If your fuse box still looks like it belongs in a museum — or worse, smells faintly of burning plastic — it’s time to talk about consumer unit upgrades. Here at JGC Electrics, we carry out safe, certified consumer unit upgrades in Staffordshire to bring your electrics up to modern standards.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or renovating a property, upgrading your fuse board is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home and everyone inside it.
What Is a Consumer Unit?
Your consumer unit (or fuse box) is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It controls and distributes power to all the sockets, lights and appliances — and it’s the first line of defence when something goes wrong.
Modern consumer units include:
- RCDs – cut power in milliseconds during a fault
- MCBs – protect each individual circuit
- SPDs – guard against surges from lightning or dodgy appliances
- AFDDs – detect electrical arcs that can cause fires
If your unit doesn’t have these, it’s outdated. And that’s exactly what consumer unit upgrades are for.
Why You Might Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade
Most people don’t give their fuse box a second thought — until something trips, sparks, or starts making funny noises. But here’s why you might want to get ahead of the problem:
- You’ve still got rewirable fuses
- Your electrics trip regularly
- You’re having an extension, new kitchen or EV charger fitted
- You’re a landlord needing to pass an EICR
- Your consumer unit doesn’t have RCDs
If any of these apply, you’re a strong candidate for one of our consumer unit upgrades in Staffordshire.
The Benefits of Upgrading Your Consumer Unit
Still wondering if it’s worth it? Here’s what you gain from upgrading:
- Improved safety – modern RCDs and AFDDs help prevent fires and electric shocks
- Legal compliance – meet the latest 18th Edition wiring regulations
- Increased capacity – ready for new appliances, EV chargers or solar
- Peace of mind – everything’s tested and certified by a NICEIC-approved electrician
- Insurance support – older units may void your cover in the event of a fire
Consumer unit upgrades aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re a must-have for any modern home.
What’s Involved in a Consumer Unit Upgrade?
We don’t just show up, rip out your old box, and run. Our consumer unit upgrades are done properly, start to finish:
- Free site assessment: We assess your current setup and check if anything else needs addressing.
- Full testing: Every circuit is tested before being reconnected to the new board.
- Installation: A brand new, fully compliant unit is installed and labelled properly.
- Certification: You get an EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) and Part P notification.
- Tidy finish: We clean up as we go — no dust, no mess, no fuss.
Most consumer unit upgrades take around 4 to 6 hours. You’ll lose power during the work, but we keep you updated every step of the way.
How Much Do Consumer Unit Upgrades Cost?
We believe in transparent, fair pricing. Here’s what most customers can expect to pay for consumer unit upgrades in Staffordshire:
- 8–10 circuit board: from £450
- 12–16 circuit unit with surge protection: £600–£800
- Additional AFDD protection or RCBO-only boards: from £800+
All prices include materials, labour, testing, and certification. No hidden costs — just honest, local work done right the first time.
Where We Work
We’re based in Stoke-on-Trent and offer consumer unit upgrades across:
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Stafford
- Stone
- Leek
- Uttoxeter
Live nearby? We likely cover your area too — get in touch for a quick check.
FAQs About Consumer Unit Upgrades
Q: How often should I upgrade my consumer unit?
A: There’s no set rule, but if your unit is over 20–25 years old, lacks RCDs or fails an EICR, it’s time to upgrade.
Q: Can I change my consumer unit myself?
A: Definitely not. This is notifiable work under Building Regulations and must be done by a registered electrician.
Q: Will a consumer unit upgrade fix tripping problems?
A: Not always — tripping is usually a symptom. But we test everything during your upgrade and advise if anything needs fixing.
Let’s Get Your Electrics Future-Ready
Whether your fuse board’s outdated or your insurance company’s on your case, consumer unit upgrades are one of the best ways to improve your home’s safety and value.
Contact JGC Electrics today to book your free quote for consumer unit upgrades in Staffordshire.
Local, NICEIC-registered, and trusted by hundreds of homeowners — we’re here to keep your power safe and sorted.
