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Consumer Unit Upgrade in York Modern RCD Protection
Replace your old fuse box with a modern Hager consumer unit, individual RCBOs on every circuit, integrated surge protection, fully certified. Priced by circuit count, not property size.
Pricing — by circuit count
All prices exclude VAT. Count the switches in your consumer unit to find your circuit count.
Common for smaller homes and flats
Typical 3-bedroom house
Larger homes or properties with EV charger/solar
Everything included:
Hager consumer unit · Individual RCBO on every circuit · Integrated Type 2 surge protection · Full circuit testing · Electrical Installation Certificate · NICEIC Part P notification · Circuit labelling
Why price by circuit count?
Most electricians price consumer unit upgrades by bedrooms. The problem: bedrooms have nothing to do with the work involved. Each circuit needs its own RCBO connected and tested. A 2-bed flat can have 14 circuits; a 4-bed house might have 8. Pricing by circuit count is more honest, it reflects the actual job.
Why RCBOs rather than shared RCDs?
On a consumer unit with a shared RCD protecting multiple circuits, one fault anywhere takes out every circuit it covers, half your house goes dark. With individual RCBOs (one per circuit), only the faulty circuit trips. Everything else stays on. It's safer and far less disruptive. I fit RCBOs as standard on every job.
NICEIC Approved, Part P self-certification included
Consumer unit replacement is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations. As an NICEIC Approved Contractor I self-certify all notifiable work. You don't need to contact building control or do anything separately.
Frequently asked questions
How do I count my circuits?
Count the switches in your consumer unit or fuse box. Each switch, MCB, RCBO, or old-style fuse, is one circuit. Not sure? Send me a WhatsApp photo and I'll tell you.
Is a consumer unit the same as a fuse box or a fuseboard?
Yes, same physical thing, different technology inside. You will hear it called a fuse box, a fuse board or a fuseboard, and they all mean the board your circuits run from. Old fuse boxes have rewirable fuses. Modern consumer units have MCBs and RCBOs, safer, and they reset with a switch rather than needing manual repair. A fuseboard upgrade and a consumer unit upgrade are the same job.
How long does the job take?
Usually one day. Power off for approximately 4–6 hours. I'll agree a specific start time, complete the work, test every circuit, and restore power before I leave.
Do I need an EICR first?
Not a requirement, but useful. An EICR confirms the wiring condition before the new board goes in, so if there are any underlying issues, they're identified before rather than after. I can carry out both on the same visit.
Can the upgrade accommodate solar panels or an EV charger?
Yes, and doing them together is often the right call. Solar and EV chargers each need dedicated circuits. If your existing board is full or outdated, the upgrade can be sized to accommodate current and future needs in one job.
Ready to get a price?
Count your circuits (or send a photo of your consumer unit) and get in touch. I confirm the price before I start, no surprises.