What Is a Consumer Unit Upgrade?
A consumer unit upgrade (also known as a fuse box replacement) involves removing your existing consumer unit and replacing it with a modern, compliant unit that meets current UK wiring regulations. It is one of the most cost-effective electrical safety improvements a homeowner can make and unlike a full rewire, it can usually be completed within a single day.
Consumer unit upgrades are also a great way of maximising the protection to your home and yourself if you don’t want to upgrade the whole system by having a rewire.
Signs You May Need a Consumer Unit Replacement
- Your fuse board has a wooden back or is made from cast iron, a clear sign it predates modern safety standards
- Circuit breakers trip frequently, even with normal usage
- You only have one or two RCD switches protecting all circuits
- There is no surge protection device fitted
- You are adding an EV charger, electric shower, or other high-demand appliance
- A recent EICR has recommended an upgrade
- You are planning to sell or let your property
Why KFord Electrical Only Install 18th Edition Consumer Units
Individual RCBO Protection on Every Circuit
Older consumer units use a single RCD to protect multiple circuits. This means that a fault on one circuit, a faulty lamp, a damp outdoor socket can trip the entire board, cutting power to your whole home. KFord Electrical installs boards where every individual circuit is protected by its own RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection). A fault on one circuit affects only that circuit, the rest of your home stays on.
Surge Protection Device Fitted as Standard
Every consumer unit we install includes a built-in Surge Protective Device (SPD). A power surge caused by lightning, a nearby grid fault, or large appliances switching can destroy electronics, smart TVs, computers, and appliances in seconds. An SPD absorbs surge energy before it can damage your equipment. This is included as standard in every KFord installation, with no extra charge.
Fully Compliant with 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
All consumer unit work we carry out complies with BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations) and is notified to your local authority through the relevant Competent Person Scheme. You receive a signed Electrical Installation Certificate on completion.
How much does a new consumer unit cost?
A consumer unit replacement in the West Midlands typically costs between £500 and £1,000 depending on the size of your board, the number of circuits, and any additional work required. This includes the new unit, all labour, certification, and notification to building control. Contact KFord Electrical for a free, written quote specific to your property.
Consumer Unit Upgrade vs Full Rewire - Which Do You Need?
If your wiring is in reasonable condition but your consumer unit is outdated, a board upgrade may be all that is required. If your wiring itself is dated (rubber-insulated, single-strand, aluminium), a full rewire may be the safer and more economical long-term choice. Our electricians will give you an honest assessment we will never recommend more work than is genuinely necessary.
Can I Combine a Consumer Unit Upgrade With Other Work?
Absolutely. Many customers combine a consumer unit upgrade with the installation of an EV charger or outdoor electrical supply. Doing multiple works in a single visit maximises efficiency and minimises disruption to your home. Speak to our team when requesting your quote.
Consumer Unit Upgrades Across the West Midlands
KFord Electrical carries out consumer unit upgrades across Kingswinford, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, West Bromwich, Birmingham, Stourbridge, Halesowen and surrounding areas. For more on what our inspection process involves, see NICEIC guidance on consumer unit regulations or visit Electrical Safety First.
Consumer units in the West Midlands
How we Work
Book an appointment
Click on any of the enquiry buttons on our website to send us your details. You can also call or email. Let us know what you need and we’ll book an appointment to visit you.
Receive your quote
After our visit, we’ll provide a clear and simple quote usually within 48 hours, often within 24 hours! You’ll know exactly what’s involved and how much it will cost, with no hidden surprises.
Enjoy expert service
Once you’re happy with the quote, we’ll get to work! Our team will complete the job quickly and professionally to the highest standard leaving your home safe, warm, and working efficiently.
Our Services
At Kford Electrical Installations Ltd we pride ourselves on giving honest advice on your homes electrical installation. If a rewire is recommended rest assured the process will be stress free. We communicate the whole process with you, clean up at every stage and have an in house plastering service available to repair any damage.
- Honest advice on your home’s electrical installation
- Rewires made simple and stress free
- Clean and tidy work at every stage
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) available
- Thorough inspection with recommendations for remedial works
At Kford Electrical Installation Ltd we only install the latest consumer units, this means as standard each one comes with a built in Surge protective device and all circuits are protected by individual RCBO units which minimise disruption to your power supply in the event of a fault.
- Latest 18th edition consumer units installed
- Surge protective device fitted as standard to safeguard electronics
- Individual RCBO protection to minimise disruption during faults
- Only the affected circuit switches off in case of a fault
- Consumer unit upgrades offer enhanced safety without a full rewire
Kford Electrical Installations Ltd are government registered OZEV installers so rest assured you will get a quality service that meets all the current guidelines for vehicle charging. With the network expanding our team can supply & fit any type of charger at your home or place of work, keeping you moving at all times.
- Government registered OZEV installers, ensuring quality and compliance
- Supply and fit EV chargers at homes or workplaces
- Wide range of chargers available to suit different needs
- Reliable service to keep you moving at all times
- Charging immediately available on completion of install
At KFord Electrical installations Ltd we believe the garden can be an extension of your home. We can install security lights, decorative lights, flower bed lights, power, TV and data supply for your home office or garden room, outside sockets and don’t forget those hot tubs.
- Garden lighting, security, decorative, flower bed, and more;
- Power, TV, and data cabling for your home offices, garden rooms
- Power supply for hot tubs, static or inflatable
- Outdoor electric heating for year round use
- Outside sockets
Kford Electrical Installations Ltd are specialist media wall installers, delivering bespoke feature walls that seamlessly blend design, technology and fully compliant electrical work. From concept to completion, we create modern, high-quality media walls that look stunning and perform flawlessly.
Our expert team handle everything from electrical planning and hidden cabling to lighting, TV installation and final certification, ensuring a clean, professional and future-proof finish for your home.
- Bespoke media wall design
- Hidden cables, clean modern finish
- Integrated lighting, TV and fireplace
- Fully tested, certified electrical installation
