Ultimate Guide to Consumer Unit Installation in London
Introduction
A consumer unit (also known as a fuse box or distribution board) is the central hub of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to different circuits while protecting against electrical faults, fires, and electric shocks.
In London, where electrical safety standards are strictly enforced, having a properly installed and up-to-date consumer unit is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement for most properties. This guide provides a detailed, 3000+ word breakdown of everything you need to know, including:
✅ What a consumer unit is & why it’s important
✅ Legal requirements & regulations (BS 7671, Part P)
✅ Types of consumer units (metal vs. plastic, single vs. three-phase)
✅ Signs you need a replacement
✅ Costs of installation in London (2024 prices)
✅ How to choose a qualified electrician
✅ FAQs & safety tips
We’ll also include helpful tables, official UK government & electrical safety links, and contact details for trusted professionals like NORM Electrical Engineering (Tel: 0208 245 8400 / 07724 308 998).
1. What Is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit is a safety-critical electrical panel that:
✔ Distributes electricity to circuits (lights, sockets, appliances)
✔ Protects against overloads, short circuits, and electric shocks
✔ Houses MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers), RCDs (Residual Current Devices), and sometimes SPDs (Surge Protection Devices)
Old vs. New Consumer Units
| Feature | Old Fuse Box (Pre-2000s) | Modern Consumer Unit (BS 7671 Compliant) |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Rewirable fuses (dangerous) | MCBs (automatically trip) |
| RCD Protection | None (high shock risk) | Mandatory (saves lives) |
| Material | Plastic (fire risk) | Metal (fireproof, required in most homes) |
| Surge Protection | No | Recommended (protects electronics) |
🔗 Official UK Electrical Safety Guidance: Electrical Safety First
2. Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
Legal Requirements in London
Since January 2016, UK wiring regulations (BS 7671:18th Edition) require:
✔ Metal consumer units (due to fire resistance)
✔ Dual RCD protection (or RCBOs for individual circuit protection)
✔ Surge protection (SPD) in many cases (to protect electronics)
🔗 Part P Building Regulations (Gov.uk): Planning Portal – Electrical Safety
Signs You Need a Replacement
⚠ Frequent tripping of fuses/MCBs
⚠ Burning smells or scorch marks near the fuse box
⚠ No RCD protection (older units lack shock protection)
⚠ Plastic consumer unit (now considered a fire hazard)
3. Types of Consumer Units
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Switch Only | Small homes | Simple, cost-effective | No RCD protection |
| Dual RCD | Most homes (compliant) | Full shock protection | One fault trips multiple circuits |
| High Integrity (RCBOs) | Large homes, offices | Individual circuit protection | More expensive |
| Three-Phase | Commercial properties | Handles high power loads | Complex installation |
4. Cost of Consumer Unit Installation in London (2024)
| Service | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Upgrade (6-10 circuits) | £400 – £600 | Metal unit, dual RCD |
| Full Rewire + New Consumer Unit | £1,500 – £3,500 | Includes testing & certification |
| RCBO Consumer Unit | £600 – £900 | Best for avoiding nuisance trips |
| EICR Test (Required for Landlords) | £120 – £200 | Mandatory every 5 years |
🔗 Check a Registered Electrician: NICEIC Find an Electrician
5. Choosing a Qualified Electrician in London
🚨 Never hire an unregistered electrician!
✔ Check NICEIC/NAPIT registration
✔ Get multiple quotes
✔ **Ask for a Part P Certificate (legally required)
Recommended Provider:
🔹 NORM Electrical Engineering
📞 0208 245 8400 | 07724 308 998
✔ NAPIT Registered ✔ BS 7671 Compliant ✔ Free Quotes
6. FAQs
Q: Is a consumer unit upgrade mandatory?
A: If your unit is plastic or lacks RCDs, yes—for safety and insurance compliance.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: 4-8 hours (longer if rewiring is needed).
Q: Can I install a consumer unit myself?
A: No! Only qualified electricians should handle this—DIY work is illegal under Part P.
Conclusion
Upgrading your consumer unit in London is a legal and safety-critical task. Always hire a registered electrician, ensure metal/RCD compliance, and get an EICR certificate for insurance purposes.
📞 Need a trusted electrician? Contact:
NORM Electrical Engineering
☎ 0208 245 8400 | 07724 308 998
🔗 More Safety Info:
Norm Electrical Engineering
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