Replacing your consumer unit (sometimes called a fuse board) is an important upgrade that helps improve the safety of your property's electrical installation. Modern consumer units include additional safety devices designed to provide greater protection against electric shock and electrical faults.

This guide explains what you can expect when you book a consumer unit replacement with EPM.

Before Your Appointment

As replacing a consumer unit requires the electricity to be turned off for much of the day, there are a few things you can do to prepare before we arrive.

If possible:

• Save any work on computers before the appointment.

• Turn off sensitive electronic equipment.

• Empty any cupboards or storage areas that restrict access to the consumer unit.

• Let us know if there are any parking restrictions or access instructions.

In most cases, your consumer unit replacement will have been discussed and quoted following an inspection or Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

What Happens During the Visit?

When your electrician arrives, they'll first confirm the work to be carried out before safely isolating the electrical supply.

The existing consumer unit will be removed and the new consumer unit installed using the existing circuits where appropriate. Each circuit will be clearly identified and connected to the new protective devices.

Once the installation has been completed, your electrician will carry out the required testing to ensure the new consumer unit is operating safely and correctly. The relevant electrical certification will then be completed before the power is restored.

Before leaving, the electrician will explain the new consumer unit, answer any questions you may have and leave the work area clean and tidy.

How Long Does It Usually Take?

Most consumer unit replacements take between 3 and 8 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the installation.

The exact time will vary depending on the number of circuits, the condition of the existing installation and the testing required following the replacement.

Things That Could Affect the Job

While most consumer unit replacements go smoothly, every electrical installation is different. Occasionally we may find:

• Existing electrical faults that need to be rectified before the installation can be safely completed.

• Older circuits that require further investigation during testing.

• Existing wiring that requires minor alterations to connect safely to the new consumer unit.

• Additional work identified during testing that wasn't apparent during the initial inspection.

Modern consumer units use much more sensitive protective devices than older fuse boards. Occasionally these devices identify faults that may have been present for many years without being detected. If we discover anything that significantly changes the scope of work, we'll explain the available options before carrying out any additional work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the power be turned off?

Yes. The electricity will normally be switched off for most of the appointment while the consumer unit is replaced and the installation is tested.

Will I receive an electrical certificate?

Yes. Once the work has been completed and tested, we'll provide the appropriate electrical certification.

Why do modern consumer units sometimes trip when my old one didn't?

Modern protective devices are much more sensitive than older fuse boards. This helps improve safety but can also highlight existing faults that previously went unnoticed.

Do I need to be at home?

It's helpful for someone to be available at the start and end of the appointment so the work can be discussed and the new consumer unit explained.

Key Points

Typical appointment: Between 3 and 8 hours, about 4 hours on average.

Engineer required: One electrician

Typical visits: Usually one, following a site inspection or EICR

Materials: Consumer units are supplied specifically for your property following quotation.

Property disruption: The electricity will normally be off for most of the appointment.

Access required: Clear access to the consumer unit and surrounding working area.