The Definitive Guide to Consumer Unit Replacement in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland (2026)
Consumer Unit Fuse Box
Your consumer unit—commonly known as a fuse box, fuseboard, or distribution board—is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It is the central hub that monitors every wire, socket, and appliance in your property. When it’s outdated, every circuit is exposed to avoidable danger.
At 786 Electricals, we don't just "swap boxes." We provide a comprehensive safety upgrade designed to protect your family, your property, and your investment. Serving Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley, Market Harborough, Rutland, and all surrounding areas, we are your local experts in 18th Edition compliant electrical installations.
Why Is It Critical to Replace an Outdated Fuse Box?
If your home still uses a unit with rewireable fuses or lacks modern safety switches, you are living with technology designed for a different era. Modern households now power everything from high-demand EV chargers to sensitive smart home systems.
The Top 5 Signs You Need an Upgrade:
- Old Rewireable Fuses: If you still have to "fix" a fuse with wire, your system is dangerously outdated.
- Lack of RCD Protection: If you don't have a "test" button on your board, you lack life-saving protection against fatal electric shocks.
- Plastic Enclosures: Older plastic boards are a fire risk. Current BS 7671:2022 (Amendment 2) regulations mandate non-combustible metal-clad enclosures.
- Frequent Tripping or Buzzing: These are early warning signs of internal faults or overloads that could lead to an electrical fire.
- Adding New Tech: Installing an EV charger, solar panels, or a new kitchen often requires a modern board to handle the increased load safely.
The "Supreme" Advantage: What We Install & Why
We believe in transparency. Unlike some competitors who use "budget" components to lower their initial quote, we standardize our installations on high-quality FuseBox branded units.
Why We Choose FuseBox:
We choose FuseBox because it offers supreme reliability and safety features at a fair price.
- Individual RCBO Protection: We install individual RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) for every circuit. If your toaster has a fault, only the kitchen trips—not your whole house.
- Surge Protection (SPD) as Standard: We include a Surge Protection Device to safeguard your expensive electronics (laptops, TVs, smart appliances) from voltage spikes.
- Arc Fault Detection (AFDD): For maximum safety, we can install AFDDs which detect dangerous electrical arcs—a common cause of house fires that standard breakers can't always catch.
Transparent Pricing: What You’re Actually Paying For
We are one of the few electricians in Leicestershire to put our prices upfront. Our consumer unit replacements typically start from around £750 for an average install. Here is exactly what is included in that price:
Metal Consumer Unit: A fire-resistant enclosure that meets the latest UK safety regulations.
Individual RCBOs: These isolate faults to a single circuit, preventing total home blackouts.
Surge Protection (SPD): This guards against voltage spikes to protect your expensive electronics.
Full Circuit Testing: We check the health of your existing wiring to ensure the whole house is safe.
Certification: You receive the EIC and Building Control Notification, which are vital for insurance and selling your home.
Important Note: Beware of "cheap" quotes under £500. These often use outdated "Dual RCD" boards and may skip mandatory testing and certification.
Selling Your House or Renting It Out?
For Homeowners Selling in Leicestershire:
A modern consumer unit is a powerful selling point. Property surveyors in Leicester and Rutland frequently flag old fuse boxes as urgent defects.
- Avoid Sale Delays: No last-minute "remedial work" requests from buyers.
- Increase Buyer Confidence: A valid Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) proves the house is safe.
- Boost Property Value: A "ready to move in" home is always more attractive.
For Landlords (Compliance & Safety):
Under the 2020 Regulations, landlords must have a "Satisfactory" EICR. An outdated board is the #1 reason for an "Unsatisfactory" report. Upgrading ensures you are legally compliant and your tenants are safe.
The 786 Electricals Guarantee
When you choose us, you’re getting:
- NAPIT-Certified Expertise: Fully insured and regulated.
- Transparent Communication: No hidden costs, just honest advice.
- Clean & Tidy Service: We treat your home with respect.
- Full Certification: We issue your EIC and notify Building Control on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a replacement take? A: Typically 4 to 6 hours. We will need to turn off the power during this time.
Q: Will you need to rewire my whole house? A: Not necessarily. We test your existing wiring first. If it's safe, we simply connect it to the new, safer board.
Q: Is Rutland covered by your service? A: Yes! We cover all of Leicestershire, Rutland, and surrounding areas like Oakham and Uppingham.
Contact Your Local Leicestershire Experts Today
Don't wait for a fault to become a fire. Upgrade to a modern, safe, and compliant consumer unit with the team that Leicester trusts.
Call 786 Electricals today for your free, no-obligation quote.
References
- Electrical Safety First. Life-Saving RCDs.
- IET. BS 7671:2022 Amendment 2 Regulations.
- FuseBox Shop. The Benefits of RCBO Protection.
- GOV.UK. Electrical Safety Standards for Landlords.
