Why Electrical Checks Matter When Buying a Home
When you’re purchasing a home in Bristol — whether it’s in Redland, Kingswood, or Emersons Green — it’s easy to focus on kitchens, décor and location. But the condition of the electrical system can have a major impact on both safety and long-term costs.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) highlights any faults or outdated wiring — and one of the most common red flags is an obsolete fuse box that no longer meets modern standards.
What’s Wrong with Old Fuse Boxes?
Many homes still use older-style fuse boxes with no RCD protection or overloaded circuits. This isn’t just outdated — it’s a safety risk. A modern consumer unit offers:
- âś… Protection against electric shock (RCDs)
- âś… Better fire safety through RCBOs or MCBs
- âś… Compliance with the latest 18th Edition Regulations
- âś… Clear labelling and easier maintenance
Should You Upgrade Before Moving In?
Absolutely — if the EICR shows issues with the fuse box, it’s best to tackle it before you furnish or renovate. Upgrading early ensures your home is safe and avoids any future disruptions. It can even support future tech like EV chargers, solar & Battery Storage or smart heating.
Fuse Box Upgrades: What’s Involved?
At Burridge Electrical, our typical consumer unit upgrade includes:
- đź› Full system inspection
- ⚙️ Removal of your old fuse box
- đź”’ Installation of a modern, compliant consumer unit
- đź“„ Issuing an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- 🏛 Building Control notification (Part P compliant)
How Much Does a Fuse Box Upgrade Cost?
Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of your home’s circuits, but you can expect prices starting from around £500–£700 including certification. We’re always happy to give you a fixed price after a quick assessment.
Why Choose Burridge Electrical?
We’re your local NAPIT registered electricians in Bristol with a strong reputation for quality, transparency, and safety-first work. We’ve helped hundreds of buyers feel confident in their property investments by delivering reliable EICRs and upgrades.
Buying a Home? Start with a Safe Electrical Foundation
Whether you're moving into a Victorian terrace in Fishponds or a 1990s semi in Brislington, don’t leave the electrics to chance. Book your homebuyer EICR and find out if a fuse box upgrade is needed.