Consumer Unit Upgrades in Woking | When Should You Replace Your Fuse Board?
Your consumer unit (often called a fuse board) is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It controls and protects every circuit in your property, helping to prevent overloads, electric shocks and fires. Many homes across Woking still rely on outdated fuse boards that no longer meet modern safety standards.
If you’re unsure whether your fuse board needs upgrading, this guide explains when a consumer unit replacement is recommended, the risks of old systems, typical costs, and why an upgrade is one of the smartest electrical improvements you can make.
What Is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit (fuse board) is the main electrical distribution board in your home. It:
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- Controls all electrical circuits
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- Cuts power during faults
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- Protects against overloads and short circuits
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- Helps prevent electric shock and fire
Modern consumer units include RCDs (Residual Current Devices) and RCBOs, which react quickly to faults and significantly improve safety.
Why Older Fuse Boards Are a Safety Risk
Many older properties in Woking still have fuse boards installed decades ago. These older systems often:
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- Lack RCD protection
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- Use rewireable fuses instead of circuit breakers
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- Don’t meet current safety regulations
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- Struggle with modern electrical demand
As households use more appliances, chargers and smart devices, outdated fuse boards become increasingly unsafe.
Warning Signs You Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade
1. Your Fuse Board Is More Than 25–30 Years Old
If your fuse board hasn’t been upgraded in decades, it’s unlikely to meet modern safety standards and should be assessed by a qualified electrician.
2. No RCD Protection
RCDs are now a critical safety requirement. If your consumer unit does not include RCDs, upgrading is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of electric shock.
3. Frequent Tripping or Blown Fuses
Regular tripping or blown fuses may indicate:
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- Overloaded circuits
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- Faulty wiring
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- An undersized or outdated fuse board
Upgrading the consumer unit often resolves these issues.
4. Signs of Overheating or Damage
Burn marks, buzzing sounds, melted plastic or a burning smell near the fuse board are serious warning signs that require urgent attention.
5. You’re Planning Major Electrical Work
A consumer unit upgrade is often required when:
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- Rewiring a property
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- Installing an EV charger
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- Adding new circuits
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- Carrying out large extensions or renovations
Modern systems ensure new electrical work can be safely supported.
Do You Need to Upgrade for an EICR?
If you’re a landlord or selling a property, an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) may identify an outdated consumer unit as a safety issue.
While upgrading is not always legally mandatory, many EICR reports recommend replacement to:
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- Improve safety
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- Meet modern standards
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- Avoid future compliance problems
For landlords, this is particularly important to remain compliant with safety regulations.
What Does a Consumer Unit Upgrade Involve?
A consumer unit replacement typically includes:
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- Removal of the old fuse board
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- Installation of a modern consumer unit with RCD/RCBO protection
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- Testing of existing circuits
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- Certification to confirm compliance with regulations
The power is usually off for several hours during the upgrade.
How Long Does a Fuse Board Replacement Take?
Most consumer unit upgrades take:
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- 4–6 hours for standard homes
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- Longer if faults or wiring issues are discovered
Your electrician will test circuits before and after installation to ensure everything is safe.
How Much Does a Consumer Unit Upgrade Cost in Woking?
Typical costs for a consumer unit replacement in Woking include:
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- £450 – £900, depending on
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- Size of the property
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- Number of circuits
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- Type of consumer unit installed
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- Any remedial work required
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- £450 – £900, depending on
Although it’s an upfront cost, the safety benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
Will Upgrading My Consumer Unit Add Value to My Home?
While a fuse board upgrade isn’t visible like a new kitchen or bathroom, it:
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- Improves electrical safety
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- Helps pass inspections and surveys
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- Supports future upgrades (EV chargers, extensions)
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- Reassures buyers and tenants
For many homeowners, it’s an essential improvement that protects both people and property.
Should You Upgrade Before Problems Occur?
Yes. Waiting until a fault or inspection failure can:
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- Increase repair costs
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- Cause power outages
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- Delay property sales or rentals
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- Create safety risks
Proactive upgrades are often cheaper and far less stressful.
Why Use a Local Woking Electrician for a Consumer Unit Upgrade?
A local electrician offers:
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- Familiarity with Woking housing types
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- Faster response times
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- Knowledge of local landlord requirements
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- Ongoing support after installation
Local experience ensures your upgrade is completed safely, efficiently and in line with current regulations.
Final Thoughts
If your fuse board is outdated, lacks RCD protection or shows signs of wear, a consumer unit upgrade in Woking is one of the most important electrical improvements you can make. It protects your home, reduces fire and shock risk, and ensures your electrical system is ready for modern living.
If you’re unsure whether your consumer unit needs replacing, a professional electrical inspection is the best place to start.