Consumer Unit Replacement Cost Guide
Consumer unit replacement in the UK usually costs between GBP 450 and GBP 1,200 depending on the size of the property, the number of circuits, and whether extra remedial work is needed. This guide covers realistic 2026 price ranges, the main replacement types, labour costs, common extras, and what to check before hiring an electrician.
Get free quotes from local tradespeople
Enter your postcode to see who's available in your area
Quick Cost Summary
Prices are indicative and vary by location, property type, and specification. Always get at least three quotes.
Types of Consumer Unit Replacement
Basic Domestic Consumer Unit Replacement
A standard modern board replacement for a smaller or mid-size home where the existing circuits are in reasonable condition.
Pros
- Improves electrical safety
- Usually the cheapest replacement route
- Suitable for many standard homes
Cons
- Extra faults can raise the price
- Circuit testing is still required
Best for: Homes replacing an older fuse box with a straightforward modern unit
Consumer Unit with Surge Protection
Many modern installations include surge protection, which adds a little to the cost but can improve protection for appliances and electronics.
Pros
- Improved protection for modern equipment
- More future-friendly setup
- Often recommended on newer installs
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than the most basic setup
- Not always the only extra required
Best for: Homes with modern electronics and a desire for a more up-to-date board specification
Replacement with Remedial Works
Sometimes the consumer unit cannot be swapped cleanly without correcting issues on existing circuits first, which pushes the job into a more expensive category.
Pros
- Brings the installation up to a safer standard
- Can resolve legacy electrical issues
- Useful before larger rewires or upgrades
Cons
- More expensive than a simple swap
- Final cost may depend on test results
Best for: Older properties where testing reveals defects or outdated wiring details
The total cost depends mostly on the size of the board, the number of circuits, and whether the installation also needs surge protection or other upgrades.
What Affects the Cost
- Number of circuits in the property
- Whether surge protection is included
- Condition of the existing circuits after testing
- Property size and complexity
- Need for certification and notification
- Regional labour rates and call-out conditions
Labour Cost Breakdown
Labour is typically 30–50% of the total installation cost. The complexity of the job determines how long it takes.
What Is Usually Included
- Removal of the old consumer unit
- Supply and fitting of the new board
- Testing and verification of connected circuits
- Electrical installation certificate
- Basic notification and compliance paperwork where required
Extra Costs to Expect
These aren't always required, but it's worth knowing about them before you get quotes.
Running Costs & Potential Savings
A new consumer unit does not normally reduce energy bills, but it can improve safety, support future electrical upgrades, and reduce the risk of nuisance issues caused by very old equipment.
Ready to get quotes?
Compare free, no-obligation quotes from trusted local tradespeople. No sign-up needed.
Get Free QuotesWhat to Check Before Hiring
Use this checklist when getting quotes to make sure you're hiring the right person at the right price.
- Confirm the electrician is properly qualified and registered
- Ask whether testing and certification are included
- Check if surge protection is included in the price
- Ask what happens if existing circuits fail testing
- Confirm whether the power will be off for most of the day
- Make sure the quote includes notification if required
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does consumer unit replacement cost in the UK?
A typical domestic replacement often falls between a few hundred pounds and around GBP 1,000, with higher prices where extra remedial work is needed.
Is replacing a fuse box the same as replacing a consumer unit?
Yes in practical terms. Many people use fuse box and consumer unit to describe the same main electrical board in the home.
Why can the price go up after testing?
If faults are found on existing circuits, the electrician may need to carry out remedial work before the new board can be safely signed off.
Does the job include certification?
It should. Consumer unit replacement normally requires testing and certification as part of the completed electrical work.
How long does consumer unit replacement take?
Many straightforward jobs take around a day, but more complex or fault-heavy installs can take longer.
Is surge protection worth adding?
In many cases yes. It is a relatively modest extra cost compared with the full job and can improve protection for modern electrical equipment.
Get free quotes from local tradespeople
Enter your postcode — we'll match you with available tradespeople in your area