Professional consumer unit upgrades in Hampstead & NW3. Replace old fuse boxes with modern units. 18th Edition compliant, RCD protection, surge protection. NICEIC approved electricians.
Consumer Unit Upgrade Hampstead: Complete Guide to Fuse Box Replacement
Your consumer unit (fuse box) is the heart of your home's electrical system. If yours is over 15 years old, lacks RCD protection, or has old-style fuses, it's time for an upgrade. Our expert electricians in Hampstead provide professional consumer unit replacement that meets current 18th Edition regulations.
Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
Safety Requirements
Modern Protection Features:
- RCD Protection: Prevents electrocution from earth faults
- AFDD Devices: Arc fault detection devices prevent electrical fires
- Surge Protection: Protects appliances from power surges
- MCB Circuit Breakers: Replace old rewireable fuses
- Split Load Design: Separate RCD protection for different circuits
Signs You Need an Upgrade:
- Fuse box older than 15 years
- Old-style rewireable fuses (not MCBs)
- No RCD protection visible
- Tripping frequently
- Burning smell from fuse box
- Planning renovation or extension
- Installing EV charger
- Landlord safety certificate failure
Consumer Unit Upgrade Costs Hampstead
Standard Replacements
Typical Property Sizes:
- 1-2 bed flat: £450-650 (8-12 circuits)
- 3-4 bed house: £650-850 (12-16 circuits)
- 5+ bed house: £850-1,200 (16-24 circuits)
- HMO properties: £950-1,500 (additional RCDs required)
What's Included:
- New 18th Edition consumer unit
- RCD and RCBO protection
- MCB circuit breakers for all circuits
- Proper labeling of all circuits
- Earth bonding check and upgrade
- Full testing and certification
- 12-month warranty on installation
Additional Features
Optional Upgrades:
- Surge Protection Device: Add £120-180
- AFDD Protection: Add £80-120 per circuit (bedrooms required)
- Meter relocation: Add £200-400
- Earth rod installation: Add £300-450
- Additional circuits: £45-85 per circuit
The Upgrade Process
Initial Assessment (Day 1)
Our electrician will:
1. Inspect existing consumer unit
2. Count and test circuits
3. Check earth bonding
4. Assess cable condition
5. Provide detailed quote
6. Explain upgrade options
Testing Includes:
- Earth loop impedance
- RCD testing (if present)
- Circuit continuity
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity checks
Installation Day
Timeline (3-5 hours):
- 9:00 AM: Electrician arrives, sets up
- 9:30 AM: Power isolation, old unit removal
- 10:30 AM: New consumer unit installation
- 11:30 AM: Circuit connection and labeling
- 12:30 PM: Testing and commissioning
- 1:30 PM: Certification and handover
What to Expect:
- Power off for 3-5 hours
- No damage to decoration
- All circuits tested thoroughly
- Clear circuit labels
- Full explanation of new system
18th Edition Requirements
New Regulations (Since 2018)
Key Changes:
- RCD protection on all circuits
- AFDD required for bedrooms
- Surge protection recommended
- Metal consumer units required
- Arc fault detection in some cases
Hampstead Specifics:
- Conservation area considerations
- Listed building approvals
- Period property requirements
- Concealed cable routing
Choosing the Right Consumer Unit
Standard vs Premium Units
Budget Options (£450-650):
- 8-12 way split load unit
- Dual RCD protection
- Quality MCBs
- Basic surge protection
- Good for flats and small houses
Premium Options (£650-1,200):
- 12-24 way RCBO unit
- Individual RCBO per circuit
- Better fault isolation
- Advanced surge protection
- AFDD circuits for bedrooms
- Ideal for houses and HMOs
Brand Recommendations
Top Manufacturers:
1. Hager: Premium quality, excellent support
2. MK Sentry: Reliable, good value
3. Fusebox: Budget-friendly, compliant
4. Wylex: Industry standard
5. Crabtree: High-end professional
Hampstead Property Considerations
Period Properties
Victorian/Edwardian Homes:
- Often lack proper earthing
- May need earth rod installation
- Concealed cable routing preferred
- Minimal visual impact required
Georgian Properties:
- Listed building considerations
- Conservation officer approval
- Sympathetic installation methods
- Period-appropriate routing
Modern Properties
Post-1990s Homes:
- Usually straightforward upgrade
- Existing earthing adequate
- Modern cable standards
- Quick installation
Landlord Requirements
Legal Obligations
Electrical Safety Standards:
- Consumer unit must be safe and compliant
- 18th Edition compliance required for HMOs
- 5-year electrical inspection mandatory
- EICR must pass with no C1/C2 codes
Tenant Protection:
- RCD protection all circuits
- Proper circuit isolation
- Clear labeling
- Emergency contact details
Post-Installation
Your New Certificate
Documents Received:
- Electrical Installation Certificate
- Consumer unit schedule
- Test results
- 12-month warranty
- Operating instructions
Keep these safe - needed for:
- Property sales
- Insurance claims
- Future electrical work
- Building control
Maintenance
Annual Checks:
- Test RCD buttons quarterly
- Check for burning smells
- Monitor frequent tripping
- Keep area clear and ventilated
5-Year Inspection:
- Professional EICR required
- All circuits tested
- Consumer unit condition checked
- Certificate updated
Why Choose Us?
Our Guarantee
Professional Service:
- NICEIC approved contractors
- 18th Edition qualified
- All work certified
- 12-month warranty
- Fully insured
Hampstead Expertise:
- 15+ years local experience
- Period property specialists
- Conservation area approved
- Listed building experience
Booking Your Upgrade
Free Quote Process
We'll Need to Know:
- Property type and age
- Current consumer unit type
- Number of bedrooms
- Special requirements (EV charger, etc.)
- Preferred timeline
Quote Includes:
- Full site survey
- Detailed specification
- Fixed price guarantee
- Timeline commitment
- No hidden costs
Same-Day Availability
Urgent Situations:
- Dangerous consumer units
- Failed EICR
- Landlord compliance deadlines
- Pre-sale requirements
Emergency upgrades from £550 including:
- Same or next-day service
- Out of hours available
- Fast certification
- Professional advice
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
A: Typically 3-5 hours including testing. Power off for this period. We work efficiently to minimize disruption.
Q: Will I need to redecorate after the upgrade?
A: No, we work cleanly and carefully. No damage to walls or decoration. Minor dust only.
Q: Can I use any power during the work?
A: No power available during installation. Fridge/freezer remain off 3-5 hours only - food stays frozen.
Q: Do I need Building Control notification?
A: No if using registered electrician (we are). We self-certify and notify Building Control.
Q: What if additional problems are found?
A: We'll explain issues clearly, provide costs, and get your approval before any extra work.
Q: Is financing available for consumer unit upgrades?
A: Yes, we offer 0% finance on jobs over £500. Spread cost over 6-12 months interest-free.
Q: How do I know if my fuse box is dangerous?
A: Old style fuses, no RCD protection, frequent tripping, burning smell, or age 15+ years all indicate upgrade needed.
Q: Can you upgrade while tenants are in the property?
A: Yes, we schedule around tenants. 3-5 hours without power. Usually completed same day.
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*Last updated: January 2025. Consumer unit upgrade costs vary by property size and complexity. All prices include VAT, materials, testing, and certification. NICEIC registered contractors.*