Consumer Unit Upgrade / Replacement
A consumer unit, also known as a fuse board, manages how electricity flows into different circuits in your home. Over time, older units become outdated and unsafe. A consumer unit upgrade / replacement brings your home in line with current safety standards.
Why It Matters
Older consumer units often lack modern safety features like RCD protection. A consumer unit upgrade / replacement reduces the risk of electric shocks and fires, while also supporting higher power demands from modern appliances such as microwaves, washing machines, and air conditioners.
What to Expect During the Process
- Assessment – The electrician inspects your current unit and circuits to identify any outdated components.
- Power Disconnection – The main power supply is switched off before any work begins.
- Removal of Old Unit – The old consumer unit is carefully disconnected and removed.
- Installation of New Unit – A new unit with modern circuit breakers and RCDs is fitted and wired correctly.
- Circuit Reconnection – Each existing circuit is reconnected and tested individually.
- Final Testing – The whole system is checked under load before power is restored fully.
Expect the work to take a few hours, during which your power supply will be off. A good provider will inform you in advance so you can plan around the downtime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for providers who reconnect old, damaged circuits to a new unit without checking their condition first. Skipping RCD protection during an upgrade defeats the purpose of the replacement.
Estimated Cost of Consumer Unit Upgrade / Replacement
| Service | Estimated Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Basic consumer unit replacement | 15,000 – 28,000 |
| Consumer unit with RCD protection | 25,000 – 45,000 |
| High-capacity consumer unit (large homes) | 45,000 – 75,000 |
| Circuit testing after upgrade | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Emergency same-day replacement | +5,000 – 10,000 extra |
Prices depend on unit type, number of circuits, and urgency of the job.
A consumer unit upgrade / replacement is a smart step for improving home safety, especially for older properties. Always hire a licensed electrician, confirm that RCD protection is included, and request testing once the new unit is fitted.