Your fuse box — now more commonly called a consumer unit — is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It quietly works in the background, keeping your family and property safe. But if it’s out of date, damaged, or not up to modern standards, it might not be offering the protection you need.
Here are 7 clear signs it’s time to think about an upgrade — especially if you’re living in an older property in Exeter or the surrounding area.
1. You Still Have a Fuse Box with Rewireable Fuses
If you’ve got a board with old-style fuses you replace with fuse wire, it’s definitely time to modernise.
Modern consumer units use MCBs and RCDs — they trip automatically and safely in milliseconds. Old fuse wire systems just aren’t as reliable or fast when something goes wrong.
2. There's No RCD Protection
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are crucial — they shut off power in the event of a fault, massively reducing the risk of electric shock and fire.
If your fuse box doesn’t include them, it’s not up to current safety standards. This is one of the most common issues we spot during inspections.
3. It’s a Plastic Fuse Box
As of recent wiring regulations, new consumer units must be metal-clad to improve fire containment. If your unit is still made of plastic, it won’t catch fire — but it may allow flames to spread more quickly in the event of an electrical fault.
While you don’t have to replace it immediately, it’s something to seriously consider — especially if other upgrades are planned.
4. You’ve Had Issues Flagged on an EICR
If a recent Electrical Installation Condition Report picked up on C1 or C2 faults (or even C3 recommendations), your fuse box might be part of the problem.
Sometimes the unit can’t accommodate necessary safety devices like RCBOs or SPDs, making replacement the smarter long-term fix.
5. You’re Renovating, Extending, or Adding Circuits
Any major electrical changes — like a kitchen refit, garden room, EV charger, or hot tub — may require new circuits and RCD protection. Many older fuse boxes can’t support these safely or legally.
Planning a big upgrade? It’s a great time to get your consumer unit sorted as part of the work.
6. You’re Noticing Odd Electrical Issues
Tripping circuits, flickering lights, burning smells, or overheating sockets? While these symptoms can be caused by faulty wiring or appliances, an outdated or overloaded fuse box might be at the root of the issue.
If you’re unsure, a quick inspection from a qualified electrician can give you peace of mind.
7. It’s Not Compliant with Modern Building Regs
If you’re renting out your property or putting it on the market, you might need to upgrade the fuse box to meet modern safety standards.
We’ve worked on properties across Exeter where outdated consumer units held up sales or failed landlord safety checks.
Final Thoughts from EPM
An upgrade isn’t just about ticking boxes or keeping up with the latest rules — it’s about safety, future-proofing, and peace of mind.
At EPM, we’ve replaced hundreds of consumer units across Exeter and Devon. Every job includes:
A fully compliant metal-clad unit
RCDs or RCBOs
Surge protection device (SPD)
Full testing and certification
Notification to building control (Part P)
If you’re unsure where you stand, we’re happy to take a look and give you honest advice — no pressure, no upselling.
Ready to book an inspection or get an estimate? Get in touch here — we’re local, qualified, and happy to help.
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