When Should a Consumer Unit Be Replaced?
A consumer unit (still often called the fuse board) should be replaced when it no longer protects you properly. The clearest signs are an old board with rewireable fuses rather than modern breakers, no safety switch protection on the circuits, a wooden or cast-iron backboard, or any sign of overheating, scorching or a burning smell around it. It's also the natural time to upgrade during a rewire, a kitchen refit, or when you add an EV charger or solar, because those need the modern protection a current board provides. If an EICR has flagged the board, that's a clear prompt too.
A modern consumer unit gives every circuit its own protection, so a fault on one circuit doesn't plunge the whole house into darkness, and it guards far better against electric shock and fire. We upgrade boards for homeowners across Rochdale and the wider area, testing the existing circuits first so any hidden faults show up before the upgrade, not after. It's usually a one-day job with the power off for only part of it. As an NICEIC Approved Contractor every circuit is labelled and certified, and you get an Electrical Installation Certificate to prove the work is safe.
Tested first
We check the existing circuits before we start, so any hidden faults show up before the upgrade, not after.
Protection on every circuit
Each circuit gets its own safety switch, plus surge protection if you want it for sensitive electronics.
Certified in a day
Usually a one-day job, every circuit labelled and certified with an Electrical Installation Certificate.
Your questions, answered
How do I know if my board is out of date?
Rewireable fuses instead of breakers, no safety switches on the circuits, a wooden or cast-iron backboard, or any sign of scorching or a burning smell all point to a board that's past its best. We can check it and tell you for certain.
How long does it take to replace a consumer unit?
Most are done in a single day, with the power off for only part of that time. We test every circuit first and give you a fixed price before we start.
Does a new board that keeps tripping mean something's wrong?
A modern board is more sensitive, so it spots faults an old board ignored. That's a good thing, it means a problem is being caught. We test every circuit, so anything it flags is sorted out properly.
Ready for electrics done properly?
Free fixed quotes across Rochdale and Greater Manchester. Certified work, an immaculate finish and a price that doesn't move.