When Should a Consumer Unit Be Replaced?

A consumer unit, the fuse board in everyday terms, should be replaced when it can no longer protect you properly. The clearest signs are rewireable fuses (the sort with fuse wire) rather than modern breakers, an old wooden or plastic back board rather than a metal enclosure, and no residual current protection to cut the power fast if there is a fault. Signs of overheating such as scorch marks, a burning smell or a board that is warm to the touch mean it should be looked at without delay. A board that trips repeatedly, or one being asked to feed a new EV charger, extension or kitchen, is often the point where an upgrade makes sense.

Age alone is not the whole story, which is why we test every circuit before recommending a changeover, so any hidden faults are found and priced honestly up front rather than appearing later. We upgrade fuse boards across the northeast, from the terraces of Low Fell and Whickham in Gateshead to homes in Newcastle, Sunderland and the Derwent Valley villages near our Rowlands Gill base. A modern board gives each circuit its own protection and adds surge protection as standard, and most swaps are done in a day with only a short break in your power. NAPIT registered with 26 years behind us, we agree one fixed price before we start and will tell you honestly if your existing board is fine.