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Consumer Unit Replacement Cost Calculator
If you're planning any electrical upgrades to your home and are either concerned about your home's wiring or just don't know what condition it is in, you may also be considering the cost of a new consumer unit.
The average cost to replace a consumer unit in the UK ranges from £350 to £850 for a standard domestic property. For your typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house, you will likely pay between £480 and £640, which will include all of the labour, materials, testing, and certification.
A consumer unit, which is also often referred to as a fuse box, is the main control centre for all of the electrics in your home. Essentially, it distributes electricity to different points and circuits around your home and protects them with safety devices that cut power if a fault occurs.
Typically, homeowners will replace a consumer unit because it is outdated and no longer compliant with current regulations. Additionally, you may want to replace your consumer unit if it frequently trips or has reached capacity, which means no further circuits can be added to it.
If you're planning a renovation, extension, or simply upgrading for safety, our consumer unit replacement cost calculator can help you estimate the likely price of the job before you request a quote.
Consumer Unit Replacement Cost Calculator
Table of Contents
How to Use the Consumer Unit Replacement Cost Calculator
Our cost calculator provides a quick, easy way to estimate the likely cost of replacing a consumer unit in your home. By entering a few simple details above, you will receive results based on typical UK installation costs.
- Job Description — Tell us roughly how many circuits are in your home, which is usually based on the property size. Smaller jobs such as a garage-only circuit are generally cheaper.
- Position — If you are installing the new consumer unit in the same location or nearby, costs will be lower than if you need to move it as longer runs of wiring will be required.
- Other Electrical Work — Some homeowners combine jobs, such as getting an EICR if they are concerned about the condition of the property's wiring, or installing new sockets as part of an upgrade to their home.
- Location — Electricians' rates vary across the UK, so by inputting your location, you can get a more accurate estimate based on electrician labour costs in your area.
The calculator provides an estimate only. An accurate quote will require a qualified electrician to visit your property, inspect the existing installation, and confirm any additional work required.
If you're ready to speak with a professional, visit our electrician services page to connect with tradespeople in your area.
Factors That Affect Your Consumer Unit Replacement Calculator Estimate
There are several key factors that will influence the total consumer unit replacement cost, which is why you should always get and compare quotes from local electricians before going ahead.
The actual quote you receive may land above the calculator's estimate based on these factors:
Number of Circuits
The more circuits your home has, the larger and more complex the unit required. A small flat may have 6 to 8 circuits, while a larger house could have as many as 12 or even more.
Type of Consumer Unit
There are two common modern setups in the UK:
- Dual residual current device (RCD) units — Generally more affordable.
- RCBO units — More expensive, but offer individual circuit protection.
RCBO (residual current breaker with overcurrent protection) boards reduce excessive circuit trips and provide improved safety, which may justify the higher upfront cost of the new consumer unit. Your electrician can advise on which best suits your needs and your budget.
Ease of Access
If the existing unit is difficult to access or requires relocation, labour time increases, and therefore the cost does too.
Condition of Existing Wiring
The condition of your existing wiring and circuitry is crucial to assessing whether it meets the current safety standards. If faults are discovered during testing, repairs may be required before certification can be issued. This is not something that's easy for homeowners to determine on their own.
Testing and Certification
Replacing a consumer unit requires full inspection and testing of all circuits, and upon completion, you should receive:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).
- Building Regulations compliance notification.
Get a Quote for Consumer Unit Replacement
Of course, the most crucial part of any home improvement for a homeowner is the cost. Remember, you can use our calculator to get an instant estimate, and then request a tailored quote from a qualified electrician. Hiring a registered professional ensures:
- Full compliance with current regulations.
- Proper testing and certification.
- Peace of mind that your home is safe.
If you're planning an electrical consumer unit upgrade, it is always advisable to obtain multiple quotes to ensure you receive competitive pricing and clarity on what's included.
Always ensure the electrician has seen the property and inspected the existing fuse box and wiring before giving a quote, that they know where the new consumer unit will be installed (if it needs moving), and if you are planning any work that may require additional circuits, such as installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger or building an extension.
Last updated by MyJobQuote on 4th August 2026.
