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Way 04 · Fuse box replacement · RCD protection · Surge protection

Consumer unit replacement in Sunderland and County Durham

The consumer unit protects every circuit in the house. If yours still has rewireable fuses, a plastic case or no RCD protection, replacing it is one of the most worthwhile electrical jobs you can do.

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A newly installed white metal consumer unit with a row of labelled RCBO breakers behind a clear flap, grey meter tails entering neatly from below
01 · In plain English

Consumer unit upgrades, explained

A modern consumer unit is a metal enclosure containing a main switch and a set of protective devices. RCDs or RCBOs disconnect the supply in a fraction of a second if current leaks to earth, which is what protects people from electric shock. Older fuse boxes do not do this.

A replacement is not just a swap. Before fitting a new board we test the existing circuits, because a new RCD will expose faults the old fuses tolerated. If a circuit fails, we tell you what we found and what it will take to put right before we go any further.

02Signs and scope

When to call, and what is included.

Common problems and warning signs

  • Rewireable fuses with fuse wire, or a wooden back board
  • A plastic consumer unit under the stairs or in an escape route
  • No RCD protection, or a single RCD covering the whole house
  • Frequent tripping that takes out lights and sockets together
  • An EICR has recommended replacement
  • New circuits planned, such as an EV charger or a kitchen, with no spare ways

What the service includes

  • Testing the existing circuits before any change
  • A new metal-clad consumer unit sized with spare ways
  • RCBO protection so a fault affects one circuit, not the house
  • Surge protection where the wiring regulations require it
  • Main earthing and bonding checked and upgraded where needed
  • Every circuit labelled on a printed chart
  • Building control notification and an Electrical Installation Certificate
03Process

How the work runs, start to finish.

  1. Tell us what you need

    Call, or send the quote form with a photo if it helps. We ask a few questions and book a visit or survey at a time that suits you.

  2. Survey and written quote

    We look at the existing installation, explain what we find and send a fixed written quote that says exactly what is included.

  3. The work, done carefully

    Floors protected, dust controlled, power kept on where possible, and the house left safe every evening.

  4. Tested, certified, handed over

    Every circuit is tested. You receive the certificate, a labelled circuit chart and a walk-round of what was done.

The old brown fuse box with rewireable fuse carriers on a scuffed wooden board, photographed before replacement
The old brown fuse box with rewireable fuse carriers on a scuffed wooden board, photographed before replacement.
A newly installed white metal consumer unit with a row of labelled RCBO breakers behind a clear flap, grey meter tails entering neatly from below
A newly installed white metal consumer unit with a row of labelled RCBO breakers behind a clear flap, grey meter tails entering neatly from below.
04Related projects

Where we have done this work.

A large Victorian end-of-terrace house in Sunderland with a two-storey bay window, sandstone lintels and a dark front door Domestic
Ashbrooke, Sunderland

Full rewire of a Victorian end-terrace

A full rewire of a four-bedroom Victorian house, with original plasterwork and floors kept intact and the family living at home throughout.

A long row of stone and brick colliery terraced houses in a County Durham village under an overcast sky Landlord
Near Chester-le-Street, County Durham

Consumer unit upgrade and EICR for a landlord

An unsatisfactory EICR on a two-bedroom colliery terrace, put right between tenancies with a new consumer unit and documented remedial work.

05 · Questions

Consumer units: frequently asked questions

How long will the power be off?

Usually most of one working day. We confirm the time in advance, so you can plan around it and switch the freezer to a cooler if needed.

Why are RCBOs better than a split-load board?

With a split-load board, one fault can trip half the house. With an RCBO on each circuit, only the faulty circuit switches off, so a failed appliance does not take the lights with it.

What happens if a circuit fails the test?

We stop and tell you. Often it is a single fault, such as a damaged cable or a failing appliance, that can be fixed the same day. We never connect a circuit we know to be unsafe.

Do I need a new consumer unit to fit an EV charger?

Not always. Some boards have a spare way and suitable protection. If yours does not, the charger can have its own dedicated unit alongside. We assess this on the survey.

Locations covered

Consumer units across County Durham, Sunderland and Tyne and Wear

We regularly carry out this work in Sunderland, Seaham, Washington, Chester-le-Street, and throughout the wider area. See all areas covered.

  • Sunderland
  • Durham
  • Seaham
  • Washington
  • Chester-le-Street
  • Houghton-le-Spring
  • Peterlee
  • Spennymoor
  • South Shields
  • Gateshead
Related services

Often needed alongside this.

Quotes and enquiries

Request a quote for consumer units

Tell us what you need and where. We reply within one working day with questions, a price, or a time to come and look. Photos help us price without a visit.

0191 498 0374Call the electrician
Working hoursMonday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday mornings by arrangement.
Areas coveredCounty Durham, Sunderland and Tyne and Wear
For example SR2 or Seaham
What needs doing, where in the property, and anything you have noticed.
A photo of the fault, the consumer unit or the area helps us price accurately.
How should we contact you?

We aim to reply within one working day. For urgent faults, please call.

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