Signs Your Fuse Box Needs Upgrading
- How urgent
- Caution
- Who fixes it
- An electrician
What's happening?
A fuse box that needs upgrading may still be working, but it is not providing the level of protection required by modern standards. Common signs include rewirable fuses, no RCD protection, frequent tripping, inability to add new circuits, physical damage, or having failed an EICR. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit brings your installation in line with the current 18th Edition of BS 7671.
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What usually causes it?
- Board is over 25 years old and uses outdated protection devices
- EICR has identified the consumer unit as unsatisfactory (C2 or C3 codes)
- No space to add circuits for new installations (EV charger, extension, etc.)
- RCD protection is absent or only partial
- Board has been modified with external add-on RCDs or secondary fuse boxes
- Physical damage, burn marks, or corrosion visible on the board
Is it dangerous?
An outdated fuse box is a passive danger: it may work under normal conditions but fail to protect you adequately when a fault occurs. Without RCD protection, earth faults that could cause lethal electric shock may not be detected. Rewirable fuses can be fitted with incorrect fuse wire, defeating overcurrent protection.
Can I fix it myself?
No. Consumer unit replacement requires safe isolation, inspection, testing, and certification by a competent electrician. In England it is notifiable under Part P through either a registered competent person or Building Control.
When should you call an electrician?
Contact an electrician for a quote if you recognise any of the signs above. Many electricians offer free assessments. An upgrade is particularly advisable if you are adding circuits, letting a property, selling a property, or have had an EICR recommend it.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Survey the existing installation to specify the correct replacement board
- Isolate the supply and remove the old fuse box
- Install a new 18th Edition consumer unit with MCBs and RCD/RCBO protection
- Reconnect all circuits and test each one to BS 7671 standards
- Issue an Electrical Installation Certificate
- Notify Building Control (included in the registration scheme)
Who fixes this
What it usually costs
- Fuse Box Replacement Cost
- £350–£800
Questions people ask
How often should a fuse box be replaced?
What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?
Do I need an RCBO board?
Will the electrician need to turn my power off?
Sources & References
Before you book, read how to check an electrician is qualified.
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