Consumer Unit Replacement Exeter
Old fuse boards replaced with modern RCD and RCBO-protected consumer units across Exeter and Devon. NICEIC-registered electricians, Part P notified, Building Regulations certificate on completion. Same-day service available.
01392 703127Looking for a Consumer Unit Replacement in Exeter?
The consumer unit — the grey or white box on the wall where your electricity supply enters the property — is the heart of your home's electrical system. It distributes power to every circuit in the building and, crucially, protects you and your property through its circuit breakers and residual current devices. When it fails to do this adequately, the consequences range from inconvenience to genuine danger.
Older consumer units — whether they contain rewirable fuses, early-generation MCBs without RCD protection, or a plastic enclosure that predates current fire safety requirements — provide measurably less protection than a modern board. Upgrading to a current-specification unit with proper RCD or RCBO protection on every circuit is one of the most impactful safety improvements you can make to an older electrical installation.
We book NICEIC-registered electricians across Exeter and Devon for consumer unit replacements. The work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations and our engineers self-certify to Building Control on your behalf — you receive your compliance certificate before the engineer leaves the property.
Whether you need a replacement because of a failed EICR, a property sale, a planned refurbishment, or simply because you want to upgrade the protection in your home, we can confirm an engineer quickly and manage the process from booking to certificate.
Signs You Need a Consumer Unit Replacement
Eight of the most common reasons Exeter homeowners and landlords book a consumer unit replacement.
Rewirable fuses still fitted
Wire fuses provide no RCD protection. They can be incorrectly refitted. Modern MCBs are safer, more reliable, and simpler to reset when a circuit trips.
Repeated tripping
If circuits trip repeatedly, the board may be inadequate for the loads placed on it, or the existing MCBs may be worn. A replacement resolves this alongside any underlying fault.
Planning a kitchen or bathroom
Kitchen and bathroom work often requires new circuits. If the existing board is already full or sub-standard, replacement at the same time makes sense.
Selling the property
Old consumer units are routinely flagged by surveyors. A replacement before exchange removes this potential sticking point and demonstrates the installation has been maintained.
EICR C2 observation
A C2 relating to the consumer unit creates a legal obligation (for landlords) or a strong practical reason (for homeowners) to carry out remedial works within 28 days.
Letting the property
Landlords with an old board face an increasing likelihood of EICR failure. Replacing before the first inspection removes the issue and avoids the tighter 28-day remedial deadline.
Adding an EV charger
EV chargers require a dedicated 32A circuit. If the existing board has no spare ways, replacement — or the addition of a second board — is needed alongside the charger installation.
Plastic consumer unit enclosure
Consumer units must be in non-combustible metal enclosures since 2016. A plastic-cased board predates this requirement and should be replaced when next having work done.
Types of Consumer Unit Explained
Your engineer will discuss the right board type for your property before any work is committed to.
Single RCD board
One RCD protects all circuits. The simplest and least expensive option. If the RCD trips — whether from a fault or nuisance tripping — all circuits on that side of the board lose power simultaneously.
Dual RCD (split-load) board
Two RCDs protecting two groups of circuits. If one RCD trips, only half the circuits lose power — lights may stay on while socket circuits are isolated, for example. The most common replacement option for standard domestic properties.
High integrity (RCBO) board
Each circuit has its own RCBO — a combined RCD and MCB in one device. If any one circuit develops a fault, only that circuit trips. All other circuits remain live. The highest level of protection and discrimination. Increasingly standard in modern installations and strongly recommended for larger properties or where power loss is particularly disruptive.
Surge protection device (SPD)
Installed within or alongside the consumer unit, an SPD protects sensitive electronic equipment from transient voltage surges caused by lightning strikes or grid switching. Increasingly specified in new installations and recommended by BS 7671 Amendment 2.
Who We Help
Homeowners
Whether you are upgrading proactively, preparing for a sale, or responding to a surveyor's report, we make the consumer unit replacement process as simple as possible. We confirm an engineer, advise you on preparation, carry out the replacement, and issue your certificate. Most homeowners in Exeter have their new board fitted within 5–7 working days of calling us. Same-day service is often available for straightforward replacements.
Landlords
An EICR C2 relating to the consumer unit creates a 28-day legal deadline for remedial works. We work with Exeter landlords to carry out replacements promptly, provide all necessary documentation — including written confirmation of the remedial works — and coordinate with tenants for access where properties are occupied. Portfolio landlords can book across multiple properties in a single call.
Property Buyers
If you are buying an Exeter property and the survey or Home Buyer Report has flagged an old consumer unit, we can provide a pre-purchase quote so you have a clear picture of the cost. Some buyers use this to negotiate on price; others simply want to know what they are taking on. Either way, a replacement shortly after completion gives you a fresh electrical installation with modern protection and a current Building Regulations certificate from day one of ownership.
Consumer Unit Replacement Costs in Exeter
All prices include parts, labour, testing, and the Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. Fixed quotes provided before work begins.
How to Book
Call us on 01392 703127
Tell us about your property and current fuse board. We will advise on what is likely needed and book the right engineer.
Engineer confirmed
A NICEIC-registered engineer is confirmed for your preferred date and time. For same-day replacements in Exeter, call early to check availability.
Booking deposit confirms your slot
Paying the booking deposit locks in your appointment. Your engineer is committed to arriving at the agreed time.
Replacement, testing, and certificate
Your engineer replaces the board, tests all circuits, and issues your Building Regulations Compliance Certificate before leaving.
Why NICEIC Registration Matters
Consumer unit replacement is Part P notifiable work. Only a registered competent person — such as a NICEIC-registered electrician — can self-certify this work to Building Control. Without registration, you would need to separately notify your local authority and pay for a Building Inspector to verify the work. This creates additional cost, delay, and potentially a gap in your documentation.
NICEIC-registered electricians are assessed annually for technical competence. Their work can be audited. When you receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate from a NICEIC engineer, it comes with the backing of an independent professional body — providing you with the documentary evidence you need for sales, remortgages, and insurance.
All our engineers are NICEIC-registered. We verify this before every booking. You can check any engineer's registration at niceic.com using their registration number.
Areas We Cover
Consumer Unit Replacement FAQs
Book a Consumer Unit Replacement in Exeter
NICEIC-registered electricians. RCD and RCBO protection. Part P certified. Fixed quotes before work starts.
01392 703127Or email us at office@exeterelectricalservices.co.uk