🔍 Consumer Unit Cost, Fuse Box Replacement

Dtec electrical
Oct 24
3 min read

If you’re looking for consumer unit cost, fuse box replacement, or a consumer unit upgrade in Largs or Greenock, this complete guide from DTEC Electrical will help you make the right choice.

Your consumer unit—also known as a fuse box—is the central hub that controls your home’s electricity. Whether you need a consumer unit installation, a fuse box replacement, or an electrical safety certificate, our fully qualified electricians in Largs and Greenock can ensure your home meets UK wiring regulations (BS 7671, 18th Edition) safely and affordably.

⚙️ What Is a Consumer Unit and Why Is It Important?

A consumer unit is responsible for safely distributing electricity throughout your home. It protects circuits using Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent).

If your home still has an old fuse board with rewireable fuses, it’s time to consider a fuse box replacement or consumer unit upgrade. Upgrading improves electrical safety, prevents fire risks, and ensures your home complies with modern safety standards.

DTEC Electrical specialises in professional consumer unit installations in Largs and Greenock, ensuring your system is up to date, safe, and reliable.

💷 Consumer Unit Cost in Largs & Greenock

The consumer unit cost in Largs and Greenock depends on your home’s size, circuit complexity, and the type of consumer unit you choose.

Consumer Unit Type	Description	Average Cost (Supply & Install)
Dual RCD Consumer Unit	Cost-effective, protects multiple circuits	£400 – £550
RCBO Consumer Unit	Each circuit individually protected	£550 – £750
Smart / Surge-Protected Unit	Premium model with Wi-Fi and surge control	£800 – £1,000+

💡 All prices include professional fitting and testing by Approved electricians in Greenock and Largs.

🧰 What Affects Consumer Unit Installation Cost?

Several factors influence the total consumer unit cost:

Type of consumer unit – RCBO and smart models are more expensive but safer.
Number of circuits – Larger properties need more protection points.
Condition of existing wiring – Older homes may require rewiring or safety checks.
Extra features – Surge protection, smart monitoring, and metal casings add cost.
Certification – After installation, a consumer unit test and electrical safety certificate confirm compliance.

By investing in a premium consumer unit installation, you ensure long-term safety and compliance across your electrical system.

🔌 Types of Consumer Units in the UK

⚡ Dual RCD Consumer Unit

A dual RCD consumer unit protects groups of circuits through two RCDs. It’s affordable, safe, and ideal for small to medium homes in Largs and Greenock.

⚙️ RCBO Consumer Unit

An RCBO consumer unit gives each circuit its own protection. This means a single fault doesn’t shut off power to other circuits — perfect for families and landlords seeking reliability.

🔋 Smart Consumer Units

Smart units offer advanced monitoring, allowing you to track power usage through an app. These are the future of consumer unit upgrades and are becoming popular in modern homes.

⚖️ Cheap Fuse Box Replacement vs Premium Consumer Units

A cheap consumer unit might seem tempting, but the long-term drawbacks outweigh short-term savings. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Cheap Units	Premium Brands (Hager, Wylex, FuseBox)
Safety	Basic protection	Advanced surge and RCBO protection
Build Quality	Thin plastic casing	Fire-retardant metal
Durability	5–10 years	15–25 years
Compliance	May fail 18th Edition standards	Fully compliant
Warranty	1–2 years	5–10 years

✅ DTEC Electrical recommends installing premium units for all consumer unit replacements and fuse box upgrades in Largs and Greenock to guarantee long-term safety.

🧠 Signs You Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade

You should book a consumer unit upgrade if:

You have rewireable fuses or wooden fuse boards
There are frequent electrical trips or flickering lights
You’re adding new high-load devices (EV chargers, electric showers, extensions)
You’re missing an electrical safety certificate

A consumer unit upgrade protects your home against electric shocks and fires — and is a legal requirement when modernising or renting out your property.