Your fusebox consumer unit is one of the most important safety features in your home. It controls the flow of electricity, protects your circuits, and helps prevent electrical fires, shocks and serious faults. A lot of the older, period homes in and around Exeter still have outdated fuseboxes that don’t meet modern standards – so if yours is ageing, or you’re simply not sure, our NICEIC-accredited electricians have put together this guide to explain everything you need to know.
In this guide, we cover:
- What a fusebox consumer unit is
- How it works
- The difference between old fuseboxes and modern consumer units
- Signs it may need upgrading
- Legal requirements for landlords
- FAQs from homeowners
What Is a Fusebox Consumer Unit?
A fusebox consumer unit (also known simply as a consumer unit) is the central hub of your home’s electrical system.
It is usually located near your electricity meter and contains the devices that:
- Distribute power to different circuits
- Protect wiring from overloads
- Shut off electricity when a fault occurs
- Reduce the risk of fire or electric shock
Older homes often still refer to this as the fusebox, but modern systems are more accurately called consumer units.
What Does a Consumer Unit Do?
A consumer unit splits electricity into separate circuits throughout the home, such as:
- Lighting circuits
- Socket circuits
- Cooker circuit
- Shower circuit
- Heating controls
- Outdoor electrics
Each circuit has its own protection. If a fault happens, only that circuit will switch off rather than the entire property.
This protects both people and property.
Fusebox vs Consumer Unit: What’s the Difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a key difference between older fuseboxes and modern consumer units.
Old-Style Fuseboxes
Traditional fuseboxes contain rewireable fuses or cartridge fuses. These often:
- Offer limited protection
- Require manual fuse replacement
- Lack modern safety features
- May not meet current regulations
Modern Consumer Units
Modern consumer units use MCBs and RCDs instead of old fuses, providing much higher levels of safety.
They include:
- MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) that trip automatically
- RCDs (Residual Current Devices) that protect against electric shock
- RCBOs for individual circuit protection
- Surge protection in many newer systems
Upgrading from an old fusebox to a modern consumer unit is one of the biggest electrical safety improvements you can make.
Why Is the Consumer Unit So Important?
A fusebox consumer unit plays a vital role in preventing serious electrical hazards.
It helps protect against:
- Overloaded circuits
- Electrical fires
- Faulty appliances
- Damaged wiring
- Electric shocks
- Unsafe earthing
If your consumer unit does not trip correctly during a fault, the consequences can be severe.
Signs You May Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade
Not sure if your fusebox is outdated or unsafe? Here are common warning signs.
1. Your Fusebox Has Rewireable Fuses
If you still have a fusebox where wires need replacing after a fault, it is likely very old and should be upgraded.
2. No RCD Protection
Modern homes require RCD protection for sockets and circuits. If you don’t have RCDs, your system may not meet current safety standards.
3. Frequent Tripping or Blown Fuses
Occasional tripping can happen, but repeated faults may indicate:
- Overloaded circuits
- Wiring problems
- Unsafe consumer unit components
4. Burning Smells or Heat Marks
Any smell of burning or visible scorching around the fusebox is a serious warning sign. Turn off power and contact an electrician immediately.
5. Your Home Has Had Major Renovations
If you’ve added extensions, electric showers, EV chargers or new kitchens, your old consumer unit may not be designed for modern electrical demand.
6. You’re a Landlord
Landlords must meet current electrical safety regulations. An outdated fusebox can result in an unsatisfactory EICR.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Upgrade a Fusebox?
For homeowners, upgrading is not always legally required, but strongly recommended if the unit is outdated or unsafe.
For landlords, the situation is stricter.
Under electrical safety regulations for rented properties, landlords must:
- Have an EICR every 5 years
- Fix any issues marked as C1 or C2
- Ensure the consumer unit provides adequate protection
If an electrician identifies that the fusebox is unsafe or lacks RCD protection, an upgrade may be necessary for compliance.
What Happens During a Consumer Unit Replacement?
Replacing a fusebox consumer unit is a specialist job carried out by a qualified electrician.
The process usually includes:
- Safely isolating the electrical supply
- Removing the old fusebox
- Installing the new consumer unit
- Testing all circuits thoroughly
- Issuing certification (Electrical Installation Certificate)
- Notifying building control where required
Most upgrades take one day, depending on property size and complexity.
Your power will be off during the work, but everything will be fully tested before being switched back on.
How Much Does a New Consumer Unit Cost?
Costs vary depending on the number of circuits and the type of unit installed, but typical pricing is:
| Upgrade Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard consumer unit replacement | £450–£800 |
| Larger properties with more circuits | £800–£1,200+ |
| Unit with surge protection and RCBOs | Higher depending on specification |
A qualified electrician will provide a full quote after inspecting your existing setup.
Fusebox Consumer Unit Services in Exeter
Home Exeter provides professional electrical inspections, consumer unit upgrades, and safety certification across Exeter and surrounding areas.
We offer:
- Consumer unit replacements
- RCD and surge protection upgrades
- Electrical safety inspections (EICR)
- Landlord compliance support
- Remedial repairs after failed EICRs
If you’re unsure about the condition of your fusebox consumer unit, we can assess it and advise on the safest next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fusebox Consumer Units
What is the difference between a fusebox and a consumer unit?
A fusebox is the older term. Modern consumer units include advanced circuit breakers and RCD safety devices.
How do I know if my consumer unit is old?
If it has rewireable fuses, no RCD switches, or looks outdated, it may need upgrading.
Is replacing a consumer unit disruptive?
It usually takes one day, with temporary power shutdown while work is completed.
Does a new consumer unit make my home safer?
Yes. Modern consumer units greatly reduce fire risk and electric shock hazards.
Do landlords need modern consumer units?
Landlords must ensure electrics are safe. If an EICR highlights missing protection, an upgrade may be required.
Does a consumer unit upgrade require certification?
Yes. You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate after replacement.
Book an Electrical Inspection or Consumer Unit Upgrade
Your fusebox consumer unit is the heart of your electrical safety system. If yours is outdated, damaged or lacking modern protection, upgrading can significantly reduce risk and improve compliance.
Home Exeter provides trusted local electricians across Exeter and Devon, offering clear advice, professional upgrades and full certification.
Contact our team today to arrange an inspection or consumer unit replacement.
