DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
What drives the cost of a new consumer unit
Swapping a fuse board sounds like a quick job, and sometimes it is, but the price can climb once an electrician sees what is behind the cover. Knowing what pushes the cost helps you read the real prices below with a clearer eye.
The quick version
- The board itself is a small part of the bill; testing, certification and remedial work make up the rest.
- Any faults found during testing must be fixed before a new unit can be signed off, which adds cost.
- Consumer unit work falls under Part P, so it must be done by a registered electrician and certified.
- The real prices below are actual prices, so you can see typical spends rather than a rough estimate.
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
A straight swap on healthy wiring is the cheapest case. The trouble is that a new consumer unit comes with modern protection, and once it is fitted it will trip on faults the old board happily ignored. So the electrician tests the circuits first, and anything dangerous has to be put right before sign-off. Old wiring, no earth on the lighting circuits, or dodgy past DIY all add work. The number of circuits, whether you need surge protection, and how easy the board is to reach also shift the price.
How to pay less
- Ask for an inspection first so faults are known before the quote, with no surprises mid-job.
- Get three quotes from registered electricians and check each one includes testing and the certificate.
- Bundle any other electrical jobs into the same visit to save on repeat call-out charges.
- Pay by credit card where you can, so you have Section 75 protection on the work.
Common questions
Do I legally need a registered electrician to change a consumer unit?
Changing a consumer unit is notifiable work under Part P of the building regulations. A registered electrician can self-certify it and issue the paperwork. Using someone who is not registered means extra hassle and cost getting the council to sign it off.
Why did my electrician find extra work after quoting?
A new board has sensitive protection that reveals faults the old one masked. Once those show up on testing, they must be fixed for the installation to be safe and certified. It is not a scam, though a good electrician will warn you it can happen.
How long does a consumer unit change take?
A simple swap is often a day, including testing and certification. If the electrician finds faults that need fixing first, it can stretch longer. The real prices below reflect that spread.