Is It Time to Replace Your Fuse Box?
If you live in an older home in Bristol — Kingswood, Staple Hill, Fishponds or beyond — your fuse box could be showing its age. A fuse box replacement (now called a consumer unit upgrade) is one of the most important safety improvements you can make. Here’s what to look out for and why it matters.
Tell-Tale Signs Your Fuse Box Needs Upgrading
- 🔥 You still have rewireable fuses with coloured fuse wire
- ⚠️ No RCD (residual current device) protection
- ⚡ Lights flicker, sockets trip frequently or smell of burning plastic
- 🕳️ Fuse box is mounted on a wooden board or lacks a fire-retardant casing
- 📋 Your latest EICR flagged it as non-compliant
These are all signs your electrics are outdated and could pose a fire or shock hazard.
What Is a Modern Consumer Unit?
A new consumer unit offers:
- RCD protection – which shuts off the power instantly if a fault is detected
- MCBs – miniature circuit breakers that are more reliable than old-fashioned fuses
- Neat, labelled layout – for easier maintenance and safety checks
- Compliance with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
Legal & Safety Requirements in Bristol Homes
You’re not *legally* required to replace a working fuse box — but many older types won’t pass an EICR inspection. If you're buying, selling, or renting your property, an outdated fuse board is a red flag that may need addressing before proceeding.
Most replacements also come with a Building Regulations compliance certificate from a NAPIT registered electrician — something crucial when selling your home.
Why Choose Burridge Electrical?
We’ve been upgrading fuse boxes across Bristol for over a decade, including homes in:
- Hanham and Brislington
- Downend, Mangotsfield, and Warmley
- St George, Soundwell, Keynsham and beyond
Our NAPIT-certified team works to the latest regulations, and we always provide certification and friendly advice to keep your home safe and future-proofed.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuse Box?
Costs vary depending on property size, number of circuits, and the state of your existing wiring. As a ballpark:
- 🏠 Standard 3-bed house: £600–£950 + VAT
- 🏡 Larger properties with complex circuits: £800–£1200 + VAT
We always offer fixed quotes and only install parts from trusted brands like Hager, ERIS and FuseBox.
Book a Fuse Box Survey Today
If your fuse box is looking tired — or you’re unsure whether it’s safe — let us take a look. We offer no-pressure surveys and will clearly explain what needs upgrading, why, and how we’ll do it.