Fixington

New Electric Fuse Box

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

A new electric fuse box is a common upgrade for many UK homes, especially older properties or those undergoing renovations. The fuse box, also called a consumer unit, is the control centre for your home’s electrical system. It distributes power around your house and protects your wiring and appliances by tripping (cutting power) if there’s a fault or overload.

You might need a new fuse box if your current one is outdated, no longer meets UK safety standards, or doesn’t support your household’s electrical needs. Modern consumer units often use circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs) or miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), which offer better protection than older fuse-based units.

Replacing a fuse box is an important job for safety, compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations (electrical safety in domestic premises), and peace of mind.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing a new electric fuse box means safely disconnecting your old unit, taking off the existing wiring connections, and fitting the new consumer unit in its place.

The new fuse box will generally include:

  • A main switch to turn off all power in an emergency
  • Circuit breakers or fuses for each ring main, lighting circuit, cooker, or special appliances
  • Residual current devices (RCDs) to detect leaks of current that can cause electric shocks
  • Proper labelling of all circuits for easy identification

Your electrician will test the wiring and circuits to make sure everything is safe and working properly before switching the power back on.

Because the fuse box connects directly to your mains electricity supply, all work must be carried out by a qualified and Part P registered electrician. This ensures your home’s electrical system is safe and passes any necessary inspections or insurance requirements.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Enquiry and initial discussion: Contact a qualified electrician to explain your needs. They may ask questions about your current installation and electrical usage.
  2. Survey and quote: The electrician visits your home, assesses your existing fuse box and wiring, and recommends the suitable new consumer unit. They provide a written quote covering work, parts, and certification.
  3. Booking the work: Once you agree, a date is arranged to carry out the installation.
  4. Day of works:
    • The electrician isolates your power supply safely.
    • Removes your old fuse box carefully.
    • Installs the new consumer unit, reconnects circuits, and fits protective devices.
    • Conducts all necessary electrical tests under industry standards (BS 7671).
  5. Final inspection and certification: The electrician issues an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate. If upgrading an old installation, they notify your local building control authority to meet Part P requirements.
  6. Aftercare advice: The electrician explains how to use your new fuse box, what to do in emergencies, and how to reset circuit breakers if one trips.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Electricians usually charge between £40–£70 per hour. A typical fuse box replacement might take 4–8 hours depending on complexity.
  • Materials and parts: New consumer units range from £100 to £300+ depending on features (number of ways, type of breakers, RCDs).
  • Extras: Additional wiring, new breakers for extra circuits, or upgrades to earthing/ bonding can add costs.
  • Disposal: Removing and disposing of the old unit is often included but double-check.
  • Certification: Electrical certificates may have a separate fee of around £50–£100.

Example itemisation:

  • Labour (6 hours @ £50/hr): £300
  • New fuse box (12-way with RCD): £180
  • Additional circuit breaker: £20
  • Certification: £75
  • Total estimate: £575 (excluding VAT)

📊 What affects the price

  • Access: Difficult or cramped locations can lengthen installation time.
  • Complexity: Older homes might have outdated wiring that needs repair or replacement.
  • Regulations and certification: Meeting Part P and BS 7671 standards may require extra inspections or paperwork.
  • Remedial works: If earthing or bonding needs upgrading, this increases cost.
  • Location: Prices vary around the UK; bigger cities often have higher rates.
  • Timeline: Emergency or out-of-hours work will cost more.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Straight swap: If your existing wiring is in good order and the replacement box is the same size, expect 4–6 hours.
  • Complex install: If rewiring work, multiple circuit changes, or safety upgrades are needed, the job can take 1–2 days.

Your electrician will advise a timeframe after their survey.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Replacing a fuse box yourself is strongly discouraged and likely illegal in the UK. It involves handling mains electricity, which can be lethal if done incorrectly.

UK wiring work that affects the consumer unit must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations and be certified by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme.

Incorrect installation risks electric shock, fire, invalidating insurance, and failing safety inspections.

It’s strongly advised to hire a Gas Safe registered and Part P certified electrician who will issue the necessary paperwork and ensure your home meets all safety standards.

💰 Typical UK price range

A new electric fuse box installation typically costs between £400 and £1,000 for a standard domestic property. This depends on the factors mentioned above.

Prices usually include VAT at 20%, but always check your electrician’s quote for confirmation.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Make sure your electrician is qualified and registered for Part P electrical works.
  • Clear the area around your fuse box for easy access on the day.
  • Ask about the warranty on parts and work — a good electrician should offer at least 12 months.
  • Keep all certification and paperwork safely for future home sales or insurance purposes.
  • Test your new fuse box a few days after installation by switching circuits off and on to familiarise yourself with how it works.
  • Never attempt to reset a tripped breaker if you don’t understand the cause — contact your electrician.

A new electric fuse box is an important investment in your home’s safety and electrical efficiency. With some preparation and a qualified professional, the process is straightforward and gives you peace of mind.