How do I know whether to repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-12 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a new boiler (£2,000-£3,500), replacement is usually the better option. Newer boilers are also significantly more energy efficient, saving £200-£400 per year on gas bills.

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Generally yes, if the washing machine is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. Common repairs like replacing a door seal (£65-£120) or pump (£80-£150) are usually worth doing. Beyond 8 years, replacement often makes more sense.

How does the Mend or End calculator work?

You answer 5-7 quick questions about your broken item — its age, the fault, previous repairs, warranty status, and urgency. Our algorithm weighs these factors against real UK repair and replacement costs to give you a personalised REPAIR, REPLACE, or BORDERLINE verdict with a confidence score.

Where do the repair and replacement costs come from?

Our costs are researched from trusted UK sources including Checkatrade, Which?, MyBuilder, Energy Saving Trust, and manufacturer pricing. All prices are UK averages for 2025/2026 and include typical labour costs.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes, Mend or End is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — we don't store any personal data.

Replace My Consumer Unit (Fuse Box)? Calculator

Should I Repair or Replace My Consumer Unit (Fuse Box)?

A consumer unit (also called a fuse box or distribution board) is one of those things you don't think about until it causes a problem. Tripping breakers, flickering lights, or failure to meet modern safety standards are all common reasons people investigate a replacement. This is safety-critical work that must be done by a qualified electrician — but it's often more affordable than people expect.

Typical UK Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Repair Costs

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Fault / Repair	Typical UK Cost
Single MCB replacement	£80 – £150
RCD replacement	£100 – £200
Full consumer unit replacement (average home)	£400 – £800
Consumer unit upgrade + EICR certificate	£500 – £900
Electrical fault diagnosis	£60 – £120
Rewire (full house, average semi)	£3,000 – £6,000

How Long Should a Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Last?

Consumer units last 20–30 years before components become unreliable or fail to meet current safety standards. Older fuse boxes with rewirable fuses (pre-1990s) have no safety benefits over modern RCD-protected units and should be upgraded. Modern units with RCBO protection for each circuit are the current standard.

When Is It Worth Repairing?

A full consumer unit replacement (£400–£800) is almost always worth doing if yours is over 20 years old, uses old rewirable fuses, or lacks RCD protection. This isn't just a repair decision — it's a safety upgrade. Individual MCB/RCD replacements are straightforward for smaller faults. A full rewire is only needed if the wiring itself is faulty or the property is very old.

Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your consumer unit (fuse box) and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.

Types of Consumer Unit: Main Switch, Split-Load, and RCBO

There are three main types of consumer unit found in UK homes. A main switch unit is the simplest, with a single on/off switch and individual MCBs for each circuit — these offer no RCD protection and are now considered outdated. A split-load (dual RCD) unit divides your circuits across two RCD-protected banks, which is the most common setup installed from the mid-2000s onwards. The newest standard is a full RCBO board, which gives every circuit its own individual protection — so a fault on one circuit won't trip anything else. RCBO boards cost slightly more (typically £100–£200 extra) but offer the best protection and are increasingly specified by electricians under the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations.

Signs Your Consumer Unit Needs Replacing

Rewirable fuses — if your unit still has wire-type fuse carriers instead of MCB switches, it predates modern safety standards and should be upgraded.
Frequent tripping — repeated tripping of the RCD or MCBs without an obvious cause can indicate internal component degradation or wiring faults.
Burn marks or a smell of burning — any scorch marks, discolouration, or smell near your fuse box requires immediate investigation by a qualified electrician.
No RCD protection — if your board has no RCD at all, it cannot automatically cut power in the event of an earth fault, which is a serious safety risk.
Failed EICR — if an Electrical Installation Condition Report flags your consumer unit as unsatisfactory (C1 or C2 codes), replacement is strongly recommended or required.

Electrical Safety and Compliance Costs

Consumer unit replacement is classified as notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, meaning it must be done by a registered electrician (e.g., NICEIC or NAPIT registered) who can self-certify the work. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) costs £150–£300 and is now legally required for rental properties every five years. Upgrading your consumer unit can positively affect your home's EPC rating and is often flagged during property surveys. If you're a landlord, ensuring compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 is a legal obligation — and a modern consumer unit is central to that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace my consumer unit / fuse box?

You should consider replacement if: it's over 20 years old, it uses rewirable fuses rather than MCBs, it lacks RCD protection, or it keeps tripping repeatedly. A full replacement costs £400–£800 and is a significant safety and property value upgrade.

How much does consumer unit replacement cost in the UK?

A full consumer unit replacement typically costs £400–£800 for an average home. This includes supply and fitting by a qualified electrician and the required EICR completion certificate. Individual MCB or RCD replacements run £80–£200.

How long does a consumer unit last?

Consumer units last 20–30 years. Older units with rewirable fuses should be upgraded as they offer no automatic protection. Modern units with individual RCBOs provide the highest level of circuit protection and are the current recommended standard.

Is a consumer unit upgrade worth it?

Yes — it's a safety investment as much as a repair. An upgraded consumer unit with full RCD protection is required by insurers on many policies and adds demonstrable value to a property. The cost (£400–£800) is modest relative to the benefits.

Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.

Replace My Consumer Unit (Fuse Box)? Calculator?