Can I change my own Consumer Unit?

Can I Change My Own Consumer Unit? No, you cannot change your own Consumer Unit unless you are a qualified Electrician. Who can test and certify the work? A Consumer Unit upgrade is notifiable under Part P, meaning it must be carried out and signed off by a registered Electrician who can issue the required certificates. Homeowners are not allowed to replace their own Consumer Units due to the risks involved.

Why Homeowners Cannot Replace Their Own Consumer Unit

A Consumer Unit looks simple, though it controls the entire electrical system in the home. Every circuit passes through it, which is why mistakes can cause fires, shocks, or faults which spread across the whole property.

Replacing a Consumer Unit is not seen as basic electrical work. The law places it in a separate group that covers high-risk work that requires proper testing and inspection by a certified Electrician.

Homeowners do not have the equipment, training, or approval required for this job, so the law prevents DIY replacements.

The Legal Rules Surrounding Consumer Unit Replacement

Part P and What It Means

Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical work in homes. Work which affects the safety of the full installation is classed as notifiable, including Consumer Unit replacement.

Notifiable work must be:

Completed by a registered electrician who can self-certify

or

Notified to Building Control before the job begins

Most people choose a registered Electrician to avoid extra fees and delays.

Essential Certificates

Once a New Consumer Unit is fitted, you must receive:

• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
• Building Control Compliance Certificate

Without these documents, you can face issues when selling a property or making an insurance claim after an electrical fault.

The Technical Side of Consumer Unit Replacement

Here’s what Consumer Unit replacement involves:

Isolation & Removal of the Old Consumer Unit

Before any work begins, the Electrician must isolate the supply using specialist tools which confirm the system is dead.

Safe isolation is vital since even a small mistake during disconnection can be dangerous.

Once the supply is safe, the old Consumer Unit can be removed, revealing any hidden wiring issues.

Inspection of Existing Wiring

Every circuit which connects to the Consumer Unit must be checked. This involves a visual inspection, which can reveal:

• Loose or damaged wiring
• Age-related wear
• Mixed cable types
• Signs of previous poor-quality work
• Heat damage

If issues are found, repairs must be completed before the new Consumer Unit goes in.

Testing of Every Circuit

Testing is one of the largest parts of the job. Electricians use calibrated testing tools (which very few homeowners own), which check:

• Earth continuity
• Insulation resistance
• Polarity
• RCD/RCBO trip speeds
• Zs readings

These tests confirm the system is safe under fault conditions.

Fitting the New Consumer Unit

Once testing is complete, the new Consumer Unit is installed. This involves:

• Selecting suitable breakers
• Adding RCD or RCBO protection
• Including surge protection where needed
• Labelling the circuits
• Organising cables neatly
• Ensuring the layout follows the latest wiring rules

A BS 7671 regulation-standard installation prevents future faults and makes maintenance easier.

Why DIY Consumer Unit Work Is Unsafe

Even if a homeowner feels confident with basic electrical jobs, a Consumer Unit is far more complex. There’s lots that can go wrong. Putting the installer and those which use the electrical system at risk.

Without tests and certificates, the installation cannot be proven safe and won’t be covered by insurance. This is why DIY replacement of the Consumer Unit is not allowed.

What Homeowners Can Do Legally

Homeowners can complete minor electrical jobs which do not affect the safety of the full installation. This includes:

• Replacing like-for-like switches
• Changing socket fronts
• Fitting simple light pendants
• Adding basic accessories

Jobs which affect the main electrical system, such as Consumer Unit replacements or new circuits, must be handled by a qualified Electrician.

Signs Your Consumer Unit Needs an Upgrade

You should consider a new Consumer Unit if:

• You still have rewirable fuses
• There is no RCD or RCBO protection
• The unit is damaged or discoloured
• You hear buzzing or crackling
• Circuits trip often
• The unit is over 20–25 years old
• The unit is plastic
• You are adding new electrical loads

Modern consumer units offer stronger protection against fire and electrical shocks, making them a good upgrade for many homes.

Choosing a Professional for the Job

A good Electrician will check the entire eelctrical system. Install the right Consumer Unit. Run all required tests and provide the required certificates.

When choosing an Electrician, look for:

• NICEIC registration
• Full insurance
• Experience with Consumer Unit upgrades
• Clear communication
• Fair pricing
• Good reviews

Hiring a qualified Electrician gives peace of mind that DIY work cannot.

Need a New Consumer Unit?

If you’re in Essex and believe your Consumer Unit needs upgrading, we are ready to help.

TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services are NICEIC registered, fully insured, and based in Essex. We install new Consumer Units, conduct full testing, and issue the required certification.

We also offer free, no-obligation surveys and quotes to explain exactly what your home needs and provide a fixed price.