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·GKW Electrical
How Often Should a Consumer Unit Be Replaced?
Your consumer unit — often called the fuse board or fuse box — is the heart of your home's electrical system. Knowing when to replace it is essential for safety and compliance.
Recommended Replacement Interval
There is no fixed legal replacement interval for domestic consumer units, but electricians generally recommend replacement if:
- The unit is over 15–20 years old
- It lacks RCD protection (required for new installations since 2008)
- It has ceramic fuses or rewireable fuses rather than MCBs/RCBOs
- An EICR has flagged C1 or C2 observations related to the consumer unit
Signs Your Fuse Board Needs Upgrading
Watch for these warning signs:
- Frequent tripping that isn't caused by a specific appliance
- Buzzing or crackling sounds from the unit
- Scorch marks or a burning smell
- No RCD test button on the unit
- Unable to obtain insurance or pass a landlord EICR
What a Modern Consumer Unit Includes
A compliant 18th Edition consumer unit should feature:
- RCD or RCBO protection on all circuits
- Surge protection (SPD) where required
- Clearly labelled circuits
- Adequate ways for current and future circuits
How Long Does an Upgrade Take?
Most consumer unit upgrades are completed within half a day. Power will be off for several hours during the work.
The work involved depends on your existing installation and the unit specified. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.