Ilford Electrical ServicesIlford
Consumer Unit Upgrades Ilford IG1
Your consumer unit is the box that controls and protects the electrics in your home or business.
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- Covering Greater London
- EICR and related services
Consumer unit upgrades: what the work involves
Ilford Electrical Services covers consumer unit upgrades in Ilford, Barkingside, Gants Hill, Seven Kings and Goodmayes. This page explains what an upgrade involves and when it is time to send an enquiry.
What happens, step by step
Every property is different, but a typical consumer unit upgrade follows this general pattern.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Enquiry | You send the enquiry form with details of your property and your current fuse board. |
| 2. Assessment | The existing board and circuits are looked at so the work can be scoped and quoted. |
| 3. Agreeing the work | You confirm the unit and any extras, such as surge protection, and arrange a suitable day. |
| 4. Installation | The power is switched off, the old unit is removed and the new one is fitted and connected. |
| 5. Testing | The circuits are tested before the power is switched back on and the new board is labelled. |
| 6. Handover | The finished work is explained to you, and you should ask for the relevant paperwork. |
If testing uncovers other faults, any repair work is separate from the upgrade itself and should be discussed with you first.
What a consumer unit upgrade involves
Whether you call it a fuseboard or consumer unit, it is the same thing: the point where power enters the property and is split into circuits for lights, sockets, the cooker and so on. An upgrade means removing the old unit and fitting a new one, then reconnecting each circuit.
A modern unit usually includes protective devices that cut the power quickly if something goes wrong. Depending on the property, you may also be able to add surge protection. The new board is labelled so each circuit is easy to identify, and the installation should be tested before it is put into use. Power will need to be off for part of the work, so plan around that.
Fuse board upgrades are not the same as rewires. A rewire replaces the cables running through the property. An upgrade replaces the board that those cables connect to.
When to get in touch
Some signs suggest it is worth asking about an upgrade:
1. Your fuse board has old rewirable fuses, or the unit is made of brittle plastic or has a cracked cover. 2. An EICR has flagged the board as unsatisfactory or in need of improvement. 3. You are adding a circuit, such as for an electric shower, an oven or an electric vehicle charger, and the board has no spare ways. 4. You are buying, selling or letting a property and the older boards in it are a concern. 5. Breakers trip often, or you notice heat marks, a burning smell or buzzing near the unit.
If the trouble is repeated tripping, the board is not always the cause. Proper testing, fault finding comes first, so you do not replace a unit when the real problem is a faulty appliance or circuit. If you smell burning or see scorching, switch off at the main switch if it is safe to do so and keep clear until an electrician has looked at it.
What affects the cost
The price of an upgrade depends on the job in front of the electrician. Common factors include the number of circuits, the type of unit you choose, extras such as surge protection, how easy the board is to reach, and whether it needs to move to a new position. The condition of the existing wiring and earthing also matters.
Keep the cost of the upgrade separate from any follow-up work. Testing during the job may show problems, such as damaged cables, poor connections or missing bonding. Putting those right is remedial work, and it is a separate matter from swapping the board. A sensible quote explains what is included and what would be extra if something is found.
When comparing local electricians, ask whether the quote is free, no obligation, and whether it is in writing.
Safety, paperwork and choosing who does the work
Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable electrical work in homes, so it should not be a DIY job. Anyone you hire should be able to show they are registered with a competent person scheme, and you can ask to see proof. Ask what paperwork you will receive once the work is finished, and keep it safe. It is useful if you later sell or let the property.
Keep the area around your board free of clutter so it can be reached quickly in an emergency. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position on electrical work in dwellings and for landlord duties.
A tested, properly installed board brings real peace of mind, because you know the protection at the heart of your electrics is up to the job.
Questions about this
Do I need a new consumer unit?
Not always. Older boards with rewirable fuses, damaged enclosures or no modern protective devices are common reasons to upgrade. An EICR is a good way to find out the condition of your existing board.
Is a consumer unit upgrade the same as a rewire?
No. An upgrade replaces the board only. Rewires replace the cabling around the property. Some properties need both, but many need only the board.
Will the power be off during the work?
Yes, for part of the job, because the old unit has to be disconnected and the new one connected. Ask beforehand how this will affect you so you can plan, especially if you run a business or rely on medical equipment.
Can I sell or let a property with an old fuse board?
An old board is not automatically a problem, but it may be flagged in an EICR. Landlord and sale requirements can change, so check GOV.UK for the current rules, and send an enquiry if you want the board looked at.
What you get
Part of a wider electrical service
Ilford Electrical Services also covers EICR, Landlord EICR, EICR for Buying or Selling, Commercial EICR and general electrician work, so an upgrade can follow on from an inspection result.
Covering Ilford and nearby areas
We serve Ilford, Barkingside, Gants Hill, Seven Kings and Goodmayes, for homes, rental properties and commercial premises.
Clear next step
Tell us about your current board using the enquiry form, and we can talk through what is likely to be involved.