Fuse Box Upgrades · RCD Protection
Consumer Unit Replacement in Milton Keynes
We reply within one working day · No obligation · Fixed written quote
Why upgrade
Why Replace Your Old Fuse Box?
The most urgent reason is safety. If your board has rewireable fuses (the ones with a strip of fuse wire inside a porcelain or plastic carrier) or no RCD, there's nothing to cut the power in the split second it takes for an electric shock to cause serious harm. An RCD detects current leaking to earth, through a person for example, and switches off in milliseconds. It's the single biggest safety upgrade most older homes can have.
The second reason is fire. Since 2016, consumer units in UK homes must be made of non-combustible material, which in practice means metal. Many plastic boards fitted before then are still in service. They aren't automatically dangerous, but if yours is being replaced anyway, the new one will be metal-clad.
You may also be told to upgrade by an EICR, a homebuyer survey or an insurer, or you might need more capacity for a new kitchen, an extension, an electric shower or an EV charger. In Milton Keynes we see a lot of original 1970s and 1980s boards that simply weren't designed for the way families use electricity today.
Signs your consumer unit needs replacing
- Rewireable fuses, or a wooden back board
- No RCD, or a single RCD covering everything
- A plastic enclosure, cracked casing, or scorch marks
- Breakers that trip regularly for no clear reason
- An EICR code against the board
Areas we cover
Proud to Serve Milton Keynes & Surrounding Areas
We replace consumer units across Milton Keynes and the surrounding towns. Find your area below.
What's included
What's Included in a Consumer Unit Replacement
A metal-clad 18th Edition board
A quality, non-combustible consumer unit sized for your circuits, with spare ways for future additions.
RCBO / RCD protection
We recommend RCBOs, which combine RCD and breaker protection on each circuit, so one fault won't knock out the whole house.
Surge protection (SPD)
Protection against voltage spikes that can damage TVs, boilers and appliances, fitted where the regulations require it.
Pre-installation testing
We test your existing circuits first. A new RCD can expose hidden faults that an old fuse box was masking, and we'd rather find them before fitting than after.
Labelled circuit schedule
Every circuit clearly labelled, so you know exactly which breaker does what.
EIC & notification
An Electrical Installation Certificate and Part P notification to Building Control. Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work.
Costs
Consumer Unit Replacement Cost in Milton Keynes
Here are typical Milton Keynes prices for replacing a consumer unit, including testing and certification:
| Job | Typical duration | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement (RCD board) | 1 day | £450 – £650 |
| Upgrade with RCBOs + surge protection | 1 day | £650 – £950 |
| Replacement with remedial work (earthing, bonding, faults) | 1–2 days | £900 – £1,500 |
Indicative prices for Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Your fixed price is confirmed after a free survey.
The main thing that changes the price is what we find when we test your existing circuits. If there are faults, such as poor insulation or missing earths, they'll need fixing before a modern board will stay switched on. We'll always explain what we've found and give you the price before doing any extra work.
Why choose us
Why Choose Us for Your Consumer Unit
We test before we fit
Plenty of electricians swap the board and leave. We test first, so your new board doesn't trip the moment we leave.
One day, minimal disruption
Most replacements are done in a single day, with your power off only while the board is changed over.
Quality boards only
We fit reputable metal-clad boards with RCBO protection, not the cheapest box available.
Rewire specialists
If testing shows your wiring is beyond saving, we can advise on a partial or full rewire, without the hard sell.
Time to Replace Your Fuse Box?
Book a free survey and get a fixed price for your new consumer unit.
How it works
Our Consumer Unit Process
Survey
We look at your current board and circuits and agree the right specification.
Fixed quote
A written price, and a date that suits you.
Changeover day
We test, fit the new board, connect and label every circuit.
Certify
Full testing, your EIC, and notification to Building Control.
FAQs
Consumer Unit FAQs
How long does it take to replace a consumer unit?
Usually one working day. Your power is off for a few hours while the old board is removed and the new one is connected.
Do I need a new fuse box?
If yours has rewireable fuses, no RCD protection or a plastic casing, an upgrade is strongly recommended. An EICR will tell you for certain.
What is an RCD or RCBO?
An RCD switches off the power in milliseconds if it detects current leaking to earth, protecting you from shock. An RCBO does the same job but on an individual circuit, combined with overload protection.
Will my power be off all day?
No. We keep power off only for the changeover itself, normally a few hours, and we'll agree the timing with you in advance.