OXFORD & OXFORDSHIRE · NAPIT REGISTERED
Consumer Unit Replacement Oxford: Fuse Board Upgrades
A modern consumer unit with proper RCD protection is one of the most worthwhile upgrades for an older home. We survey, quote fairly, replace safely, and certify the work.
Signs your consumer unit needs replacing
A consumer unit (fuse board) controls and protects every circuit in your home. It's worth having checked if you notice any of the following:
- An old board with rewireable fuses or no RCD protection at all
- A mix of circuit breakers that don't match, or visible scorch marks / heat damage
- Breakers that feel warm, buzz, or trip without an obvious cause
- An EICR or insurance survey that's flagged the board for replacement
- You're planning an extension, rewire, or EV charger and need extra capacity
RCD and RCBO protection explained
An RCD (Residual Current Device) cuts power automatically if it detects current leaking to earth — the kind of fault that causes electric shocks. Older boards often have little or no RCD protection. An RCBO combines this with standard overload/short-circuit protection for a single circuit, so one faulty appliance trips only that circuit rather than half the house.
Modern consumer units are built around RCBOs or dual RCD groups as standard. If it's worth adding extra protection — such as a surge protection device against voltage spikes — we'll talk through whether that makes sense for your property as part of the quote, rather than assume it's needed.
How we replace your consumer unit
The same clear process every time:
1. Survey & quote
We look at your existing board, wiring and circuits on site and give you a clear, itemised quote — no guesswork, no hidden charges.
2. Installation day
Power is isolated safely while we fit the new board. We'll agree timings with you in advance so you know what to expect.
3. Testing & certification
Every circuit is tested once the new board is live, and you're issued with the correct electrical certificate for the work.
Why Oxford homeowners choose Elite Electrical
We're a NAPIT registered electrician covering Oxford and Oxfordshire, focused on domestic work — homes, not commercial premises. Straightforward pricing with no hidden charges, and we aim to respond to enquiries within 2 working days.
Consumer unit replacement FAQs
How do I know if I need a new consumer unit?
Common signs are an old board with rewireable fuses, little or no RCD protection, breakers that trip repeatedly, or a recent EICR flagging it for replacement. We can assess yours and tell you honestly whether it needs replacing.
What's the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?
An RCD protects against earth faults and electric shock risk, usually covering a group of circuits. An RCBO does the same job per individual circuit, plus standard overload protection, so a single fault doesn't knock out every circuit on that RCD group.
Will I be without power during the upgrade?
Yes, power needs to be isolated while the new board is fitted. We'll agree timings with you beforehand so you can plan around it.
Do I get a certificate after the work?
Yes. Every circuit is tested once the new consumer unit is installed, and you're issued with the correct electrical installation certificate for the work carried out.
Is surge protection included?
It depends on your property and what you need. We'll discuss whether a surge protection device is worth including as part of your quote, rather than add it automatically.
How much does a consumer unit replacement cost in Oxford?
Cost depends on the size of the board, number of circuits, and condition of the existing wiring, so we quote individually after a survey rather than using a fixed price.
Ready to upgrade your consumer unit?
NAPIT registered, straightforward pricing, no hidden charges. Tell us about your property and we'll arrange a survey.
Not sure a new board is the issue? Try our fault finding page, check if you need an EICR first, see recent projects, or head back to the homepage.