If your fuse box is old, keeps tripping, or fails inspection, it is not just an inconvenience. It can be a real safety issue.
Wiring systems in modern homes have to handle a lot more electricity than they did in homes built even 20 years ago. Along with the legal duties of landlords and the growing need for compliance paperwork, upgrading a consumer unit is more than just switching it out. It turns into a choice about safety and following the rules.
We replace and upgrade consumer units all over London at Safety Spectrum London. We do this in accordance with the most recent BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. NICEIC-certified electricians do all of the work and test it all out. We don’t just do the installation; we also make sure it meets all the rules.
We offer full consumer unit and fuse box services all over London at Safety Spectrum London. We can help you with both new installations and repairs to existing boards.
We carry out:
Consumer Unit Installation
Consumer Unit Replacement
Consumer Unit Repair
Fuse Box Installation
Fuse Box Replacement
Fuse Box Repair
If your current unit is old, keeps tripping, is broken, or fails an inspection, we check it out and let you know if it’s safer to fix it or replace it completely.
We install modern 18th Edition-compliant consumer units with full testing and certification for new builds, extensions, refurbishments, and property upgrades.
If the problem is small, like a broken breaker or a loose connection, we might be able to fix the current unit without having to replace the whole board. We always take a practical and compliance-based approach, not a sales-driven one.
Upgrading your fuse box should not feel complicated.
You can:
We usually need:
Once we review the information, we explain your options clearly. If an inspection is required first, we will tell you why. No pressure. No assumptions.
At Safety Spectrum London, we deliver all types of EICR testing and certification your one trusted team for complete electrical safety compliance.
We offer professional EICR testing for offices and commercial sites, ensuring your business stays fully compliant with minimal disruption.
We deliver quick, accurate electrical fault-finding to identify issues early and prevent costly repairs or system failures.
We provide fast, certified electrical inspections for homes and rentals, ensuring complete safety and compliance at competitive rates.
We offer reliable emergency lighting inspections and certification to ensure your building meets all legal and safety standards.
We provide fast, efficient PAT testing with instant digital reports to keep your appliances, staff, and tenants fully protected.
Not every issue means immediate replacement.
Sometimes a tripping breaker is caused by a faulty appliance. Other times it may indicate insulation resistance issues or an earth fault within the wiring.
A replacement is usually recommended when:
We confirm this properly before any work starts. Our approach is compliance-led. We will not install a new board onto an unsafe system simply to complete a job.
Electrical systems rarely fail without warning.
Common signs include:
If you notice heat, burning smell, or visible damage, isolate power at the main switch and seek professional advice immediately. Electrical faults are responsible for thousands of house fires each year in the UK, according to Electrical Safety First.
Tripping is not random. It is protective.
The most common causes we see in London properties include:
Appliance leakage:A faulty appliance can cause an RCD or RCBO to trip. This is often misinterpreted as a wiring issue.
Insulation resistance breakdown: Older cables degrade over time, particularly in properties built before modern PVC standards.
Borrowed neutrals:Common in older lighting circuits and a frequent cause of nuisance tripping after upgrades.
Overloaded circuits:Modern kitchens and home offices draw significantly more current than systems were originally designed for.
It is important to understand that replacing the board does not automatically fix underlying wiring defects. That is why full testing and commissioning is critical.
An older fuse box contains fuse wires that melt under fault conditions. Once blown, they must be replaced manually.
A modern consumer unit uses miniature circuit breakers and residual current protection. These devices trip instantly in fault conditions and can be reset safely.
Modern boards improve safety by:
If you are unsure what you currently have, a photo is usually enough for us to advise.
We supply and fit a range of consumer units suitable for every property type:
Type | Description | Ideal For |
Main Switch Unit | Basic unit with a single isolator | Studios / Small Flats |
Dual RCD Unit | Splits power between two sections | 2–3 Bedroom Homes |
High-Integrity Unit (RCBOs) | Individual protection per circuit | Larger Homes / HMOs |
Three-Phase Board | Handles heavy loads with load balancing | Shops / Offices / Restaurants |
Garage Unit | Compact unit for outbuildings | Garages / Garden Studios |
All installations come with optional SPD and AFDD upgrades for maximum protection and longevity.
Choosing the right board matters.
Dual RCD units are a cost-effective solution and suit many standard homes. However, if one RCD trips, multiple circuits may lose power.
RCBO consumer units provide individual circuit protection. If a fault occurs, only the affected circuit trips. This reduces disruption and is particularly useful for families, home offices, and rental properties.
High integrity boards provide enhanced fault isolation and are often recommended where reliability is critical.
Surge protection devices protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes. With modern homes containing expensive appliances, this is often advisable.
Arc fault detection devices are recommended in certain higher-risk environments and can be discussed during inspection.
All boards installed are metal enclosed and compliant with current safety standards.
Before installing any new consumer unit, we carry out essential safety checks.
These include:
If the installation does not meet minimum safety standards, it must be addressed before commissioning the new board. This protects you and ensures compliance with BS 7671.
We follow a structured approach. First, we assess whether an inspection or EICR route is appropriate. Next, we provide a clear scope of work and quotation. You know what is included before installation day.
On the day:
Most standard installations take between three and five hours, depending on circuit count and property condition.
After installation, we explain how the system works and how to reset breakers safely.
Documentation is not optional. It is essential.
You will receive:
For landlords, this documentation supports rental compliance and future inspections.
Sometimes circuits fail testing. Unsafe circuits cannot be reconnected. This is not optional and not negotiable under the regulations. Common issues include:
If faults are discovered, we provide clear findings and options. No additional work proceeds without your approval.
Landlords and property managers need to keep good records.
Our improvements are in line with EICR results and help us meet the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations for rental safety.
We keep clear records that can be used for insurance, audits, and buying and selling property.
Safety Spectrum London is a NICEIC Approved Contractor and a registered Domestic Installer. We are also registered with NAPIT and ELECSA and have the TrustMark seal of approval. All work is done by engineers who have passed a DBS check and are covered by public liability insurance.
If a breaker trips after it has been installed, we show you how to do some simple checks.
You should check your electrical systems from time to time. This is usually every five years or when the tenant changes for rental properties.
We make sure that any new circuits you add will work safely with the current board.
We remain available for ongoing support.
We have replaced old fuse boards in flats, family homes, and managed rental properties all over London.
Clients regularly comment on:
We can provide examples upon request.
If your fuse box needs upgrading, or if you are unsure whether it does, speak to us.
Safety Spectrum London offers safe and legal upgrades to consumer units all over London without using scare tactics or pressure. Just the right kind of electrical work done right.
Usually 4–8 hours, depending on property size and wiring condition.
A fuse box uses replaceable fuses, while a consumer unit has resettable circuit breakers and RCD protection, offering improved safety.
Starting from £449.99, including materials, certification, and testing.
Yes 24/7 emergency fault finding and fuse box repair across London.
You’ll get a full Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and Building Control notification under the Competent Person Scheme.
Yes. Since January 2016, UK regulations require non-combustible (metal) consumer units for new installations to improve fire safety and meet the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
An RCBO consumer unit combines RCD and MCB protection in one device, meaning each circuit is independently protected against electric shock and overloads — reducing the risk of full power loss.
Consumer units typically last 20–25 years, but replacement may be needed sooner if your property has old rewirable fuses, frequent tripping, or fails an EICR inspection.
Yes. We fit garage consumer units with appropriate IP-rated enclosures and circuit protection to handle outdoor or damp environments safely.
Common signs include burn marks, frequent tripping, no RCD protection, buzzing sounds, or old-style rewirable fuses all indicators that an upgrade to a modern consumer unit is due.
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