How Often Should a Fuse Board Be Upgraded?
Your fuse board (also known as a consumer unit) is one of the most important safety components in your electrical system. Many homeowners and landlords don’t realise that older fuse boards may no longer meet modern safety standards, potentially increasing the risk of electrical faults or fire hazards.
⚡ Is there a recommended upgrade timeline?
There isn’t a strict rule that says a fuse board must be replaced after a certain number of years. However, as a general guideline:
Fuse boards older than 20–25 years should be inspected by a qualified electrician.
Older units without modern safety protection may need upgrading even sooner.
Changes in electrical regulations and safety standards mean older installations may no longer provide adequate protection.
Regular electrical inspections can help determine whether your consumer unit remains safe and compliant.
Signs your fuse board may need upgrading
You may need to consider a fuse board upgrade if you notice:
Frequent tripping or power outages
Burning smells or signs of overheating
Old rewireable fuses instead of circuit breakers
No RCD protection installed
Flickering lights or unstable power
Planning electrical upgrades such as EV chargers or extensions
Modern fuse boards include enhanced protection designed to quickly disconnect power if a fault is detected, significantly reducing risk.
🔌 Why modern consumer units are safer
Modern consumer units are designed to meet current UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) and typically include:
RCD or RCBO protection
Improved circuit isolation
Better fire and shock protection
Clear circuit labelling
Upgrading your fuse board improves safety, reliability, and future-proofs your electrical system for new appliances and technologies.
🏠 Do landlords need to upgrade fuse boards?
Landlords should ensure their electrical installations remain safe and compliant. During an EICR inspection, older fuse boards may be identified as requiring improvement or replacement to meet safety standards.
Upgrading when recommended helps avoid compliance issues and ensures tenant safety.
📍 Need advice about your fuse board?
If you’re unsure whether your fuse board needs upgrading, a professional inspection is the best place to start.
Premium Electrical Solutions provides fuse board inspections and upgrades across London & Essex. Our NICEIC-approved electricians will assess your current installation and provide clear, honest advice.
👉 You can learn more about our Fuse Board Upgrade services here (link to service page).
