Emergency Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement Repair Edinburgh
Upgrading old, dangerous, or non-compliant consumer units
Emergency Service Details
Understanding Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement and Why It Requires Immediate Professional Attention
Your consumer unit (previously called a fuse box) is the heart of your electrical system, controlling and protecting all circuits in your property. Older units often lack crucial modern safety features, particularly RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, which saves lives by instantly cutting power during electric shock events. If your consumer unit has rewirable fuses, a wooden or Bakelite case, or is over 25 years old, it should be replaced. Modern 18th Edition compliant consumer units feature metal enclosures (fire-safe), RCD protection on all circuits, surge protection, and arc fault detection. Upgrading your consumer unit dramatically reduces fire and electric shock risks.
Common Symptoms & Signs
- Rewirable ceramic fuses rather than modern circuit breakers
- Wooden, Bakelite, or plastic consumer unit casing
- No RCD protection (no "test" buttons visible)
- Consumer unit over 25 years old
- Frequent tripping or blown fuses
- Insufficient circuits for modern electrical demands
- Burning smells or heat from the unit
- Visible damage, corrosion, or deterioration
- Recent house renovations requiring additional circuits
Common Causes
- Age - consumer units deteriorate over decades
- Regulatory changes requiring modern safety features
- Inadequate circuit capacity for modern appliances
- Fire safety concerns with plastic or wooden enclosures
- Lack of RCD protection on older installations
- Renovation work requiring upgraded electrical systems
- Insurance requirements for rental properties
- EICR recommendations following inspection
What To Do Right Now - Immediate Safety Steps
- 1Schedule a consumer unit replacement if yours is over 25 years old
- 2Don't wait for emergency failures - plan proactive replacement
- 3Obtain quotes from qualified electricians (SELECT registered recommended)
- 4Ensure the electrician will provide certification and Part P compliance
- 5Budget £400-£800 for standard residential consumer unit replacement
- 6Arrange convenient timing - typically requires 3-4 hours with power off
- 7Call us on 0131 3589935 for a free assessment and quote
Specific Dangers & Risks
- No RCD protection means electric shock events can be fatal
- Plastic or wooden enclosures fuel electrical fires rather than containing them
- Rewirable fuses can be fitted with incorrect rating wire, defeating protection
- Aged components fail unexpectedly, causing power loss or fires
- Inadequate earth fault protection increases electrocution risk
- Non-compliance with current regulations affects insurance validity
- Insufficient circuits encourage dangerous overloading
- Corrosion and deterioration create loose connections and fire risks
Why Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement Is Extremely Dangerous - Do NOT Attempt DIY Repairs
Old consumer units lack RCD protection, meaning electric shock incidents can be fatal. Plastic casings don't contain electrical fires, allowing them to spread rapidly.
If you smell burning, switch off power at the main switch immediately and call a qualified electrician. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Electrical work must be carried out by qualified, registered electricians under Part P Building Regulations. DIY electrical work is illegal, dangerous, and invalidates your home insurance.
How Our Qualified Electrician Fixes Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement Safely & Properly
We'll design and install a modern 18th Edition compliant consumer unit with comprehensive RCD protection, surge protection, and adequate circuits for your property.
Our Step-by-Step Professional Process:
- 1Free assessment of your existing consumer unit and electrical needs
- 2Design of new consumer unit with appropriate circuit protection
- 3Scheduling of installation at a convenient time
- 4Safe isolation of your electrical supply
- 5Removal of old consumer unit and installation of new unit
- 6Testing of all circuits for safety and compliance
- 7Labeling of all circuits clearly
- 8Provision of Building Standards compliance certificates
- 9Demonstration of RCD testing and consumer unit operation
Frequently Asked Questions About Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement
How do I know if my fuse box needs replacing?
If your consumer unit has rewirable ceramic fuses, a wooden or plastic case, no "test" buttons (no RCDs), or is over 25 years old, it should be replaced. Modern consumer units are metal-enclosed, have RCD protection, and feature MCB circuit breakers. Call us on 0131 3589935 for a free assessment.
How long does a consumer unit replacement take?
A standard residential consumer unit replacement typically takes 3-4 hours. Your power will be off during this time, so plan accordingly (no heating, no cooking, no internet). We recommend scheduling morning appointments so power is restored by afternoon. Emergency same-day replacements are available.
How much does it cost to replace a fuse box in Edinburgh?
Standard consumer unit replacements in Edinburgh typically cost £400-£800 depending on the size of your property, number of circuits, and any necessary electrical upgrades. We provide free quotes with no obligation. All work includes certification and compliance documentation for Building Standards.
Can I replace my own fuse box to save money?
Absolutely not. Consumer unit replacement is notifiable work under Part P Building Regulations and must be carried out by qualified, registered electricians. DIY consumer unit work is illegal, incredibly dangerous (risk of electrocution and fire), invalidates insurance, and requires Building Standards approval which you cannot obtain as a non-qualified person.
What is the difference between a fuse box and a consumer unit?
"Fuse box" is the old term for consumer units that used rewirable ceramic fuses. Modern "consumer units" use MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) switches and RCD protection. If you still have a "fuse box" with actual fuses, it should be replaced immediately with a modern consumer unit for safety.
Will a new consumer unit increase my property value?
Yes. An 18th Edition compliant consumer unit is a selling point and often required for mortgage approvals. It also reduces home insurance premiums, passes EICR inspections, and provides peace of mind. For landlords, it's often mandatory for rental property compliance and insurance.
Relevant Safety Regulations & Standards
All our emergency electrical work complies with current UK regulations and safety standards, including:
- BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (18th Edition Amendment 2)
- Consumer Unit Requirements (BS EN 61439-3)
- Part P Building Regulations (Scotland)
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Requirements
Learn more about electrical safety:
Prevention Tips - How To Avoid Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement Problems
- Replace consumer units proactively every 25-30 years
- Schedule EICR inspections to assess consumer unit condition
- Upgrade when renovating or extending your property
- Ensure any new consumer unit meets 18th Edition Amendment 2 standards
- Use only qualified, registered electricians for consumer unit work
- Keep consumer unit area clear, dry, and accessible
- Test RCDs monthly using test buttons once upgraded
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront rates with no hidden charges
Standard Hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm
(billed per 30 mins)
Out-of-Hours
Evenings/Weekends/Bank Holidays
(billed per 30 mins)
What's Included
- • All basic tools and testing equipment
- • Free quote for any parts needed
- • All work guaranteed
- • Work carried out to BS 7671 (18th Edition) standards
No hidden fees. We'll confirm any parts costs before work begins.
Need Emergency Help with Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement?
Don't wait - electrical emergencies can be dangerous and get worse quickly. Call now for immediate professional assistance.
Call Emergency Line: 0131 3589935