Fuse Board Upgrade & Consumer Units
Why Us
Why Choose Amppro Electrical
MCS Certified
Every solar installation is MCS certified — required for SEG payments and grid connection.
Free Survey & Quote
A detailed site survey and fixed-price proposal, completely free with no obligation.
25-Year Warranty
Industry-leading panel warranties plus ongoing aftercare and performance monitoring.
Local Yorkshire Team
Based in Armthorpe, Doncaster — we are genuinely local and quickly available for aftercare.
Why Upgrade Your Consumer Unit?
Your consumer unit, commonly known as a fuse board or fuse box, is the heart of your home's electrical system. It distributes electricity to every circuit in your property and provides the critical safety devices that protect you, your family, and your home from electrical faults. If your consumer unit is more than 20 to 25 years old, it almost certainly lacks the safety features now required by the current 18th Edition wiring regulations (BS 7671), and upgrading it is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your home's electrical safety.
Older consumer units typically use rewirable fuses or cartridge fuses without Residual Current Device (RCD) protection. RCDs detect tiny imbalances in electrical current that indicate a fault, such as current flowing through a person (electric shock) or through damaged insulation (potential fire). Modern RCDs operate in milliseconds, cutting power before a lethal shock can occur or before overheating wiring can ignite surrounding materials. Without RCD protection, your home lacks this critical safety net.
Beyond the safety argument, a consumer unit upgrade is often a prerequisite for other electrical work. If you are planning to install solar panels, an EV charger, or a battery storage system, your existing consumer unit may not have sufficient spare ways for the additional circuits required, or the unit itself may not be suitable for the increased electrical load. Upgrading at the same time as installing renewable energy equipment is both more cost-effective and less disruptive than doing it separately.
Signs You Need an Upgrade
Rewirable Fuses
If your fuse board still uses rewirable fuses (the type where you wrap wire around a ceramic holder), it is seriously outdated. These offer no RCD protection and can be easily fitted with the wrong fuse wire rating, creating a fire risk.
No RCD Protection
If there is no RCD (a device with a test button) in your consumer unit, your circuits have no earth leakage protection. Modern regulations require RCD protection on virtually all circuits in a domestic property.
Over 25 Years Old
Consumer units installed before the year 2000 predate multiple editions of the wiring regulations and are missing many current safety requirements. Age alone is a strong reason to upgrade.
Frequent Tripping
If your fuses blow or breakers trip regularly, this may indicate overloaded circuits, deteriorating wiring, or undersized protection devices. A modern consumer unit with correctly rated MCBs resolves many of these issues.
No Spare Ways
If your consumer unit has no spare ways, you cannot add new circuits for solar panels, EV chargers, extensions, or additional appliances without upgrading to a larger board with more capacity.
EICR Recommendation
If your EICR has flagged the consumer unit as unsatisfactory or recommended an upgrade, this should be treated as a priority to ensure your property meets safety standards.
What Is Involved in a Consumer Unit Upgrade
A consumer unit upgrade from Amppro Electrical typically takes one working day and involves the complete replacement of your existing fuse board with a modern, metal-clad consumer unit meeting BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, the current edition of the wiring regulations. The new unit features Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) for every circuit, dual RCD or RCBO protection, surge protection devices (SPDs) where required by the regulations, and sufficient spare ways for future circuit additions.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of your existing installation. We check all circuits, test the earthing and bonding arrangements, and verify that the main incoming supply and meter tails are in good condition. During the upgrade, the power to your property will be off for several hours while we disconnect the old unit, install and wire the new one, and reconnect all existing circuits. We then carry out a complete set of electrical tests on every circuit and issue a Building Regulations compliance certificate, which is registered with the local authority on your behalf.
If we discover any defects in the existing wiring during the upgrade, such as missing earth connections, incorrect cable sizes, or damaged insulation, we bring these to your attention and can carry out remedial work as part of the same visit. This might include earth bonding to gas and water services, replacing damaged cables, or adding additional protection to specific circuits. Our aim is to leave your entire electrical installation in a safe, compliant condition, not just the consumer unit itself.
Fuse board upgrade or main fuse upgrade? Two different jobs
"Fuse upgrade" means two different things, and it matters who you call. A fuse board upgrade replaces the consumer unit inside your home — the board of breakers that protects each circuit. That is your installation, it is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, and it is the job an electrician quotes for.
The main fuse sits in the sealed cut-out where the supply cable enters your home, and it belongs to the network operator — Northern Powergrid across South Yorkshire. If you need more capacity, for example for an EV charger, Northern Powergrid says a fuse upgrade is in most cases a service it provides free of charge, and since July 2023 its standard fuse for domestic whole-current connections has been 80A. Its standard design rules allow one EV charger and one heat pump on a domestic connection, and a looped supply shared with a neighbour has to be assessed first, which can mean a new service cable. We check both at the survey and make the application to Northern Powergrid for you.
Do you need a fuse board upgrade before solar, a battery or an EV charger?
Often, but not always. An EV charger, a solar inverter and a home battery each need their own protected circuit, so the board needs a spare way and protection suited to the new circuit. Older boards — rewirable fuses, no RCD protection, plastic casings or no spare ways — usually can't take that safely, and a new board is the sensible first step. A modern board with spare capacity often can, and then you won't be asked to replace it.
Because AMP Pro fits solar panels, batteries and EV chargers as well as consumer units, we look at the whole job together: the board, the earthing, the main fuse and the network notification. Our guide to fuse boards for solar, batteries and EV chargers explains what we check and why.
What a fuse board upgrade costs, and how to compare quotes
Our prices are in the table below: typically £450–£650 for a standard board, rising to £650–£950 for an RCBO board with individual protection on every circuit. National guides land in a similar place — Total Skills' 2026 guide quotes £400–£800 for a dual-RCD board and £500–£1,000 for an RCBO board, including testing and Part P sign-off.
To compare quotes fairly, check that each one includes testing the existing circuits before the new board goes in, the Electrical Installation Certificate, Building Control notification, and disposal of the old board. A new RCD-protected board will trip on faults the old fuses never noticed, so a quote that skips the testing is not a cheaper version of the same job.
Can you upgrade a fuse box yourself?
Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable work under Part P, so in practice it is a job for a registered electrician. Members of a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT can test the installation, issue the Electrical Installation Certificate and notify Building Control themselves. If the work is done by anyone else, the homeowner has to apply to the council's Building Control for approval — and without that paperwork, the work can cause problems when you sell or remortgage.
Consumer Unit Upgrade Pricing
All prices include the consumer unit, installation, full testing, and Building Regulations certification. Prices may vary depending on accessibility and additional remedial work required.
Our Process
How It Works
From initial enquiry to a fully operational system — a clear, transparent process with no surprises.
Step 01
Free Survey
We visit your property, assess your roof, review your energy bills, and discuss your goals — all at no cost and no obligation.
Step 02
System Design
We design a bespoke system tailored to your property, energy usage, and budget — with a clear fixed-price quote and no hidden extras.
Step 03
Expert Install
Our MCS-certified team installs your system efficiently and safely, typically completing residential jobs in a single day.
Step 04
Aftercare
We handle all paperwork, DNO notifications, and MCS certification. Ongoing support and monitoring for the full lifetime of your system.
Areas We Cover
We carry out consumer unit upgrades across Yorkshire and the Humber. Based in Doncaster, we serve all of these areas.
Doncaster
Based here
Sheffield
18 miles
Rotherham
12 miles
Barnsley
15 miles
Wakefield
22 miles
Doncaster
Based here
Sheffield
18 miles
Doncaster
Based here
Sheffield
18 miles
Mexborough
10 miles from our Armthorpe base
Mexborough
10 miles from our Armthorpe base
Thorne
6 miles from our Armthorpe base
Thorne
6 miles from our Armthorpe base
Conisbrough
8 miles from our Armthorpe base
Conisbrough
8 miles from our Armthorpe base
Conisbrough
8 miles from our Armthorpe base
Maltby
10 miles from our Armthorpe base
Maltby
10 miles from our Armthorpe base
Maltby
10 miles from our Armthorpe base
Rossington
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Rossington
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Rossington
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Armthorpe
Based here in Armthorpe
Armthorpe
Based here in Armthorpe
Armthorpe
Based here in Armthorpe
Stainforth
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Stainforth
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Stainforth
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Bentley
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Bentley
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Bentley
4 miles from our Armthorpe base
Adwick le Street
6 miles from our Armthorpe base
Adwick le Street
6 miles from our Armthorpe base
Adwick le Street
6 miles from our Armthorpe base
Askern
7 miles from our Armthorpe base
Askern
7 miles from our Armthorpe base
Askern
7 miles from our Armthorpe base
Edlington
7 miles from our Armthorpe base
Edlington
7 miles from our Armthorpe base
Edlington
7 miles from our Armthorpe base
Tickhill
8 miles from our Armthorpe base
Tickhill
8 miles from our Armthorpe base
Tickhill
8 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hatfield
3 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hatfield
3 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hatfield
3 miles from our Armthorpe base
Harworth
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Harworth
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Harworth
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Epworth
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Epworth
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Epworth
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Crowle
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Crowle
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Crowle
9 miles from our Armthorpe base
Snaith
11 miles from our Armthorpe base
Snaith
11 miles from our Armthorpe base
Snaith
11 miles from our Armthorpe base
Wath upon Dearne
13 miles from our Armthorpe base
Wath upon Dearne
13 miles from our Armthorpe base
Wath upon Dearne
13 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hoyland
17 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hoyland
17 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hoyland
17 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hemsworth
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hemsworth
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Hemsworth
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Wombwell
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Wombwell
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Wombwell
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Featherstone
16 miles from our Armthorpe base
Featherstone
16 miles from our Armthorpe base
Featherstone
16 miles from our Armthorpe base
Normanton
19 miles from our Armthorpe base
Normanton
19 miles from our Armthorpe base
Normanton
19 miles from our Armthorpe base
Rotherham
15 miles from our Armthorpe base
Scunthorpe
16 miles from our Armthorpe base
Scunthorpe
16 miles from our Armthorpe base
Barnsley
18 miles from our Armthorpe base
Pontefract
15 miles from our Armthorpe base
Pontefract
15 miles from our Armthorpe base
Goole
13 miles from our Armthorpe base
Goole
13 miles from our Armthorpe base
Knottingley
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Knottingley
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Knottingley
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Castleford
18 miles from our Armthorpe base
Castleford
18 miles from our Armthorpe base
Castleford
18 miles from our Armthorpe base
Dinnington
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Dinnington
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Dinnington
14 miles from our Armthorpe base
Selby
17 miles from our Armthorpe base
Selby
17 miles from our Armthorpe base
Retford
16 miles from our Armthorpe base
Retford
16 miles from our Armthorpe base
York
29 miles from our Armthorpe base
York
29 miles from our Armthorpe base
Lincoln
30 miles from our Armthorpe base
Lincoln
30 miles from our Armthorpe base
Worksop
17 miles from our Armthorpe base
Worksop
17 miles from our Armthorpe base
Mansfield
28 miles from our Armthorpe base
Mansfield
28 miles from our Armthorpe base
Chesterfield
26 miles from our Armthorpe base
Chesterfield
26 miles from our Armthorpe base
Wakefield
21 miles from our Armthorpe base
Bolsover
24 miles from our Armthorpe base
Bolsover
24 miles from our Armthorpe base
Bolsover
24 miles from our Armthorpe base
Stocksbridge
23 miles from our Armthorpe base
Stocksbridge
23 miles from our Armthorpe base
Stocksbridge
23 miles from our Armthorpe base
Brigg
23 miles from our Armthorpe base
Brigg
23 miles from our Armthorpe base
Brigg
23 miles from our Armthorpe base
Chapeltown
18 miles from our Armthorpe base
Chapeltown
18 miles from our Armthorpe base
Chapeltown
18 miles from our Armthorpe base
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Our fuse board upgrades typically cost £450–£650 for a standard board of up to 10 ways, £550–£800 for a larger board and £650–£950 for an RCBO board with individual protection on every circuit, including testing and certification. Remedial work found during testing, such as earth bonding, is priced separately in writing before we do it.
If your board has rewirable fuses, no RCD protection or a plastic casing, yes: a modern consumer unit cuts off faults far faster and protects people as well as cables. It is also usually needed before adding an EV charger, solar panels or a battery, because those need their own protected circuits and spare ways in the board.
Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, so it should be done by a registered electrician who can test, certify and notify Building Control. If anyone else does it, you would need to apply to your council's Building Control for approval yourself.
It depends which fuse. The main fuse in the sealed cut-out belongs to the network operator: in South Yorkshire that is Northern Powergrid, which upgrades it free of charge in most cases when you need more capacity for an EV charger, with 80A now its standard domestic fuse. Replacing the fuse board (consumer unit) inside your home is your installation, and that is the job an electrician charges for.
Most domestic upgrades take one working day. The power is off while the old board is removed and the new one is connected and tested, so we agree timings with you in advance and restore circuits as soon as they pass their tests.
Often, yes. An EV charger, solar inverter or battery each needs its own protected circuit, and an older board may not have spare ways or the right protection. We check at the survey; if your board can take the new circuit safely, you won't be asked to replace it.
Free, no-obligation quote
Get your fixed written quote for your consumer unit upgrade
Tell us a little about the job and we'll come back within one working day with honest numbers — surveyed, fixed in writing, 0% VAT applied where it applies. No call centre, no pressure, and we never pass your details on.
Ready to Cut Your Energy Bills?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your property. We'll survey your roof, design your system, and show you exactly what you'll save — with no pressure.
- MCS-certified installation
- 25-year panel warranty
- 0% VAT on residential
- Free energy report included
"Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The team surveyed our roof, explained everything clearly, and had 12 panels installed in a single day. Already seeing…"
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Doncaster
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