A new consumer unit in the UK typically costs £300–£800 installed, including labour. A standard 10-way metal-clad unit with RCBOs costs around £400–£600 for most homes. Supply-only prices range from £50–£200 depending on the unit type. Always use a Part P registered electrician — consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Building Regulations. Expect the job to take 4–8 hours. Get at least three quotes and ask for an Electrical Installation Certificate upon completion.
🏠Homeowner view
How Much Does a New Consumer Unit Cost in the UK?
Replacing your consumer unit (also called a fuse box) is one of the most important electrical upgrades you can make. Here's what you need to know about the costs involved.
Typical Costs
Supply only (unit cost): £50–£200 depending on size and type
Labour only: £200–£500 depending on location and complexity
Full installation (supply + labour): £300–£800 for most homes
Large homes or complex rewires: £800–£1,500+
What Affects the Price?
Number of circuits: A 10-way board costs more than a 6-way
Type of protection: RCBO-protected boards (one device per circuit) cost more but offer better protection than dual RCD boards
Metal vs plastic: Since 2016, metal-clad units are required by BS 7671 — older plastic units cannot be legally installed as replacements
Location: London and the South East typically cost 20–30% more than other regions
Access and additional work: If cables need extending, earthing needs upgrading, or the meter tails require replacement, costs rise
Types of Consumer Unit
Dual RCD (split load) board: Lower cost option, typically £300–£450 fitted — less protection if one RCD trips
Full RCBO board: Each circuit has individual protection, typically £450–£700 fitted — preferred option
Smart/Surge Protected boards: £600–£1,000+ fitted
What Should Be Included?
Always ask your electrician to provide:
An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) — legally required
Building Regulations notification (Part P compliance)
A test schedule showing all circuit test results
Confirmation of earthing and bonding checks
When to Replace Your Consumer Unit
Your board still has old-style rewirable fuses
You have a plastic consumer unit (pre-2016)
Frequent RCD or MCB tripping
You're having a home extension or EV charger installed
An EICR report has flagged it as C2 or C1
Never attempt to replace a consumer unit yourself. It involves working on the live side of the meter — this is extremely dangerous and illegal without the correct qualifications and Part P registration.