Consumer unit is the modern technical term commonly used by electricians.
An older fuse box may contain rewirable fuses or cartridge fuses. A modern consumer unit normally uses circuit breakers and additional protective devices that can disconnect the electricity when certain faults are detected.
The consumer unit is not the same as:
The electricity meter
The supplier’s or network operator’s main service fuse
The incoming supply cable
A separate distribution board serving an extension or outbuilding
If a quotation refers to the service fuse, meter equipment or incoming supply, ask who owns that equipment and who is authorised to work on it. These items may involve the electricity supplier, meter operator or distribution network operator rather than only the domestic electrician.
What does a £550 to £950 replacement normally include?
A properly itemised consumer unit replacement quotation should normally cover more than the physical box. Ask whether it includes:
An assessment of the existing installation
Safe isolation of the electrical supply
Removal of the old fuse box or consumer unit
The replacement enclosure and protective devices
Surge protection where included in the design
Connection and identification of existing circuits
Inspection and testing before and after the change
An Electrical Installation Certificate
Building Regulations notification where required
Updated circuit labels and notices
Removal of the old unit and normal installation waste
VAT where applicable
InstantCost publishes £550 to £950 as a combined supply-and-fit range. It does not split that figure into a fixed product price and fixed labour price because consumer unit size, protective devices and testing time differ between homes.
Check the cost of your consumer unit replacement
Choose your region and electrical work to see a current UK estimate before comparing written quotations.
Why does the consumer unit replacement cost vary?
Number of circuits
A small flat with a limited number of circuits may need a smaller consumer unit than a large house with electric heating, outdoor power, solar equipment, an EV charger or several outbuildings.
The electrician should allow enough usable ways for the existing installation and any agreed future provision. A larger unit and more protective devices increase both material and testing costs.
Type of circuit protection
A quotation may specify a shared RCD arrangement, individual RCBO protection or another design selected for the property. These are not identical products.
Individual RCBOs can reduce the number of circuits affected by one fault, but the correct design depends on the installation. Ask the electrician to explain the proposed protective arrangement rather than comparing only the enclosure size.
Surge protection
A surge protection device, commonly called an SPD, is designed to limit certain transient overvoltages. Check whether the quotation includes surge protection and whether any decision to include or omit it has been properly assessed and documented.
Condition of the existing circuits
Changing the consumer unit brings the electrician into direct contact with every connected circuit. Testing can reveal problems that were not visible while the old fuse box was in service.
Possible findings include:
Damaged cable insulation
Borrowed or crossed connections between circuits
Missing or ineffective earthing
Inadequate bonding
Neutral-to-earth faults
Incorrect circuit identification
Overloaded or altered circuits
Accessories showing heat damage
Unsafe previous DIY work
These faults are not created by the new consumer unit. They become visible because the circuits are being inspected and tested more thoroughly.
Location and access
A consumer unit positioned in a clear utility cupboard is easier to replace than one boxed behind furniture, fitted close to other equipment or located in a confined area.
Extra work may be required when the existing cables are too short, the enclosure is mounted on an unsuitable surface or the replacement needs a new position.
Regional labour costs
Electricians in London and the South East commonly charge more than those in the Midlands, North and Wales. InstantCost’s national electrician rate is £40 to £75 per hour, with London and South East rates generally towards the upper end.
Do you need an EICR before replacing a fuse box?
A separate Electrical Installation Condition Report is not automatically required before every consumer unit replacement. However, the electrician must assess and test the circuits that will be connected to the new unit.
An EICR can be useful when:
The installation has not been inspected for many years
The wiring history is unknown
The property has recurring electrical faults
You are buying, selling or renting out the property
The electrician suspects wider defects
You want to understand possible remedial costs before approving the replacement
InstantCost places an EICR at approximately £150 to £350, depending on the property size and number of circuits. Ask whether pre-replacement testing is included in the consumer unit quote or whether a separate report is being recommended.
Does an old fuse box always need replacing?
No. An older fuse box is not automatically unsafe simply because a newer design is available. Electrical standards develop over time, but existing installations are not normally required to be replaced solely because they were installed under an earlier edition of the rules.
Replacement may be recommended when:
The unit is damaged, cracked, loose or showing heat damage
There is no suitable fault or shock protection for the installation
The equipment contains obsolete or unsafe components
The board cannot safely accommodate required new circuits
Testing identifies defects that make continued use unsafe
The enclosure or internal connections have deteriorated
A major alteration requires a different protective arrangement
A plastic consumer unit or the absence of the latest features does not, by itself, tell you the condition of every circuit. Ask for an inspection and a written explanation of any recommendation.
Understanding EICR codes before approving work
If the replacement is recommended following an EICR, the report should identify why. Common classification codes include:
Code | Meaning | What it means for the customer |
|---|---|---|
C1 | Danger present | Immediate action is required to remove the danger. |
C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial action is required. |
FI | Further investigation required | More investigation is needed without unnecessary delay. |
C3 | Improvement recommended | The observation is not normally treated in the same way as C1 or C2. |
Ask which observations relate directly to the consumer unit and which concern the wider wiring. Replacing the box will not automatically repair a damaged cable, unsafe socket or fault elsewhere in the property.
Could remedial work increase the cost?
Yes. The £550 to £950 range assumes a normal replacement rather than extensive repairs to the existing installation.
Additional work could involve:
Correcting circuit defects
Improving earthing or bonding
Extending cables that cannot safely reach the new terminals
Separating incorrectly combined circuits
Replacing damaged accessories
Installing a suitable isolator by the responsible party
Moving the consumer unit
Repairing the wall or enclosure around the board
InstantCost does not publish one fixed price for each possible fault. The electrician should identify the problem, explain why it matters and provide a revised written price before completing substantial additional work.
Does changing the fuse box mean the house needs rewiring?
No. A consumer unit replacement and a rewire are separate jobs. Existing circuits can normally remain when testing confirms that they are safe, correctly arranged and suitable for connection to the new unit.
If serious or widespread wiring defects are found, the electrician may recommend partial or full rewiring. InstantCost’s 2026 figures place a partial rewire at £1,800 to £4,000 and a full three-bedroom house rewire at £3,500 to £6,500.
These rewire prices should not be added to an ordinary fuse box quote unless inspection provides evidence that the extra work is needed. Ask for the circuit test results and a separate scope for any proposed rewiring.
How long does a fuse box replacement take?
A straightforward domestic consumer unit replacement commonly occupies much of a working day because every circuit must be identified, connected and tested. Larger installations and properties with faults can take longer.
The electricity will be switched off for part of the work. Before the appointment:
Charge phones, laptops and essential battery equipment
Tell the electrician about medical equipment that needs electricity
Save work and shut computers down safely
Avoid repeatedly opening the fridge or freezer
Arrange access to every relevant socket, light and fixed appliance
Clear the area around the consumer unit
Tell household members when the power will be unavailable
Do not assume the power can be restored at a fixed time if testing reveals a dangerous defect. Ask how the electrician will deal with a circuit that cannot be safely reconnected.
What certificates should you receive?
A consumer unit replacement is more than maintenance of a single accessory. The completed installation should be inspected and tested, and the electrician should provide the appropriate documentation.
For a normal domestic replacement, ask about:
An Electrical Installation Certificate
A schedule of inspections
A schedule of circuit test results
Updated circuit identification
A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate where notification applies
Product and workmanship warranty information
An Electrical Installation Certificate records the new work. It is not the same document as an EICR, which reports on the condition of an existing electrical installation.
What should a consumer unit quote say?
Quote item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
Consumer unit | Make, model, size and number of usable ways |
Protective devices | Type and number of RCDs, RCBOs or other devices |
Surge protection | Whether an SPD is included and how the decision was made |
Testing | Pre-work assessment and final circuit testing |
Remedial work | What is included and how unexpected faults will be priced |
Certification | Electrical Installation Certificate and test schedules |
Notification | Who will complete it and whether the cost is included |
Finishing | Labels, waste removal and any wall repairs |
Total | Whether VAT, parking and other charges are included |
Common fuse box quotation mistakes
Comparing only the headline price without checking the unit specification
Assuming testing and certification are automatically included
Confusing an EICR with the completion certificate for the new work
Accepting an unexplained rewire recommendation
Not asking how unexpected circuit faults will be charged
Assuming an old plastic enclosure automatically proves the installation is unsafe
Not checking whether surge protection is included
Ignoring who will arrange the required notification
Paying the full amount before receiving the agreed certificates
Should you replace the consumer unit before installing an EV charger?
Not automatically. The existing consumer unit, available capacity, earthing and proposed charger circuit should be assessed as part of the installation design.
Some homes can accommodate a new charger circuit without complete consumer unit replacement. Others may need additional equipment, a separate enclosure or a broader upgrade. The correct solution depends on the actual installation rather than the consumer unit’s age alone.
If an EV charger is the reason for the assessment, compare the separate cable, charger and electrical upgrade costs using InstantCost’s
EV charger installation calculator.
Can you replace a fuse box yourself?
No homeowner should treat a consumer unit replacement as a DIY job. It involves the origin of the property’s electrical installation, high fault currents, circuit design, safe isolation, inspection and specialist testing.
Parts of the incoming supply can remain live even when the consumer unit’s main switch is turned off. The electricity network’s service fuse and sealed equipment must not be removed or altered by an unauthorised person.
Fuse box replacement safety and legal requirements
Stop using the installation and arrange urgent professional advice if the fuse box is smoking, sparking, crackling, unusually hot or giving off a burning smell. Do not remove covers, touch damaged equipment or repeatedly reset a device that continues to trip.
In England, replacing a consumer unit is notifiable electrical work. A registered electrician can normally complete the required testing and notification through an authorised competent person scheme. Alternative Building Control arrangements must be agreed before the work when the chosen installer cannot self-certify.
The official GOV.UK Approved Document P guidance explains electrical safety requirements and notification in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own building standards and compliance processes, so confirm the local requirements before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a fuse box in the UK?
The typical cost to replace a fuse box in the UK is £550 to £950 in 2026. This covers a normal modern consumer unit replacement with testing, certification and applicable notification. Existing circuit defects, access problems or wider wiring work can increase the final price.
What is the average consumer unit replacement cost?
InstantCost’s current national guide places consumer unit replacement at £550 to £950 supplied and fitted. Property size, circuit count, protective device type, regional labour rates and remedial work determine where a quotation falls within or beyond that range.
What affects the cost of changing an electric fuse box?
The cost of changing an electric fuse box depends on the number of circuits, unit specification, access, testing time, regional labour rates and condition of the existing wiring. Earthing, bonding or circuit defects discovered during testing may need separately priced remedial work.
Does the cost of replacing an electric fuse box include testing?
A complete replacement quote should include the inspection and testing required for the new work. Ask whether a separate EICR is also proposed. You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and test schedules after the replacement is completed.
Is a £1,000 consumer unit quote too expensive?
Not necessarily. InstantCost’s guide reaches £950 for a normal replacement, and a larger unit, London labour, difficult access or justified remedial work can push the total higher. Compare the specification, testing, certification and included repairs rather than judging only the final number.
Do I need a new fuse box because mine is plastic?
Not solely because it is plastic. Its condition, location, protective devices and wider installation must be assessed. An older board may justify improvement, but age or enclosure material alone does not prove that immediate replacement or a complete rewire is required.
Will a new consumer unit stop circuits from tripping?
Not if the tripping is caused by damaged wiring or a faulty appliance. A new unit may detect an existing fault more reliably, but the underlying problem still requires diagnosis and repair. Ask the electrician to identify the affected circuit and test the cause.
Does replacing a consumer unit require a full rewire?
No. Most replacement projects do not automatically require full rewiring. Existing circuits may be reconnected when they pass the required inspection and tests. Partial or full rewiring should be recommended only when the condition of the wiring provides a clear technical reason.
Do I need an EICR before changing the fuse box?
Not in every case. The electrician must still assess and test the circuits connected to the replacement. A separate EICR can be useful when the installation is old, its history is unknown or you want to identify potential remedial work before approving the project.
How long will the electricity be turned off?
The supply will be unavailable for part of the installation, which commonly occupies much of a working day. The exact outage depends on circuit count, access and test results. Tell the electrician in advance about medical equipment or other essential electrical requirements.
Compare local fuse box replacement prices
Use your region and job details to check a current estimate, then compare itemised quotes for the unit, protective devices, testing and certification.