Bromley Electrical ServicesBromley and surrounding areas
Consumer Unit Upgrades in Bromley BR1
A consumer unit, often still called a fuse board, controls and protects the electrics in your property.
- Send a short enquiry
- Covering Greater London
- EICR and related services
Consumer unit upgrades for homes and businesses
Bromley Electrical Services covers consumer unit upgrades in Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington, Chislehurst and Petts Wood. This page explains what an upgrade involves and the signs that it is time to send an enquiry.
What happens, step by step
Every property is different, but a typical consumer unit upgrade follows this pattern.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Enquiry | You send the enquiry form with your address, the type of property and anything you have noticed about the board. |
| Assessment | The existing board, circuits and earthing are looked at so the right replacement can be chosen. |
| Quote | The work is described and priced, with any additional remedial work set out separately. |
| Installation | The supply is isolated, the old unit removed and the new consumer unit fitted and wired in. |
| Testing | The circuits are tested before the power is fully restored. |
| Handover | The work is explained to you and the paperwork for the job is passed on. |
Steps can vary with the property and what the testing shows.
What a consumer unit upgrade involves
An upgrade replaces your old fuseboard or consumer unit with a modern one. The electrician switches off and isolates the supply, removes the old unit and will install a new board with protection suited to your property. The circuits are then reconnected and tested before the power comes back on.
Modern units normally include RCD protection, which cuts the power quickly if a fault could cause an electric shock. Many people also ask about surge protection, which helps guard sensitive equipment against voltage spikes. Whether it makes sense for you is worth discussing once the electrician has seen your set-up.
Fuse board upgrades are not the same as rewires. An upgrade changes the board. A rewire replaces the cabling around the property. Plenty of homes need only the first.
When to get in touch about your fuse board
Common signs that a board needs attention include rewireable fuses, an old wooden or brown plastic casing, fuses blowing or breakers tripping again and again, buzzing sounds, or marks and warmth around the unit. If you see scorching or smell burning, treat it as urgent. Switch off at the mains if it is safe to do so and stop using the affected circuits.
An upgrade is also worth considering before building work. A new kitchen, an extension or an electric vehicle charger can ask more of a board than it was designed to give. An EICR may also recommend a new board, which is common for landlords and for people buying or selling a property.
If the cause of a problem is not obvious, testing fault finding usually comes first. The board is not always the culprit, and it is better to know that before you spend money.
What affects the cost of an upgrade
No two boards are quite the same, so the price depends on your property. The main factors are the number of circuits, the type and position of the existing unit, how easy it is to get at the cables, and any extras such as surge protection. The condition of the existing earthing and bonding also matters.
The cost of the upgrade itself is separate from any follow-up work. Testing during or before the job can show up problems such as damaged cables, a faulty circuit or poor connections elsewhere in the electrics. Putting these right is remedial work and is quoted separately. Ask for the two to be set out clearly so you know what is part of the upgrade and what is optional or additional.
When comparing electricians, check whether a quote is free no obligation, or whether a visit is charged, and what the quote includes.
Choosing who carries out the work
Replacing a fuseboard or consumer unit is notifiable electrical work, so choose someone competent. Ask whether the electrician is certified to carry out this type of work under a recognised scheme, and ask to see proof. You should also expect paperwork for the job once it is finished. Keep it safe, as buyers, landlords and insurers may ask for it.
Whether you go with local electricians or a larger firm, ask how the work will be tested and what will be explained to you at the end. Wiring regulations can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position rather than relying on older advice.
A properly installed unit gives you peace of mind and a safer set-up. Send an enquiry through the form on this page with a few details and, if you can, a photo of your current board.
Questions about this
Do I need a new consumer unit if my fuses never blow?
Not necessarily. An old board that seems to work can still lack modern protection such as RCDs. An EICR is a good way to find out the condition of your board and wiring.
Is a consumer unit upgrade the same as a rewire?
No. An upgrade replaces the board that protects your circuits. A rewire replaces the cables running through the property. Some properties need only an upgrade.
Will I get paperwork after the work?
You should expect paperwork for any consumer unit installation. Ask the electrician what will be provided before the work starts, and keep it with your property records.
Do you cover areas outside Bromley?
Yes. Bromley Electrical Services also covers Beckenham, Orpington, Chislehurst and Petts Wood. Use the enquiry form to tell us where the property is.
What you get
Bromley and nearby towns
Work is available across Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington, Chislehurst and Petts Wood, in Greater London.
Part of a wider range of services
Consumer unit upgrades sit alongside EICR, Landlord EICR, EICR for Buying or Selling, Commercial EICR and general electrician work.
One simple way to start
Use the enquiry form on this page to describe your property and what you have noticed with your current board.