Fuse board upgrades in Hugglescote from Watsons Electrical Hugglescote Ltd
Fuse board upgrades in Hugglescote: Watsons Electrical Hugglescote Ltd replaces old fuse boards with modern consumer units in homes in Hugglescote and the surrounding areas. A new consumer unit gives better protection against electrical faults and can take extra circuits. Every installation is tested once it is finished. Call 07359 854049 to arrange a quotation.
If your existing fuse board is old, damaged or no longer suitable for your electrical requirements, upgrading it will improve the safety and reliability of your electrical system. Modern electrical installations place greater demands on a system than older fuse boards were designed to handle.
We provide reliable electrical services for domestic properties throughout Hugglescote. If you require a fuse board upgrade in Hugglescote, call 07359 854049 to discuss your requirements and arrange a quotation.
At a glance
- Service
- Replacing an old fuse board with a modern consumer unit
- Where
- Hugglescote and the surrounding areas. Based at 25 Lowe Street, Hugglescote, Coalville, LE67 2EZ
- How long
- Typically a few hours to a day for a standard home. Power is off during the work
- Testing
- Every installation is tested following completion
- Building Regulations
- Notifiable under Part P in England
- How to book
- Call 07359 854049 or send an enquiry
What is a fuse board and what is a consumer unit?
A fuse board is the older name for the box that distributes electricity to the circuits in a home, and a consumer unit is the modern version. Older boards use fuses that melt or need rewiring, while modern consumer units use circuit breakers and RCDs that switch off quickly when they detect a fault.
When is a fuse board upgrade needed?
You may need to consider a fuse board upgrade if:
- Your existing fuse board is old or outdated
- You are having electrical work carried out
- You are adding new circuits to your property
- Your existing consumer unit shows signs of damage
- Your electrical installation requires improved protection
- You are renovating or rewiring your property
If you are unsure whether your fuse board needs replacing, we can inspect your existing installation and advise on the most suitable option. Our guide explains when to replace a fuse board in more detail.
How do old fuse boards and modern consumer units differ?
| Older fuse board | Modern consumer unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection devices | Rewirable or cartridge fuses | Circuit breakers (MCBs) or RCBOs |
| Shock protection | Often limited or none | RCD protection, which cuts the power quickly on a fault |
| Enclosure | May be plastic or wooden, depending on age | Current wiring regulations call for a non-combustible enclosure in homes |
| After a fault | A fuse has to be replaced or rewired | The breaker is reset once the fault is cleared |
How does a fuse board upgrade work?
A fuse board upgrade follows a set order:
- Inspect. We assess your existing fuse board and installation.
- Agree the new unit. We recommend a suitable consumer unit based on the age, condition and requirements of your electrical system.
- Replace. The power is isolated, the old board is removed and the new consumer unit is fitted and connected.
- Label. Each circuit is identified so you know what every breaker controls.
- Test. Every installation is tested following completion, and you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate.
How long does a fuse board upgrade take and what affects the cost?
A standard upgrade in a home typically takes a few hours to a day, and your power is off while the work is carried out. Each property differs, so we arrange a quotation once we have discussed your requirements. The main factors are:
- The number of circuits to connect
- The type of consumer unit (for example RCD-protected breakers or individual RCBOs)
- Where the existing board is and how easy it is to reach
- Whether earthing and bonding need attention
- Any faults or remedial work found during testing
Do I need to notify Building Control for a fuse board upgrade?
Yes. Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in England, so the work must be carried out by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme or be notified to Building Control. Our Part P guide explains what counts as notifiable work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fuse board upgrade cost?
The cost depends on the number of circuits, the type of consumer unit fitted and how easy the old board is to reach. Any extra work found during the inspection also affects the price. Call 07359 854049 to arrange a quotation.
How long does a fuse board upgrade take?
A standard consumer unit replacement in a home typically takes a few hours to a day. Power is off to the house while the work is carried out. Ask for a timescale when you request your quotation.
Is it a legal requirement to replace an old fuse board?
There is no general legal requirement for homeowners to upgrade a working fuse board. Private landlords in England must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every five years, and an old fuse board may be recorded as needing improvement.
Can I change a consumer unit myself?
No. Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in England. It needs a competent electrician who can test the installation afterwards and arrange the notification.
Can a fuse board upgrade be done as part of a rewire?
Yes. A full or part rewire is a common time to fit a new consumer unit, because the circuits are being reconnected anyway. Tell us if you are renovating and we can plan both together.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: by Watsons Electrical Hugglescote Ltd. Questions about your own property? Call 07359 854049.