Whether you’re planning a renovation, buying an older property, or just tired of dodgy sockets and flickering lights — upgrading your home’s electrical system isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s about safety, reliability, and futureproofing your home.
At EPM, we’ve worked on electrical upgrades all over Exeter and Devon — and we get asked the same big questions: “Is it worth upgrading?” “What does it actually involve?” “Do I need to rip my whole house apart?”
This guide gives you the answers — straight up, no jargon, and no pressure.
Why Upgrade Your Home’s Electrics?
Electrical systems don’t last forever. If your wiring or consumer unit is over 25 years old, there’s a good chance it’s no longer up to current UK safety standards — and could be putting you at risk.
Here’s why many homeowners call us for upgrades:
Frequent tripping or blown fuses
Burn marks or buzzing from sockets and switches
Flickering or dimming lights
Not enough sockets for modern appliances
Planning a kitchen or extension project
Buying or selling a property
And sometimes? It’s just peace of mind — especially if you’ve moved into a property and aren’t sure when it was last checked.
What’s Involved in an Electrical Upgrade?
This depends on your home and goals, but here are the most common upgrades we carry out:
1. Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement
Still rocking an old-style fuse board with no RCD protection? Upgrading to a modern consumer unit gives you:
Better protection from electric shocks
Faster tripping in case of faults
Improved safety for your whole household
A tick in the box for mortgage lenders or insurers
✅ At EPM, we install new consumer units to full Regulation 18th Edition standards — fully tested, certified, and ready for modern life.
2. Rewiring (Full or Partial)
Rewiring isn’t always necessary — but if your home has rubber or fabric-insulated cables, or no earth in lighting circuits, it’s time.
Signs you might need a rewire:
Sockets warm to the touch
Lights that dim when you plug in appliances
Black, brittle cable sheathing
Full rewires usually involve:
Removing and replacing all old cables
Installing new sockets, switches and lighting points
Chasing cables into walls (yes, there will be mess — but we keep it tidy)
Testing, certifying, and registering with Building Control
If you’re unsure? We can carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the state of your wiring.
3. Extra Sockets and Lighting
Older homes weren’t built for today’s tech — and we see plenty of properties with extension leads trailing everywhere. Adding sockets not only tidies things up but reduces the fire risk of overloading.
We can also:
Upgrade your lighting to energy-efficient LEDs
Add outdoor sockets and lighting
Install USB outlets and smart home tech
4. EV Chargers, Solar, Smart Upgrades
Thinking ahead? We also fit:
EV charging points
Smart thermostats
Surge protection devices
And can future-proof your system for solar panel integration if that’s on your radar
Common Misconceptions We Hear
“My electrics work fine, so they must be safe.”
Not always. Many issues are hidden behind walls and only show up when it’s too late. An EICR gives you the full picture.
“Upgrading will ruin my décor.”
We get it — no one wants their walls turned into Swiss cheese. At EPM, we keep disruption to a minimum and leave your home clean and tidy.
“It’ll cost a fortune.”
Not necessarily. We tailor every estimate to your needs — and we’re upfront about costs. We don’t currently offer payment plans, but we’ll help you make informed decisions based on safety and value.
Don’t Cut Corners — Hire a Qualified Pro
Upgrading your electrics is not a DIY job. You need a registered electrician (like us at EPM) who understands the regulations and does things properly — with certification and full testing included.
We’ve seen some horror shows: cable runs like spaghetti, DIY installs with no earthing, dodgy connections that are just waiting to fail. Trust us — it’s not worth risking your home or family to save a few quid.
Final Thoughts from EPM
Upgrading your home’s electrical system isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about creating a safe, efficient space that works for you now and into the future.
If you’re not sure where to start, or want honest advice without the pressure, give EPM a shout. We’re based in Exeter and work right across Devon. Whether you need a consumer unit swap, a few extra sockets, or a full rewire — we’ve got your back.
📞 Ready for a estimate or safety inspection? Get in touch with EPM today.
