How Much Does a Consumer Unit Upgrade Cost in 2026?

By Tim · Published 2026-02-05 · 6 min read

Your consumer unit (fuse box) is the heart of your home’s electrical system. If you’ve got an old-style unit with rewirable fuses, a plastic enclosure, or no RCD protection, it’s time to upgrade. Here’s what’s involved and what it costs in the Dorset area.

When Do You Need an Upgrade?

• Your fuse box still has rewirable fuses (wire and ceramic holders)
• It has a plastic enclosure (modern units must be metal — amendment 3 of BS 7671)
• There’s no RCD protection (the devices that protect against electric shock)
• You’re having other significant electrical work done (rewire, new circuits)
• Your EICR has flagged the consumer unit as a C2 (potentially dangerous)

What Does the Work Involve?

A consumer unit upgrade typically takes a full day and involves:

• Isolating the supply and removing the old unit
• Installing a new metal consumer unit (usually Hager or Wylex)
• Fitting MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) for each circuit
• Installing RCDs (residual current devices) for shock protection
• Optional surge protection (SPD — now required in new installations)
• Full testing and certification of every circuit
• Issuing an Electrical Installation Certificate

Consumer Unit Upgrade Costs

• Standard upgrade (small property, up to 8 circuits): From £450
• Standard upgrade (3-bed house, 10–12 circuits): From £500
• Large property (15+ circuits, dual RCD): From £700
• With surge protection (SPD) add: £80–£120

These prices include the consumer unit, all MCBs and RCDs, labour, full testing, and an Electrical Installation Certificate. They’re based on a straightforward replacement — if additional work is needed (e.g., upgrading earthing), we’ll quote separately.

Get a Quote

Every property is different. For an accurate quote for your consumer unit upgrade, call 07809 680068 or message us on WhatsApp. We’ll arrange a free visit to assess your existing installation.