Professional fuse board upgrades in Hampstead & NW3. Replace old fuse boxes with modern RCD consumer units. Certified electricians. From £600 installed.
Fuse Board Upgrade Hampstead: Modern Consumer Units
An outdated fuse board compromises safety and insurance coverage. Our NICEIC electricians replace old fuse boxes with modern RCD-protected consumer units across Hampstead, ensuring your property meets current safety standards.
Why Upgrade Your Fuse Board?
Safety Improvements
- RCD protection: Prevents electrocution
- MCBs instead of fuses: Instant trip, easy reset
- AFDD protection: Detects dangerous arcs
- Surge protection: Protects appliances
- Proper earthing: Modern standards
Insurance & Compliance
- Many insurers require modern boards
- Mortgage surveys flag old fuse boxes
- Selling property? Buyers expect compliance
- Landlord legal requirement
- Building regulations mandate upgrades during work
Signs You Need an Upgrade
- Fuse board over 20 years old
- Rewirable fuses (fuse wire)
- No RCD protection
- Wooden back board
- Asbestos fuse box
- Frequent fuse blowing
- Burning smell
- Scorch marks
Consumer Unit Upgrade Costs
Standard Installations
| Property Type | Price Range | MCB Ways |
|---------------|-------------|----------|
| 1-2 bed flat | £600-£850 | 6-10 way |
| 3-bed house | £750-£1,000 | 10-14 way |
| 4-bed house | £900-£1,200 | 14-18 way |
| 5-bed house | £1,000-£1,400 | 18+ way |
What's Included
- New metal consumer unit
- RCBOs or RCDs
- Surge protection device
- Testing and certification
- Building Control notification
- 5-year warranty
Additional Costs
- New circuits needed: £150-£300 each
- Earthing upgrade: £200-£400
- Sub-main replacement: £300-£600
- Asbestos removal: £150-£300
Types of Consumer Units
Budget Range (£200-£400)
- Basic RCD protection
- MCBs for circuit protection
- Plastic enclosure (older stock)
- Meets minimum standards
Standard Range (£400-£700)
- Dual RCD or high integrity
- Metal enclosure
- SPD surge protection
- Premium brands (Hager, Schneider)
Premium Range (£700-£1,200)
- Individual RCBOs per circuit
- Type A RCDs (for EVs, solar)
- Smart monitoring
- Arc fault detection (AFDD)
- Maximum protection
RCD vs RCBO Protection
RCD (Residual Current Device)
- Protects: Against electrocution
- Coverage: Multiple circuits
- Drawback: One fault trips multiple circuits
- Cost: £40-£80 per RCD
RCBO (Combined RCD+MCB)
- Protects: Individual circuits
- Advantage: Fault only trips one circuit
- Best for: Freezers, security systems
- Cost: £25-£45 each
Our Recommendation
- Full RCBO board for best protection
- Minimal inconvenience when faults occur
- Worth the extra investment
Surge Protection Device (SPD)
Why You Need SPD
- Lightning strikes (indirect)
- Power company switching
- Protects expensive appliances
- Prevents fire risk
- Required in new builds since 2019
What It Protects
- Computers and electronics
- Smart home systems
- White goods
- EV chargers
- Solar inverters
Installation Process
Survey & Quote (30 Minutes)
1. Inspect existing fuse board
2. Test circuits
3. Check earthing system
4. Recommend specification
5. Provide detailed quote
Installation Day (3-5 Hours)
1. Turn off power at meter
2. Remove old fuse board
3. Install new consumer unit
4. Connect all circuits
5. Test everything
6. Label circuits clearly
7. Issue certificate
Power Outage
- Typically 3-5 hours
- Can arrange evening/weekend
- Charge devices beforehand
- Refrigerator stays cold 4+ hours
Earthing Systems
TN-S Earthing
- Separate earth cable from supplier
- Best system, most reliable
- Common in older properties
TN-C-S (PME)
- Combined neutral and earth
- Most common modern system
- May need upgrade
TT Earthing
- Local earth rod
- Used where PME not available
- Requires specific RCD type
Certification & Compliance
Documents Provided
- EIC: Electrical Installation Certificate
- Test results: Detailed readings
- Building Control: Notification
- Circuit schedule: Clear labelling
- Manufacturer warranty: Product guarantee
Building Regulations
- Part P compliance
- Competent person scheme
- Local authority notification
- We handle all paperwork
Special Considerations
Hampstead Period Properties
- Often have old wiring systems
- May require earthing upgrade
- Conservation area considerations
- We maintain character while upgrading safety
Listed Buildings
- Consent may be required
- Sympathetic installation
- We can advise on process
Brands We Install
Premium Brands
- Hager: Industry-leading, reliable
- Schneider: Excellent quality
- ABB: Professional grade
- MK Sentry: Trusted brand
Why Brand Matters
- Better quality components
- Longer warranties
- Easier to get spare parts
- Better resale value
When to Upgrade
Best Timing
- During house renovation
- Before rewiring
- When selling property
- Landlord certificate due
- After insurance request
Urgent Upgrade Needed If:
- Burning smell from fuse board
- Frequent tripping
- Physical damage
- Water ingress
- Age over 25 years
Additional Upgrades to Consider
EV Charger Preparation
- 32A supply circuit
- Type A RCD
- Dedicated MCB
- Allows future EV installation
Solar Panel Ready
- Export limiting facility
- Inverter connection point
- Generation meter provision
Smart Home Integration
- DIN rail space for automation
- WiFi monitoring modules
- Energy tracking
Safety Features Explained
MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)
- Protects: Cables from overload
- Ratings: 6A to 63A
- Types: B, C, D curves
- Advantage: Instant reset
AFDD (Arc Fault Detection)
- Detects: Dangerous arcing
- Prevents: Electrical fires
- Required: New builds, extensions
- Cost: £80-£120 per circuit
Why Choose Hampstead Maintenance?
Our Expertise
✅ NICEIC approved contractor
✅ Part P certified electricians
✅ Quality brands: Hager, Schneider
✅ Fast installation: Usually same day
✅ Full certification: All paperwork included
Customer Testimonials
*"Fuse board upgraded in 4 hours. Very professional, minimal disruption."* - Thomas, Hampstead Garden Suburb
*"Clear explanation of options. Recommended full RCBO board - excellent decision."* - Sarah, Belsize Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Typically 3-5 hours including testing and certification.
Q: Will I need to be home?
A: Yes, we need access throughout installation and power will be off.
Q: Can I use appliances during installation?
A: No, all power will be off for 3-5 hours.
Q: What's the difference between RCD and RCBO?
A: RCBO protects individual circuits. RCD protects multiple circuits together.
Q: Do I need Building Control approval?
A: Yes, but we handle notification and provide compliance certificate.
Q: How often should consumer units be replaced?
A: Every 25-30 years, or when regulations change significantly.
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*Last updated: January 2025. Consumer unit prices include VAT, installation, testing and certification. Premium brands available. Same-day installation often possible.*