If your Edinburgh home still has an old fuse board with rewirable fuses — or even an older MCB board without RCD protection — you're overdue a consumer unit upgrade. Scotland's building regulations and BS 7671 wiring standards have moved on significantly, and an outdated fuse board is one of the most common reasons Edinburgh properties fail mortgage surveys and insurance checks.
What Is a Consumer Unit?
A consumer unit (commonly called a fuse box or fuse board) is the central distribution point for all electrical circuits in your home. It contains the main switch, circuit breakers (MCBs) and — in modern units — Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or RCBOs that protect against electric shock and fire.
Older Edinburgh properties — particularly tenements, Victorian terraces and pre-1980s houses — often still have the original fuse boards with rewirable fuses or early MCB boards that predate modern RCD requirements. These don't meet current standards and can cause problems when selling, remortgaging or renewing home insurance.
Signs You Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade in Edinburgh
- Your board uses old-style rewirable fuses rather than MCBs
- There is no RCD protection on any circuits
- Your mortgage surveyor or solicitor has flagged the board
- Your insurer has asked for an upgrade or is charging a premium
- Circuits trip frequently or the board feels warm to the touch
- You're adding new circuits (EV charger, kitchen extension, outbuilding)
- The board is over 25 years old
- You've had an EICR that returned C2 observations on the consumer unit
RCD vs RCBO Consumer Units — Which Is Right for Your Edinburgh Property?
There are two main types of modern consumer unit available for Edinburgh properties:
Dual RCD Consumer Unit
Circuits are split into two groups, each protected by a shared RCD. If a fault occurs on one circuit, all circuits on that RCD trip together. More affordable, suitable for smaller Edinburgh flats and properties with fewer circuits.
RCBO Consumer Unit Recommended
Each circuit has its own individual RCBO, combining MCB and RCD protection in one device. A fault on one circuit only trips that circuit — everything else stays on. Preferred for Edinburgh tenements, larger homes and any property where minimal disruption matters.
Consumer Unit Upgrade Cost in Edinburgh
Consumer unit upgrade costs in Edinburgh vary depending on the size of the property, the number of circuits and the type of board being installed. As a general guide:
| Property Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1–2 bed Edinburgh flat | £350 – £500 |
| 3 bed Edinburgh terrace / semi | £450 – £650 |
| 4–5 bed Edinburgh house | £550 – £800 |
| RCBO upgrade (all circuits) | Add £100–£200 |
| Surge protection device (SPD) | Add £80–£150 |
All prices include labour, materials and your Electrical Installation Certificate. VAT may apply. Contact us for a fixed quote for your specific Edinburgh property.
The Consumer Unit Upgrade Process
Assessment & Quote
We inspect your existing board, count circuits and confirm what's needed. You receive a fixed written price before any work starts.
Installation Day
We isolate the supply, remove the old board and fit the new consumer unit. Most Edinburgh properties are completed in a single day.
Testing
All circuits are tested to BS 7671 standards — insulation resistance, continuity and RCD trip times are all verified.
Certification
Your Electrical Installation Certificate is issued the same day, accepted by all Edinburgh mortgage lenders, insurers and solicitors.
Edinburgh Areas We Cover for Consumer Unit Upgrades
We carry out consumer unit upgrades across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including:
Need a Consumer Unit Upgrade in Edinburgh?
Fixed prices, same-day certification, fully qualified Edinburgh electricians. Get a no-obligation quote today.