Short answer?
Yes — 100%.
And here’s why.
Replacing your consumer unit (or fuse box, as most of us still call it) isn’t just a quick swap of a few wires. It’s one of the most safety-critical electrical jobs in your entire home — and it’s definitely not something for DIY or a “mate who’s handy.”
Let’s break down what’s really involved and why it’s essential to use a qualified, registered electrician.
What a consumer unit actually does
Think of your consumer unit as the brain of your home’s electrical system.
It’s what protects you when something goes wrong — a fault, a surge, or an overload.
Modern consumer units use RCBOs and RCDs to instantly disconnect power if they detect danger, preventing shocks and electrical fires.
The old-style fuse boxes, with rewirable fuses or outdated breakers, simply can’t provide that level of protection.
That’s why upgrading is one of the best things you can do for the safety — and value — of your home.
Why you must use a qualified electrician
Under UK law, replacing a consumer unit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations.
That means it must be:
- Designed and installed by a competent person (that’s a registered electrician)
- Fully tested to BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
- Certified with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- Notified to your local building control authority
If you don’t follow those steps, you’re breaking the law — and worse, your home insurance could be invalid if something goes wrong.
Why DIY or handymen aren’t an option
Replacing a consumer unit isn’t just connecting wires. A proper installation includes:
- Testing every circuit in your home for faults before and after the upgrade
- Checking the earthing and bonding meet current standards
- Confirming the incoming supply, meter tails, and protective devices are suitable
- Completing insulation resistance, RCD trip time, and earth loop impedance tests
- Producing full certification and documentation
Most DIYers — and plenty of so-called “electricians” — don’t have the test equipment, the knowledge, or the authority to self-certify that work.
If they do it without notifying building control, you’ll have no certificate — and when you sell your house, it’ll come back to bite you.
How to check your electrician is qualified
Make sure they’re registered with:
- NICEIC – www.niceic.com/find-a-contractor
- NAPIT – www.napit.org.uk/search
This means they’re authorised to carry out notifiable electrical work and notify building control on your behalf.
They should also carry public liability insurance, provide a written quote, and show you their registration ID card before starting work.
What happens during a consumer unit replacement
When you hire a professional like GU Solutions, here’s what to expect:
- Initial inspection and testing – We check the condition of your existing wiring and circuits.
- Installation of the new consumer unit – Modern metal-clad, fire-resistant units that meet the latest standards.
- Comprehensive testing – Every circuit is tested for safety and compliance.
- Certification and notification – You receive your Electrical Installation Certificate and Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
- Handover and advice – We explain how your new system works and what to do if it trips.
The job usually takes half a day to a full day, depending on your property.
Why homeowners around Basingstoke are upgrading now
In the last few years, more and more homeowners in Basingstoke, Hook, and Tadley have upgraded their old fuse boxes to modern consumer units — especially when:
- Buying or selling a home
- Adding a kitchen extension or EV charger
- Installing solar panels or battery storage
- Their fuse box fails an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
It’s one of those improvements that instantly boosts safety and makes your home “future ready.”
Why GU Solutions?
At GU Solutions, we’ve been replacing and upgrading consumer units across Basingstoke and Hampshire for over 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors, fully insured, and every upgrade we carry out is tested, certified, and registered with building control — exactly as it should be.
You’ll get clear advice, a fair quote, and no jargon — just professional work and paperwork that protects you.
The bottom line
Yes, you absolutely need a qualified, registered electrician to replace your consumer unit.
It’s not just safer — it’s the law.
And when done properly, it protects your family, your home, and your investment for years to come.
Ready to upgrade safely?
If your fuse box is old, cracked, or still using rewirable fuses, it’s time for an upgrade.
📞 Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or message us online to book your free home survey.
We’ll assess your current setup, explain your options in plain English, and handle the entire process — safely, legally, and professionally.
Because when it comes to electrics, “that’ll do” won’t do.
