Does a New Consumer Unit Pass an EICR? UK 2025 Electrical Rules
⚡ Does a New Consumer Unit Pass an EICR? UK 2025 Electrical Rules Explained
Many homeowners and landlords assume that installing a new consumer unit automatically guarantees a Satisfactory EICR. But is that actually true in 2025?
This guide explains whether a new fuse board ensures a pass, what electricians check during an EICR, and why the rest of the installation matters more than people realise.
📚 Contents
- 🔌 Quick Answer
- 📘 Why a New Consumer Unit Doesn’t Guarantee a Pass
- 🧰 What the Electrician Still Has to Inspect
- 📑 Common Fail Codes After a New CU
- 🏠 Do You Need Rewiring Before a New Fuse Board?
- 💷 Cost of Fixing Issues After a Consumer Unit Upgrade
- 🔗 Useful Related Guides
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔌 Quick Answer
No — installing a new consumer unit does NOT automatically mean the property will pass an EICR.
An EICR assesses the entire electrical installation, not just the fuse board. If wiring, earthing, bonding, or accessories are unsafe, the report can still be marked Unsatisfactory.
📘 Why a New Consumer Unit Doesn’t Guarantee a Pass
A new consumer unit replaces the “heart” of the system, but it does not fix:
- aging or damaged wiring
- faulty accessories (switches/sockets)
- poor or missing bonding
- incorrect polarity
- loose connections
- lighting issues (e.g., no CPC)
- DIY alterations
For example, if a socket outlet is damaged or a lighting circuit has no earth, the electrician must code it accordingly.
To check what each code means, see: EICR Codes Explained (C1, C2, C3, FI) .
🧰 What the Electrician Still Has to Inspect
Even after a new fuse board is installed, the EICR must test:
📍 1. Circuit Integrity
- continuity of CPC
- insulation resistance
- polarity checks
📍 2. Earthing & Bonding
- main earth cable size
- gas and water bonding
📍 3. RCD / RCBO Performance
- trip times
- correct circuit allocation
📍 4. Accessories
- sockets
- switches
- light fittings
📍 5. Visible Damage or Safety Defects
A new board may be perfect — but the installation feeding it might not be.
📑 Common Fail Codes Even After a New CU
These are the most common issues that lead to an Unsatisfactory EICR despite a new board:
- C2: No bonding to gas/water
- C2: Damaged accessories
- C2: Incorrect polarity
- C2: Exposed live parts
- FI: Unable to test circuits properly
- C1: Immediate danger — loose or burnt terminations
Want to understand why EICRs fail? See: Why Your EICR Might Fail (And How to Fix It) .
🏠 Do You Need Rewiring Before a New Consumer Unit?
Not always — but sometimes yes.
A CU replacement does not fix aging wiring. If the wiring is from the 1960s/70s or has no CPC on lighting circuits, a rewire may be needed before a new board can be safely installed.
Signs you may need rewiring:
- rubber or fabric-insulated cables
- no earth on lighting circuits
- frequent tripping
- perished cable insulation
To understand post-EICR repair pricing, see: Remedial Electrical Work Costs After an EICR .
💷 Cost of Fixing Issues After a New Consumer Unit
The most common repairs required include:
- bonding upgrades: £120 – £250
- circuit rewiring: £150 – £350
- socket/switch replacement: £40 – £90
- lighting repairs: £40 – £120
- rewire of old lighting circuits: £300 – £900+
If the CU was fitted but wiring defects remain, the property can still fail an EICR.
For EICR re-test costs, see: EICR Re-Test Cost 2025 .
🔗 Related Guides
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does a new consumer unit guarantee a pass?
No — the whole installation must be safe.
Will a new CU fix wiring issues?
No. Wiring faults must be repaired separately.
Is a new fuse board enough for rental compliance?
No — landlords still need a full Satisfactory EICR.
Does a new consumer unit come with a certificate?
Yes — you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).
Do you still need an EICR after installing a new consumer unit?
Often yes, especially for rentals or property sales.
A new consumer unit greatly improves safety, but it does not guarantee an EICR pass. The entire installation must be up to modern standards for a Satisfactory result in 2025.