Consumer unit replacement - how much?

Consumer unit / fuse box replacement works include:

• Replacing the consumer unit / fuse box
• Ensuring the earthing is to a suitable standard.
• Testing and inspecting the installation.
  

Replacing a consumer unit (or fuse box as the devices were previously known) should only be undertaken by a competent person. The work comes under Part P of the Building Regulations and must be certified and registered with Building Control. In order for the installation to be certified the installer must undertake a series of checks and test including:

• ensuring the earthing including the equipotential bonding is to a suitable standard. This means the main earth and the earths to the gas and water
• the installation as a whole including the wiring connected to the consumer unit is of a suitable standard. The installer effectively inherits what has gone before. Problems with ring mains, spurs on spurs and other issues can show up during the test and inspection phase.

The IEE 17th Edition (BS7671) came into effect in 2008. The main change at the consumer unit is caused by the requirement that cables in walls typically need to be RCD protected. sAs a result most 17th Edition consumer units have two RCD's to ensure not everything trips at once. There are other solutions including RCBO's (circuit breakers and RCDs incorporated in a single unit) but these tend to cost more.

Your electricity will be turned off whilst the work is undertaken. Freezers will be fine, just keep the door shut. The person carrying out the works may need to arrange temporary lighting. If the consumer unit is in an awkward place e.g. high up on the wall under a ceiling then the work may take longer. If it's under the stairs remember to clear out the cupboard!

• Typical recommend time - 1 day (6 to 8 hours)
• Click here to find out the cost of labour.
  
  

Was this article useful - let us know.

See also an earlier article on the 17th Edition regulations click here).

For a pictorial view of equipotential bonding click here).

For more on electricity and regulations see our technical support section.

Home

Help

Privacy policy

Back to top