Consumer Unit & Fuse Board Upgrades
Your consumer unit (fuse board) is the heart of your electrical installation. If it is old, damaged or missing modern protection, it may not trip fast enough in a fault – putting people and property at risk.
Shiny Spark Electrical provides professional consumer unit upgrades, replacing old rewireable or outdated boards with modern devices that meet the latest BS 7671 requirements.
We take care of testing, certification and notification where required, so you know your electrics are safe and compliant.
Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
Typical reasons to upgrade include:
1️⃣ Old fuse box with rewireable fuses or no RCD protection
2️⃣ Plastic boards in locations where metal-clad units are now recommended
3️⃣ Nuisance tripping or overloaded circuits
4️⃣ Adding new circuits for kitchens, EV chargers, showers or extensions
5️⃣ Bringing the installation in line with the latest wiring regulations
Why Choose Shiny Spark Electrical For Consumer Unit Upgrades
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⚡Qualified & Tested
Consumer unit upgrades are carried out by qualified electricians with inspection & testing experience to BS 7671. -
📜Certificates & Notification
Where required, we issue electrical installation certificates and notify Building Control under Part P.
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🔧Neat, Labelled Boards
We aim for tidy cable dressing, clear labelling and sensible circuit arrangement for future maintenance. -
💬Clear Advice
We explain your options – RCBO boards, SPDs, AFDDs where appropriate – so you can choose what suits your budget and risk level.
How Our Consumer Unit Upgrade Process Works
1️⃣ Initial Enquiry & Photo Check
Send us photos of your existing consumer unit and tell us about any planned new circuits (kitchen, shower, EV, extension, etc.). We provide an initial estimate and discuss options.
2️⃣ Pre-Work Testing & Planning
On the day we carry out tests on the existing installation, confirm circuit details and plan how best to arrange and label your new board.
3️⃣ Power Down & Safe Removal
We safely isolate the supply, remove the old fuse board and prepare the incoming tails, main earth and circuit cables for the new consumer unit.
4️⃣ Install New Consumer Unit & Devices
The new board is fitted, circuits are reconnected to appropriate breakers/RCBOs, and SPDs or other devices are installed where agreed.
5️⃣ Testing, Certification & Handover
We carry out full testing on all circuits connected to the new board, complete the paperwork and explain how to reset and use your new consumer unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my fuse board needs upgrading?
Signs include rewireable fuses, no RCD protection, a very old or damaged board, frequent tripping, or recommendations made on an EICR. If you are unsure, we can advise from photos or after an inspection.
How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
Most domestic boards take around half a day to a full day, depending on the number of circuits, access and any faults discovered during testing.
Will I be without power all day?
We aim to keep the power off for the minimum time needed to work safely and test. Expect a period with most circuits off while we change the board and carry out tests, but we will explain the plan before starting.
Do I need an SPD (Surge Protection Device)?
Current wiring regulations require the risk of transient overvoltages to be considered. In most domestic situations an SPD is recommended, especially where sensitive electronics or valuable equipment are present. We can advise what is appropriate for your property.
Will you test the whole installation?
As part of a consumer unit change we test all circuits connected to the new board. If additional faults or issues are found we will explain them clearly and discuss any remedial work needed.
Is a new consumer unit a legal requirement?
There is no rule that says you must upgrade purely because a board is old, but landlords and businesses must ensure installations are safe. In many cases upgrading the board is the most practical way to provide the necessary protection and compliance.
Will the work be notified under Part P?
Consumer unit changes in domestic premises are notifiable work. We handle the notification process where required so you have the correct documentation for future sales and compliance checks.
What paperwork will I receive?
You will receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) with test results for the circuits on the new board, and where applicable a Building Regulations compliance certificate from the relevant body.
How much does a consumer unit upgrade cost?
Pricing depends on the number of ways, type of board (RCD, RCBO, SPD, etc.), location and condition of the existing installation. We provide clear quotes in advance once we have the details or photos.
Which areas do you cover?
We are based on the South Coast and cover Portsmouth, Southampton and surrounding areas. Larger projects further afield may be possible by arrangement.
Are you qualified and insured for this type of work?
Yes. Consumer unit upgrades are carried out by electricians with inspection & testing qualifications and appropriate public liability insurance, so you can be confident the work is done correctly.
Upgrade Your Fuse Board For Safety & Peace of Mind
If your consumer unit is old, crowded or missing modern protection, now is a good time to make it safer and easier to manage.
Shiny Spark Electrical provides neat, compliant consumer unit upgrades with clear advice and full certification.