Consumer Unit Changes and Fuse Board Upgrades
A consumer unit change replaces your old fuse board with a modern unit fitted with RCD protection and circuit breakers that meet current wiring regulations. Sidcup Electrical replaces consumer units across Sidcup and South East London, typically completed in a single day, with full testing and certification included in the price.
Old fuse boards, especially the rewireable or wooden backed ones still found in a lot of older Sidcup and Eltham houses, don't offer the protection modern regulations expect.
I replace them with a modern consumer unit fitted with proper RCD protection on every circuit, so a fault trips safely instead of becoming a shock or fire risk. Most changes are completed in a single day with minimal disruption.
Everything is tested and certified before I leave, and I'll talk you through what's changed so you understand what you're now protected against.
What's included
Modern RCD protection
Every circuit protected by a residual current device to current regulations.
Usually completed in a day
Most residential consumer unit changes are done and tested within a single working day.
Full testing and certification
Every circuit is tested after the change and a certificate is issued.
Minimal disruption
Power is only off for the duration of the swap, and I keep mess to a minimum.
Clear labelling
The new consumer unit is properly labelled so you know exactly what each circuit controls.
Honest advice on what's needed
If your existing board is genuinely fine, I'll tell you rather than push an unnecessary change.
How it works
1. Assessment
I look at your existing board and wiring to confirm what's needed and give you a clear price.
2. Scheduled change
Power is isolated and the old unit removed, usually with minimal downtime.
3. New unit fitted
A modern consumer unit with RCD protection is installed and properly labelled.
4. Test and certify
Every circuit is tested and a certificate issued before I finish up.
Consumer Unit Changes questions
Most residential consumer unit changes are completed in a single day, including testing and certification, though larger properties with more circuits can take slightly longer.
Pricing depends on the number of circuits and the current condition of your wiring. Call 07891 438223 for a clear quote based on your property.
Not necessarily. Older rewireable or wooden backed fuse boards lack modern RCD protection and are worth upgrading, but if your existing unit is genuinely fine, I will tell you rather than push an unnecessary job.
Yes, power is isolated for the duration of the swap, which is typically a few hours, and I will let you know in advance roughly how long to expect.
An RCD, or residual current device, cuts power almost instantly if it detects a fault, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock or fire compared to older fuse boards without this protection.
Yes, every consumer unit change is tested and certified to current wiring regulations before the job is signed off.
Yes, older housing stock in Eltham and similar areas often has dated fuse boards, and replacing them with a modern, RCD protected unit is one of the most common jobs Sidcup Electrical carries out.
Some insurers ask about the condition of your electrics, and having a modern, certified consumer unit can be a positive when discussing cover, though you should confirm specific requirements with your insurer.
In most cases, yes, though some older properties need minor adjustments. This is assessed and confirmed as part of the initial quote so there are no surprises on the day.
Sidcup Electrical covers consumer unit changes across Sidcup, Eltham, Crayford, Dartford, Welling and New Eltham.