The average cost of replacing a fuse box is between £440 and £500 depending on the consumer unit used. This can range from £270 as high as £750.
Average Cost
We contacted 37 different electricians for quotes on replacing a fuse box or consumer unit. Prices exclude VAT.
| Fuse Box Replacement | Average | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| 10 way dual RCD consumer unit (supply & install) | £440 | £270 – £650 |
| 15 way dual RCD consumer unit (supply & install) | £500 | £330 – £750 |
Generally the smaller the house, the fewer the circuits needed, hence the two different prices above.
Most quotes will include an electrical safety certificate, which is required when changing a fuse box. However, if it isn’t included, you can expect to pay £100 – £150 extra for one on top of the initial quote.
Before a consumer unit is replaced, it is best practice and recommended to have an electrical inspection carried out. This is because when a fusebox has upgraded all circuits in the house must be tested.
Some contractors may replace the consumer unit without a test but you may have wiring issues that an older consumer unit will not pick up. This can cause tripping issues and far higher costs in the long run.
If a test is done beforehand, you will have a template for what is required to bring the electrical installation up to date.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Size of House
This cost is factored into the quotes given above. Larger houses are more likely to need a 15-way dual RCD consumer unit. Generally, the bigger the house, the more circuits there are and the bigger the fuse box required.
Do Gas and Water Pipes Need Bonding?
The gas and water pipes aren’t usually bonded. This means a 10mm earth cable needs to be taken from the fusebox to the water stop cock and gas meter. This ensures the installation complies with current regulations but does add extra costs.
State of Original Wiring
This is often related to the age of the property. Older houses are more likely to have issues and may require some rewiring, which will need to be done to meet building regulations. This cost will be in addition to any quote for replacing the fuse box.
An electrical safety report will undercover wiring issues that an older consumer unit will not pick up.
Lighting may also need to be looked at. Any downlights need to be fire-rated and lighting in bathrooms must be IP-rated suitable for use within the bathroom environment.
Location
Labour costs in London and the south of England are generally more expensive than elsewhere.
If the contractor needs to travel beyond a certain radius, they may add an extra fee. Unless you live in a very rural location or want to use an electrician that operates further afield, you shouldn’t need to pay extra.
Why Do You Need a New Fuse Box?
A fuse box, commonly known as a consumer unit nowadays controls and distributes the electricity in your home. They cut the power whenever an overload in one of the circuits has occurred, thus preventing fire and electrical damage.
Fuse boxes were used regularly in homes but consumer units are quickly replacing them. When your fuse box breaks down, it’s a good idea to use consumer units as they are safer and comply with building regulations whilst being easier to use.
If you are extending your home, upgrading to a larger capacity model allows you to use more power with the power overloading.
Get Pricing on Replacing a Fuse Box Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay to replace or install a new fuse box.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed quote specifically for you.
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