How Much for a New Fuse Box?
Do you have a faulty consumer unit?
If you do, you might require an upgrade for your fuse box in order to ensure it’s secure and compliant.
It will also allow you to cut down on your energy consumption and result in lower bills for energy. The upgrade of your fuse box will require the assistance of an experienced electrician, who will examine your existing fuse box and make sure that the new unit is in compliance with Part P of the building regulations.
If you’re looking to receive an estimate for a brand new consumer device, we’ll assist you in connecting with electricians in your area.
However, how much will the replacement of a fuse board cost?
The cost for replacing the consumer unit is £300 up to £400 for consumers with six circuits. £400 or £500 for a ten-circuit fuse box and for a 12 circuit consumer unit, expect to spend between £500 or £600.
Consumer Unit Prices
Look at this table to determine the cost of a replacement consumer unit would cost you:
| Type of fuse Box | Average price range |
| Split-Load Consumer Unit | £60-£130 |
| Garage Consumer Unit | £30-£60 |
| Fully Loaded Consumer Unit | £60-£120 |
| Dual-Split Load Consumer Unit | £40-£130 |
| Domestic Switch Fuse | £30-£80 |
What Are the Additional Costs of a New Fuse Box?
The price of a new fuse board can be higher if you have other tasks to be completed simultaneously. There are a variety of additional costs to take into consideration:
New Plug Socket Cost
Another typical electrical task involves the installation of a fresh plug socket. The cost will be based on the type of socket you select such as the cost of a switched socket is around £1 up to £120.
This kind of socket usually includes two or more outlets, each with a switch that can switch the socket on or off.
The most advanced sockets for plugs are USB outlets, which have typical sockets, as well as USB outlets. The cost of this type of socket is typically about £8 or £120.
A different type of plug outlet that is more advanced can be a “smart socket” which is controlled via smartphones or a smart hub which can help you cut down on electrical use. The smart plugs are typically priced between £20 or £190.
Wire Relocation Cost
The cost of replacing the fuse board could be accompanied by the relocation of wiring. It is also possible to move it in the event of a renovation such as, for example, it is possible to convert your electrical cabinet into a bathroom. In this case, as per building regulations it is required to move.
The cost for moving your fuse board is usually approximately £200 up to £500.
New Light Switch Cost
Another aspect you might want to take into consideration is the cost for installing new switches which can cost anywhere from £30 up to £60 to set up.
The cost of supply is, however, subject to change according to the type that light switch picks For instance an inexpensive switch, such as one that is rocker-like will cost about £3 to £4 and the 20-amp switch can cost between £3 and £8.
Other options for light switches include toggle switches that are typically priced between £3 or £20 as well as dimmer switches, which are priced between £5 or £180. If you’re in the market for a higher-end light switch, you may also want to consider the smart dimmer, which costs between £160 and £200.
House Rewiring Cost
Conducting electrical tests An electrician could observe that your wiring is outdated and you’ll, consequently, require a complete overhaul. The cost of rewiring your home will be contingent on the size and kind of home you own and the condition of your wiring.
Small apartments with one bedroom typically cost about £2000 to £2500 and those who live in a two-bedroom house can expect to shell out between £2000 up to £3500.
The typical cost for rewiring the house for a three-bedroom semi-detached home can be £3000 to £4500 and a detached house with four bedrooms can vary between £3500 and up to £ 5,500.
What are the Supply Costs of a New Consumer Unit?
If you intend to install an individual consumer unit, or want to purchase it for yourself, then take into consideration the following cost for a brand new consumer units:
Split-Load Consumer Unit Cost
The most common of these models is a split-load which has mini circuit breakers (MCBs) on the side where RCDs (RCDs) are placed and the residual current breakers with over-current (RCBOs) are situated close to the primary switch. This type of consumer device will cost you between £60 or £130.
Garage Consumer Unit Cost
The garage consumer is a compact unit that is typically utilized in outbuildings, such as garages, extensions and sheds. They supply power to the building if the primary consumer unit is too distant. The garage consumer unit is usually priced between £30 up to £60.
Fully Loaded Consumer Unit Cost
This kind of consumer unit is classified by two types in residual current device as well as miniature circuit breakers that can be used in 10 to 15 methods. Fully loaded consumer units typically cost from £60 up to £120.
Dual-Split Load Consumer Unit Cost
Dual-split load consumer devices are employed to separate power for electrical installations in the upstairs and downstairs. They have 2 sets of residual power devices, which provide power to two circuits. The consumer unit is available in the range of £40 and up until £130.
Domestic Switch Fuse Cost
Another consumer device is a household switch fuse box that is usually used as a second main switch. It has one circuit that is connected with the mains subsystem. A new fuse box costs approximately £30 up to £80 for a household switch fuse.
Tradesmen Costs for Upgrading a Fuse Board
A new unit for consumers will also include the cost for hiring an electrician that can vary based on the scope of work.
If you are living in a one-bedroom house and you are a licensed electrician, he might charge you between £300 to £400 for the installation of a modest consumer unit that has six circuits. Likewise, a two-bedroom terraced house typically will cost around £400 or £500 for a 10-circuit unit.
The price of a brand new consumer unit for an apartment with three bedrooms or a detached four-bedroom home is between £500-£600 for labour for a twelve-circuit unit.
How Long Does It Take to Upgrade a Fuse Board?
Another aspect to take into consideration is the amount of length of time required to replace an old fuse board since the bigger the unit the longer it will take to put it in place.
It is also contingent depending on the dimension of the house and the size of the property, for example, a six-circuit circuit in a one-bedroom house typically will take between 4 and 5 hours. The time required for installing a ten-circuit fuse box ranges from 5 to 6 hours.
Larger consumer units that have twelve circuits that are typically employed in a three-bedroom semi or detached house with four bedrooms tend to take anywhere from 6 to seven hours to put in.
There is also the need to think about the time it takes for extra work, such as wiring, which could take anywhere from four to nine days depending upon the dimensions of your home. If you require new sockets or light switches moving, it could be a significant addition of 1 to 4 hours for the task.
Cost of Removing a Fuse Board
If you’re in need of having your fuse board taken down and relocated or you have an appliance in your shed or garage which you do not utilise, then take into consideration getting it removed.
It should cost between £50 to £120 for the removal and disposal of the unit. However, it could vary based on the dimensions that the box is.
If you’re looking to save money it is worth the disposal of your fuse board by yourself in the form of dropping it at a home waste recycling centre.
FAQs
Q: What is a consumer unit?
A: A consumer unit or a fuse box is a form of distribution board which is used to control and distribute electricity to installations in your home.
They usually contain a main switch, circuit breakers and residual current devices which are used to power electrical installations while also preventing electrical complications.
Q: What size consumer unit do I need?
A: The size you choose will depend on the size of your home along with how many electrical devices you have. For example, if you live in a one-bedroom flat you may only need a small consumer unit with six circuits, while a four-bedroom detached property may require twelve or more circuit to control and power your home.
Q: Can I have more than one consumer unit?
A: It is possible to have multiple consumer units, although you can only have one main fuse box. If you require a consumer unit in an outbuilding such as a shed, garage or extension, then you can have a small fuse box installed and connected to the main supply.
Q: Where can a consumer unit be installed?
A: In order to comply with building regulations, a consumer unit must be installed 450mm to 1200mm from the floor level, and the switches must be 1350mm and 1450mm above floor level. It is also important that your consumer unit must be fitted in a dry and secure place that is away from any water installation. It should also be installed in an area where it can be easily accessed for repairs and maintenance.
Q: When does a consumer unit need replacing?
A: If you have an outdated consumer unit with a wooden back, then this will need to be replaced in order to maintain compliance. You may also need to have your consumer unit removed if it trips regularly.
It will also need to be replaced if your lights or electrical installations are flickering, as this can be a sign that the consumer unit is becoming inefficient and will need to be upgraded.
