DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
How to get honest quotes for a consumer unit change
A fuse board change is one of those jobs where quotes can look wildly different, and it pays to understand why before you pick one. Get the quotes right and you avoid nasty mid-job extras. Then compare them with the real prices below.
The quick version
- Cheap quotes that skip testing can cost more once faults appear halfway through.
- Only a registered electrician can certify the work under Part P, so ask for their scheme number.
- A good quote separates the board swap from any likely remedial work so you see both.
- Get three quotes so you can spot who has priced testing properly and who has not.
What people actually paid
Real prices, in people's own words
- £350“I had one done in a similarly expensive area to you for £350, 8 way dual RCD”
- £545“cost £545.00”
- £600“They did not change circuit board just upgraded the individual circuit breakers required. Came in at around £600”
- £1,500“his was £1500 12way RCBO - in 2023”
Genuine amounts posted publicly. We publish the price and the quote, never the person.
Why the price varies so much
The main reason consumer unit quotes differ is how each electrician handles testing and faults. One assumes the wiring is sound and prices a simple swap. Another allows time to test and flag problems, which reads as dearer but is more honest. The quality of the board, the number of circuits protected, and whether surge protection is included also move the figure. A quote with no mention of testing or certification is the one to be wary of, not the one that comes in a bit higher.
How to pay less
- Ask each electrician to price the swap and note likely extras separately, so nothing hides.
- Get three quotes from Part P registered electricians and check the certificate is included.
- Book it alongside other jobs like extra sockets to spread the call-out.
- Put the deposit on a credit card for Section 75 cover if anything goes wrong.
Common questions
Why is one consumer unit quote half the price of another?
The cheap one has probably left out testing or assumed no faults. When the wiring turns out to need work, that low quote climbs. The dearer quote may already allow for it. Always check what testing and certification each one includes.
How do I know an electrician is registered?
Ask which scheme they belong to, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, and for their registration number. You can check it on the scheme's website. A registered electrician can self-certify a consumer unit change under Part P.
Should I get the wiring checked before replacing the board?
It is a smart move. An inspection tells you the state of your circuits before anyone quotes, so faults are known up front rather than found mid-job. It makes the quotes you get far more accurate.