Consumer Unit Replacement Solihull
Upgrade to a Modern, Safer Fuse Board
Old consumer units (fuse boards) lack the safety features of modern RCBO boards. If your property has an outdated metal consumer unit, rewireable fuses, or no RCD protection, you’re at increased risk of electrical fires and dangerous faults going undetected.
Farthing Electrical installs modern RCBO consumer units with integrated surge protection across Solihull and the West Midlands. NICEIC-registered electricians, transparent pricing, and full certification including Building Control notification provided with every installation.
We always recommend an EICR inspection before consumer unit replacement — this identifies any existing circuit faults and ensures your electrical installation can safely handle the upgrade. Without this inspection, hidden problems can cause your new board to trip repeatedly or fail certification.
Consumer Unit Replacement Pricing
Consumer unit replacement costs vary depending on your property’s size, number of circuits, and the condition of your existing wiring. Every installation includes a pre-replacement EICR inspection, Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), Building Control notification, and 12-month guarantee.
We’ll identify all work required during the EICR inspection and provide a fixed, no-obligation quote before anything proceeds. No hidden costs, no surprises.
Most installations take 4-6 hours with minimal disruption. Call for a fixed quote tailored to your property.
When Do You Need a Consumer Unit Replacement?
Old fuse board with rewireable fuses — These offer no RCD protection and can’t protect you from electric shock or fire risk. Dangerously outdated.
Metal consumer unit installed before 2016 — Metal units are a fire risk and may fail Building Control inspections or cause issues when selling your property.
No RCD protection on all circuits — Modern regulations require RCD protection on virtually all circuits. Without it, you’re not protected against potentially fatal earth faults.
Buying or selling a property — Surveys and EICRs often flag outdated consumer units. Upgrading before selling prevents price negotiations.
After an EICR identifies issues — If your electrical inspection report shows C1 or C2 defects related to your consumer unit, replacement is often the only practical solution.
Why RCBO Boards with Surge Protection?
Individual Circuit Protection — RCBO boards give each circuit its own combined RCD and MCB protection. If a fault occurs on your kitchen sockets, only that circuit trips — the rest of your house keeps working. With old RCD boards, a single fault can kill power to half your property.
Integrated Surge Protection — Modern RCBO boards include Type 2 surge protection, protecting your expensive appliances and electronics from voltage spikes. Meets BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (18th Edition) wiring regulations with no issues for Building Control certification or future electrical inspections.
What Happens During Consumer Unit Replacement?
1. EICR Inspection First — We conduct a full EICR inspection to verify your wiring is in good condition and identify any remedial work needed before upgrading the consumer unit.
2. Installation — We coordinate a convenient time to isolate your electricity supply (typically 4-6 hours). The existing consumer unit is disconnected and removed, and your new RCBO board is installed with all circuits connected to individual RCBOs.
3. Certification — Every circuit is tested for correct operation. You’ll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) detailing all work carried out. We submit notification to Building Control on your behalf — you’ll receive their certification by post confirming the work complies with Building Regulations.
Why Choose Farthing Electrical for Consumer Unit Replacement?
- NICEIC Registered — All installations meet BS 7671:2018 wiring regulations with full certification and Building Control notification included
- EICR Inspection Included — We never replace consumer units without testing your existing installation first
- RCBO Boards as Standard — Individual circuit protection with integrated surge protection, not cheaper RCD boards
- Transparent Pricing — Fixed quotes with no hidden costs. Any additional work is identified during the EICR and quoted separately
- Local Solihull Electrician — Years of experience with properties across Solihull, from Victorian terraces to modern new builds
- Full Guarantee — 12-month guarantee on all installation work
Consumer Unit Replacement FAQs
How long will I be without power?
Typically 4-6 hours for a standard consumer unit replacement. We’ll agree a convenient time with you, and most installations are completed in a single day.
Do I need an EICR before replacing my consumer unit?
Yes, absolutely. An EICR identifies circuit faults, wiring problems, and earthing issues that must be addressed before or during the consumer unit upgrade. Without this inspection, your new board may trip repeatedly or fail certification.
What’s the difference between RCD boards and RCBO boards?
RCD boards split your circuits into two groups, each protected by one RCD. If a fault occurs, half your house loses power. RCBO boards give each circuit individual protection — only the faulty circuit trips, the rest of your property keeps working.
Learn More About Consumer Units and Electrical Safety
For detailed information about consumer units, RCBO boards, and when to upgrade your fuse board, read our comprehensive guide:
Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) Replacement: Everything You Need to Know
Book Your Consumer Unit Replacement Today
Professional consumer unit installation across Solihull, Knowle, Dorridge, Dickens Heath, Shirley, and the wider West Midlands. NICEIC-registered electricians, RCBO boards with surge protection, full certification included.
Electrician Solihull First Class Electrical Services
Please be ready to show us the areas that need attention so we can provide an accurate quote
Areas Covered
Farthing Electrical provides professional electrician services throughout Solihull, Knowle, Dorridge, Dickens Heath, Shirley, Lapworth, Kings Heath, Moseley, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. We regularly work across all Solihull postcodes (B90-B94) and surrounding areas. Available for both domestic and commercial electrical projects with evening and weekend appointments to fit around your schedule.
Services Overview
Farthing Electrical offers comprehensive electrical services including fault finding and repairs, consumer unit replacements, EICR electrical testing, PAT testing, lighting design, smart home installations and emergency callouts. Fully insured with public liability and professional indemnity cover. All work is NICEIC certified and completed to BS 7671:2018 regulations with full certification provided. Free quotes available, and all installations come with a minimum 12-month guarantee.